This week is
National Hurricane Preparedness Week. The 2009 hurricane season will officially begin on June 1st. This may not mean a whole lot to those of you who live far away from the coast, but to Texans it is now time to prepare!
On September 12th of last year, Hurricane Ike slammed into Galveston and carried powerful winds and several inches of rain. Our neighborhood was unfortunate to be in Ike's path of destruction. Hundreds of trees were uprooted and many roofs were damaged. The area experienced major flooding, downed fencing and telephone poles lying in the streets. A 50 ft. tree fell through our backyard fence, barely missing our home. Trees were uprooted in our front yard and debris covered our lawn and street. I remember being awake at midnight, feeding my five-day-old baby, when the electricity went out. Little did I know it would be 15 days before the lights came back on.
Through our experience with Ike we learned many valuable lessons--especially that of being prepared for natural disasters. We were grateful we had enough food, water and flashlights. But we soon discovered many other items that helped us endure the long hot days without electricity. So here is a list of items we found to be most helpful...
1.
Water Store plenty of water. Freeze some water bottles if you can, they will make great ice blocks in the event that your power goes out and you need to store food in coolers. Water bottles can be rationed nicely for drinking. Save your large water barrels for baths and dish washing. Also consider filling up the bathtubs in your home to help flush toilets, wash hands, etc.
2.
Lanterns and Flashlights Flashlights are helpful, but lanterns are better! You will need one to cook with at night, one by the sink to wash dishes, one in a bathroom and one on the kitchen table. Give each of the children a flashlight he or she can use at night.
3.
Batteries Make sure you have plenty of D's (for your lanterns), C's and AA's. Check each flashlight to make sure they all work and have new batteries.
4.
Matches If you have a gas stove you will need these to light the burners.
5.
Landline Telephone Wireless and cordless phones seldom work after a big storm. Landline phones will work, just plug them into the phone outlet.
6.
Ice If you can predict when the storm is coming, freeze water bottles and purchase DRY/Normal ice. Ice becomes a rare, most wanted commodity. Dry ice lasts longer.
7.
Food Now is the time to eat up the food in the freezer. If the power goes out you are likely to lose meats and other frozen items. Stock the pantry shelves with the following items:
Canned and Dry Goods (soups, fruits, veggies, beans, meats etc.) Purchase some dry cereal and pancake mix. Make sure the pancake mix does not require eggs. Stock up on honey and syrup.
Healthy Snacks Crackers, granola bars, pretzels, nuts, raisins, fruit leather, chocolate chips (if you are one who needs chocolate).
Lunch Items If a storm hits and causes destruction, our men will be asked to go out during the day and help storm victims. They will need to take food with them: Sliced bread, tuna, peanut butter, pudding, or anything from the shelf that is small and portable.
Luxury Pantry Items Fruit juice, Gatorade, Nutella, Ovaltine (to use with dry milk), cookies, trail mix.
8. Baby's Needs If you have a baby, stock the shelves with diapers, wipes, baby food and formula.
9.
Garbage Bags You will have an abundance of trash. You will need the large, sturdy bags to pick up debris in your yard. Make sure you have plenty of garbage bags in your kitchen as well. The trash collectors do not come if the roads are blocked with trees or debris. Plan to pile up the garbage safely so that the smell can be contained and rodents and other animals do not invade your neighborhood.
10.
Paper Goods You will not want to waste water on washing plates and flatware. Purchase large amounts of plates, utensils and cups. You will also want plenty of paper towels and napkins. Be sure to stock up on toilet paper and sanitary supplies.
11.
Cash Make sure you have cash on hand--preferably in small bills. Many stores may not be able to accept debit/credit cards.
12.
Propane If you do not have a gas stove, purchase an extra propane tank for your grill.
13.
Generator Consider your need for electricity. If you want to run a refrigerator, washer, fan or even your television you will need electricity. Generators do not run by themselves so you will need a lot of gas. Plan accordingly and stock up on gas before the storm hits.
14.
Air Conditioner Window Unit or Fan During a hot Texas summer the heat becomes a major issue without air conditioning. A mid-size generator will support a window air conditioning unit in addition to other appliances. Even a small fan will provide relief from the heat.
15.
All Weather Radio These crank radios will keep you informed of the storm's path and help you stay connected to the outside world.
16.
Gas Make sure gas tanks are full in all vehicles.
17.
Large Tarps and 2 x 4's You can cover roof damage by laying a tarp down and nailing 2 x 4's on the edges.
19.
First Aid Kit and Insect Repellent 20. Pet Food
What has been helpful to you in the midst of a natural disaster? Please share!
A special thanks to my sweet friends Cherise and Sheralie for producing and designing this priceless book.
