How many blue tarps do you have around your home? Tarps, in general, are a versatile material that can be used for many types of storage and protection. Although many in regions that experience hurricanes and tornadoes have a few on hand, anyone should have a few at home, even in places that don't regularly experience strong storms. In fact, as parts of the Northeast found out recently, strong winds can damage roofs and windows - even without a hurricane - and having a medium-duty poly tarp around serves as a temporary patch on a damaged roof.

Fixing a roof or a broken window isn't the only use for a medium-duty poly tarp, however. Whether you have a blue or another color tarp, medium-duty materials are always needed for temporary protection outdoors. This includes covering any number of objects that don't have adequate protection. Often, vehicles like motorcycles and cars need a tarp thrown over and secured for protection from rain and UV rays, but many other items, such as wood piles and equipment, should also be covered with a tarp when rain or colder weather approaches. Placing a tarp over an item and securing it with bungee cords often keeps it in place.