Spring Cleaning

The flowers are blooming, the birds are serenading, and the house still feels like it’s stuck with winter blues. Spring cleaning is a tradition that allows us to freshen up our homes and get a head start on the often hectic seasons of spring and summer. It can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be difficult.
More information and six spring cleaning tips to get you started >>

1. Clean Room by Room
2. Organize & Clear the Clutter
3. Get the Household Involved
4. Tackle the Seasonal Chores
5. Keep Cleaning Products to a Minimum
6. Establish New Cleaning Habits

Women’s History Month
Margaret Murray Washington  – “The First Lady of  Tuskegee”

Margaret Murray Washington was an educator, administrator, reformer, and clubwoman who married Booker T. Washington and worked closely with him at Tuskegee and on educational projects. Margaret Murray Washington, wife of Tuskegee Institute founder Booker T. Washington, provided leadership for the industrial science curriculum as she traveled throughout the country making speeches supporting domestic science and the importance of the home. Human Science plays a significant role in taking the lead to educate individuals, families, and communities. Washington received her education from Fisk Preparatory School in Nashville, Tennessee before becoming a professor at Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama, then a year later becoming “The Lady Principal” who was responsible for the female students-most of whom would become teachers and faculty. Mrs. Washington held many roles, she also served as head of the school during her husband’s frequent travels, was part of the school’s executive board, formed the National Association of Colored Women (NACW), edited and published journals while also organizing regular Saturday mother’s meetings at Tuskegee. Still active at Tuskegee up until her death on June 4, 1925, Margaret Murray Washington was long considered the “first lady of Tuskegee.” She was inducted into the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame in 1972.

COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

Since the start of the pandemic, people are spending a lot more time alone at home. What’s more, there’s a lot of confusion about when, how, and where to sign up and get vaccinated. Add those two things together, and you get scammers taking advantage and spreading false information, hoping isolated people will believe the lies.

Below are tips to help people avoid COVID-19 vaccine scams:

• Don’t pay to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine. Anyone who asks for a payment to put you on a list, make an appointment for you, or reserve a spot in line is a scammer.
• You can’t pay to get early access to the vaccine. That’s a scam.
• On Medicare? You don’t have to pay to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Only scammers will ask you to pay.
• Ignore sales ads for the vaccine. You can’t buy it – anywhere. It’s only available at federal- and state-approved locations.

Nobody legit will call, text, or email about the vaccine and ask for your Social Security, bank account, or credit card number. That’s a scam.

Flood Safety Awareness Week: March 16–20

While early spring can be a welcome break from winter weather, it brings with it an increased risk of floods. As snow melts, it can unexpectedly overwhelm streams and other bodies of water that cause flooding, making now a good time to review flood safety measures.
Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States. That is why flood insurance is so important. In addition to ensuring you have the right insurance coverage, here are some tips to keep in mind during the flood season:

•  Learn about flood risks in your area. FEMA flood map service center Check with your local government to learn the history of flooding in your area and follow their recommendations.
• Make a flood plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and how to protect yourselves from flooding.
•  Turn around. Don’t drown. Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. The depth of water is not always obvious. The road may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.
• Understand the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning. The National Weather Service often issues a flood watch before a flood warning. A watch means you should begin preparing for a possible evacuation because flooding is possible. A flood warning means flooding is occurring or about to occur, and you should take immediate action to protect yourself.
  If you live in a flood zone, consider purchasing flood insurance. Flood insurance is a separate policy from homeowner’s and renter’s insurance. FEMA manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and approximately 60 insurance companies and NFIP Direct offers the insurance to the public. The program provides insurance to help reduce the economic impact of floods. To purchase flood insurance, call your insurance company or agent, or contact the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
  For more information, visit the Federal government website on flooding >>

If  You Experience a Flood, Does Your Insurance Policy Cover Your Important Belongings?

78 percent of the 2020 National Household Survey (NHS) respondents reported they had homeowner’s (or renter’s) insurance policies. However, only 21 percent of NHS respondents who lived in a flood-prone area said they had flood insurance. Flood insurance is important because most home insurance policies do not cover flooding. The reason why so few people have flood insurance may be because fewer than 2 percent of NHS respondents had read, seen, or heard about how to get it.

To learn more about flood insurance and to find a flood insurance provider, visit the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and FEMA National Flood Insurance Program websites. Remember, most homeowners (and renter’s) insurance policies often do not cover floods, and it takes about 30 days for flood insurance to go into effect after the purchase date. Increase your chances of remaining resilient after a flood by having flood insurance.