Its Raining Are You Prepared for the Flood

 

While southern Illinois is a beautiful place to live. Weather in southern Illinois can be a bit scary at times. We live on the New Madrid fault line and fear of earthquakes have long been around. The tornado in 2012 was one that I will never forget. The storm damaged my house, and I can recall the time during the storm where the entire family took shelter waiting as the tornado blew past. There have also been many rainstorms as well as snowfalls that would put the fear into many as well. 

Tornadoes, earthquakes and storms can all be scary and destructive but the weather event I want to talk about today is flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency better known as FEMA estimates the damage cause by flood to be in the billions. While many believe that floods occur mostly around the coastline areas they would be wrong. Rather everyone should know what to do in the case of flood to be prepared so that panic will not strike in the moment that a flood comes. 

Flash flood warnings are often called and are a result of heavy downpour, storm surge, coastal storm, snow or overflow from a local dam or other waterway. Flash flood warnings issued by the National Weather Service should be paid attention to. Take note to move to a safer location. High ground locations should be safe. Thus if you are not in a safe place when the flash flood warning occurs get to a safe location so that you will not be in danger. 

If you find yourself in a flooded area do not use electricity in any area that has been flooded. Water coming into contact with live electrical outlets makes the danger of being electrocuted or a fire starting possible. If you are in a flooded area where wild animals can be found stay away from the as they can be dangerous because of their fear to survive or the diseases they may carry. In a follow up post, we will share how to make a weather emergency kit so that you are prepared if you find yourself in a storm or flood. 

Thank you for visiting our blog and I hope that this post will help you prepare and be ready in the case a flood should come your way. 

Bananas from green to too far gone

If your house is anything like mine then your shopping list normally contains a fruit item or two. Today in this post we are going to look at bananas. Ideas how to use.... HOw long they are good for and when we can no longer use. 

A few of our favorite recipes that include fresh bananas are

The first time I ever tried this type of dessert was as a girl at my grandparents. My grandmother made this banana split dessert. Oh so yummy and delicious. 

This recipe for frozen fruit salad is not only great on a summer hot day but also taste great and good for you. 

Bananas are Good For the Body. 

Bananas are good for the body as they contain fiber and other nutrients the body needs and uses. These include potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, as well as antioxidants. Bananas have been shown to help with blood sugar, aid in digestive help and with weight loss. In addition, bananas have been shown to help both heart and kidney health. For more information this article on the healthline website can tell you more. 

So now I have shared with you why and how bananas are good for our health and shared a few of our favorite ways to prepare and eat. Now the only question is when is the best time to use a banana?? When it is still green around the edges, fresh and yellow, with a few brown spots or when they begin to look like this....

Common to green tomatoes you can also eat green bananas. 

Green bananas are good to eat but many do not like the taste of these. Sometimes you will find green bananas mixed into smoothies. The best way to eat green bananas is by preparing it by cooking. You may not be aware but you can boil bananas and make up like mashed potatoes. Slicing and frying green bananas chips makes for a great delicious snack. 

There are a few recipes that request those bananas that have aged just a bit. These recipes include banana bread

However, there comes a time when bananas can no longer be used. If one of these following 3 happen you need to get rid of the bananas as they are too far gone

1. If you notice any mold on your bananas, it's time to throw them away or toss them in the compost bin. ...
2. If a banana smells rotten or fermented or is leaking fluid, it's time to say goodbye.
3. If the fruit inside, not just the peel, is black, that's a sign that your banana is too far gone to safely eat.

I hope you enjoy the post and learned a bit more about bananas. If you get a chance try a recipe or two and let me know how it tasted. In addition if you have any information to add please place in comments would love to know what you think