Hurricane season is here, and many people wait until a storm is already approaching before they begin preparing. That’s usually when water, batteries, generators, gas and other essentials become hard to find. Make sure your vehicle’s gas tank has plenty of fuel before predicted extreme weather events in case there’s a power outage and need to evacuate. When tank gets to 1/2 full, treat as empty and fill back up! The good news: hurricane preparedness does not have to be expensive or complicated. If you’re just getting started, focus on: 1. Water 2. Food 3. Lighting 4. Communication 5. Medical supplies 6. Important documents A simple goal is enough supplies to support your household for at least 72 hours without power or electricity. You do not need to buy everything at once. Start small and add a few items each paycheck. Many readers find it easiest to begin with these few ESSENTIAL basics: – Water / storage containers – Emergency food that you will actually eat that needs no cooking – Portable power for charging phones like a battery power pack – can also charge LED flashlights / headlamps – Weather radio – keep up to date on developments – Begin collecting Emergency Supply of Medications, see article on how to do and is simple in most states especially when a State of Emergency is declared. The aim is not to buy everything immediately. The aim is to gradually build a reliable emergency kit before you need it. Preparedness is about reducing stress and improving comfort when unexpected events occur—not panic. Even a small emergency kit can make a big difference during a hurricane. *PRO TIP – write down phone numbers to 3 close friends/family members and at least 1 person not in storm path for updates. In case power to cell towers are out, text messages and some calls can go through. Other phones may have a satellite connection or a neighbor has a working phone/internet/ham radio. Ask about status of your area they are seeing on the news. PUT those numbers in a zip lock bag, then re-bag for water proof and somewhere you can easily access in case home floods like your “GO Bag” or in your vehicle. See checklists and articles on how to prepare a GO Bag and for water, food, etc preparation. Take a picture of insurance documents/cards and important papers to have in phone as well as a phot copy in plastic bags with phone numbers and put into a designated bag.
Have any emergency numbers as well: County emergency management office, evacuation sites, doctors, banks, schools, veterinarian
Books, games, deck of cards, coloring books, puzzles or other activities for children. *** PRO TIP-download movies onto laptop or portable player.
EVERYONE should have a Power Bank – about as big as a phone and can even carry with you for traveling, just to see a friend across town or in a bag for if phone dies or emergency situation occurs away from home. Access to information on phone or by phone is a necessity! At least 1 per household but I recommend a back up in case of cloudy/Rainy days and cannot charge by solar or malfunction/damage. I have one battery pack for over 5 years and company no longer make that brand (company only does solar panels now) with my other being Blavor.
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