We interrupt this blog for an important announcement. If you live on the coast, it’s time to think about hurricane preparedness. Thar’s a storm a comin’!
There’s already a named storm – Alex- in the Gulf. And should Alex become a full fledged hurricane, the huge oil spill adds an unknown variable to the mix.
I won’t spend time reinventing the wheel. Preparedness Pro has a great series on getting mentally and physically ready for a challenge. The National Hurricane Center has some things to get you started on your plan.
Instead, I’ll blog about what I’m doing to get prepared. Am I perfect? No. If you see any glaring oversights, please let me know in the comments!
Right now, I’m thinking on two different things. Will I stay or will I go now? Plans will differ whether you decide to shelter in place, or get the heck out of Dodge before the storm happens.
During Hurricane Ike, we stayed. We left after the storm when it was reported that electricity wouldn’t be restored for several weeks. We were lucky, though, and got power back the day after we left! So we came back and my sister and her family stayed with us until their power came back on.
Hurricanes are a unique storm phenomenon. You have days to prepare, you know it’s coming… unlike a tornado or an earthquake. Use that time wisely.
Don’t just prepare because you’re afraid of a storm hitting this week. Prepare because it frees you. If you prepare with an eye towards greater independence or self sufficiency, you will lay a groundwork that will keep you from panicking when there actually is a problem.
Last year I prepped for a hurricane that never came. But, when my husband was suddenly laid off, we lived off the food storage and it really did save us. I wrote before that we made it a priority back then to buy a Berkey water filter. So that preparation may bear fruit now, if a storm comes. I wouldn’t have time to get one right now for a storm coming this week, but we’ve had it and used it for over a year and know how to clean it and use it and how long it takes to filter. Prep work back then helps us now.
Who knows what the future holds, especially if you on the Gulf coast? The oil is still spilling. People are out of work. The economy is not recovering. It’s just prudent to prepare what you can, when you can.
Any mother knows how much smoother life is when you are prepared. Start at least thinking about these things and mentally preparing yourself.
Next up: If You Plan to Evacuate
Karen (1)
Raso @ lasagnarec... (1)
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Preparedness is just a way of life around here. I use my stockpiling and couponing to help with that.
And we’ll be “hunkering down” during the next one too.
Preparedness in general has been one of our goals for the last year or so, and it’s such a blessing. Looks like we’re out of the projected for Alex. We’re praying for all of you who may not be as lucky. This weekend/week is my hurricane prep time. Time to test the generator, etc., get a few long-lasting convenience foods for the kids, freeze some ice in empty gallon jugs, and fill the butane bottles. I need to test my solar yard lights too. We bought a set for Gustav and the kids were able to have their own light with no wasting batteries. One of the best things we have added to our hurricane preps.
I’ve been woefully neglectful in this area. The last week showed me that. Somehow, all I thought I was prepared for, in the end, I was woefully incapable of surviving. I had to bail, after making a store run for ice and another cooler.
Be safe. I’ll be thinking of you.
Excellent advice, as always. Preparedness made life a LOT easier last night when a transformer blew taking out the power for everyone on our block. Everyone knew just where the flashlights, candles, etc. could be found.
I’m back to re-read, because the path of Alex is starting to look too close for comfort, lol. We are in the Sugarland area…
This is great advice. If you live along the Gulf coast, chances are you’re going to experience a hurricane at least once. Knowing that, be prepared far enough in advance that you’re not running to Home Depot and the grocery store with everyone else a day or two before it hits. There are plenty of items that you can keep on hand always, like a generator, flashlights, blankets, etc. Maybe dedicate one closet in the house to emergency storage for items (including canned & preserved food) so you don’t have to panic or worry as much when the inevitable storm comes.
It is always good to be prepared. There are a lot of great tips for this. Another way, if you have a generator, or are thinking of getting one, is to have it converted to run on an alternative fuel as opposed to running on gasoline. If you haven’t already found out that gas stations also run on electricity. No electricity-no gas! If your generator runs on natural gas or propane, you will be able to generate electricity. There is no possibility of the propane or natural gas going bad like gasoline, so your generator will work. Visit our website http://www.propane-conversions.com under the generator tab to learn more.
Already have water, instant foods, ice, propane in place. Going for more rechargeable batteries and maybe charcoal. I just want it to RAIN!