Preparing for a Storm

After having lived in Florida for 51 years, we are very hurricane savvy. We now live in Louisiana, with Isaac making his presence known.  By Monday afternoon, there wasn’t a loaf of bread, bottle of water, carton of eggs, Lunchable or battery to be found on the grocery store shelves.  I think it’s great that residents have headed the warnings, and have gotten ready for the worst situations.

We have plenty of canned tuna, chicken, and fruit, peanut butter, jelly, cheese, crackers etc. etc. that can be stored and prepared without power. We keep our pantry stocked all year long.  We also have backpacks that are stocked with 3 days worth of MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat), along with toiletries, towels, paper, pens, flashlights, batteries,and a few other items.  My medications are kept in a large zippered dark waterproof cosmetic bag,  which is kept on  a dresser, so it is easily found. We purchase dog food in large foiled sealed bags, from our vet.  This way we know that it is fresh, as it’s a prescription formula, and is delivered to their clinic on a weekly basis.  As soon as we know that a big storm in on the way, we bag up (in freezer bags), three days worth of meals for both of the dogs. We also keep some canned dog food, to take with us.

*Remember: if you don’t have electricity, you can’t use electric can openers! Purchase a well built hand crank opener, to use when you have no power. If you have canned goods, instead of MRE’s in your 72 hour emergency containers, be sure to have another can opener in at least one container.

Our extra gas cans are kept filled year round, and stored in a safe place.  We use ONLY approved heavy duty plastic gas “cans”. My husband checks the generator, several times a year.  We pick up heavy duty flashlights and batteries when they go on sale. We don’t like to use a lot of bottled water, because of the “waste”, but we do keep some on hand should we need to evacuate.  For a large amount of potable water for home use,  we clean a bathtub with bleach, and then fill it up when a storm is on the way.  We are fortunate enough to have a gas water heater, so we always have hot water.

For “comfort” we have a battery operated fan, that can be used at home or taken with us, should be need to leave.  FYI  – Tootsie Rolls are a fantastic item to keep on hand.  They will stay fresh forever, and are a nice sweet treat during stressful times. Extra cash – in small bills – is something that everyone should keep at the ready.  I would strongly recommend that you save up to purchase a small safe – for cash, guns, ammo, and other valuables…and a small fireproof lock box, to protect very important papers.  This lock box should be small enough to easily carry with you, should you need to leave your home.

Never Never Never use kerosene lanterns or generators inside your home – NEVER! Don’t ever try to clean or sterilize water with a combination of chemicals.  Straight bleach is your best bet, but mixing bleach with other cleaners – especially ammonia – can produce lethal fumes.

Another must, is a portable battery operated radio! If you should have to leave your home, and you have children – remember to be prepared for their special needs.  This can be a very scary time for them.  They need to take their favorite stuffed animal, blanket, pillow, etc. and keep in mind that they will need some quiet entertainment.  Coloring books, crayons, colored pencils, small board games, books, and cards are your best bet. For older children and teens, hand held games and their iPods/ MP3 players – WITH EAR BUDS –  will help keep them occupied and will save your sanity!  EXTRA BATTERIES are a MUST.

Don’t forget about your cellphones and chargers!

Keep a list of names, phone numbers (with area codes), and addresses of  family members, close friends, and your doctors (I have one that is laminated) to keep with you at all times.  I would suggest having one for each member of your family.

Our major storms take place in August through November.  What inclement weather do do you have to deal with, and how do you prepare?  Leave a comment so that others can learn from your experiences!