My New Blog

          HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

               (From whitney@cunninghamorganizingsolutions.com)
I moved from California a couple of years ago, where earthquakes would rattle walls and shake windows with absolutely no warning.  I landed in Virginia last year, bought a place of my own, and thought I was experiencing my first hurricane last week when the lightning was flashing horizontally and the thunder was crashing pretty much right above my head, and the rain just wouldn't let up.  I realized after talking to my dad about it (when he said, "Oh no honey - you will know when it's a hurricane, I promise!") that I had become pretty lax in preparing for a natural disaster - after all...if I had survived some major earthquakes, how bad could wind and rain be?
 
Then I researched to prepare this article for you, and although I had seen the news stories, for some reason the effects and damage hurricanes can cause really hit home.  As I write this article for you, I am also following my own advice by planning, preparing, and stocking up "just in case".  No, I am not buying a bunker and hiding from the world with a stock pile, but I am merely preparing in case I need to evacuate - following the advice here, I know all I need to do is "grab and go" in the event that I need to evacuate, and if I am able to stay home, I can be in the house without electricity, water, or the telephone.  The list of items here are items we will most likely have at home, but will want to either centralize to one location or purchase a duplicate to have centralized so that panic won't ensue at the last moment.
 
First is the planning stage.  Strategize with your household about having a family disaster plan, and update it regularly as your household changes. 

Know your home's vulnerability to flooding, wind, and storm surges.  Locate a "safe room" in your home that is without windows, and that is away from an entrance such as a laundry room or bathroom.  In some instances, the home may not be the safest place for a larger family, but perhaps your neighborhood has a community center that can act as a temporary shelter.  Walk the perimeter of your house and place lawn/patio furniture, potted plants, toys, and other loose items in a shed or inside the house when they issue a hurricane watch - these can become flying missiles when the wind picks up!
Know and practice your evacuation routes, and pre-determine with  your family two things:  First, if you do evacuate, where will you meet?  Try to coordinate with a relative or friend in a safer area ahead of time (in case your family is split up) that everyone knows to go there.  I have two friends in Florida on exact opposite sides of the state, and their families know to go to the other's homes depending upon the side of the state the storm hits.  Second, pre-determine an out of state contact.  Many times, local lines and cell towers will be out of service.  Dialing out of state is a great way to check in with everyone at one point of contact. 
Plan for your pets.  I will include packing list for pets, but if you need to evacuate to a shelter, they often  won't take pets, so know where to take your pets, and be prepared by having a copy of vaccination records.  Animal shelters and the like will be on a first come first serve basis.    
Check your homeowners policy for flood insurance - if you reside close to a flood zone, be prepared to purchase additional insurance - it could be worth the cost in the long run!
Have your emergency supplies (list contained in this article) centrally located where the whole family knows where it is and how to access it.
Second is the preparation stage: if done well in advance does not need to be a rushed or costly endeavor.  Having a kit that you can use at home if you are able to stay, but are without power for a while, or that you can simply "grab and go" will ease the stress as the warnings of the hurricane come.  Here are some things to consider:
 WATER - 1 gallon daily per person for 3-7 days.  Don't forget to factor your pets into this equation!;
Food enough for 3-7 days - if you stay in your home, try to eat the items in your refrigerator first, then your freezer, then the pantry.  There will be less spoilage this way.  Otherwise it is wise to  have non-perishable/canned foods, infant food, and snack foods on hand.  A non-electric can opener is important as well as cooking tools and fuel (ie: a camping stove), paper plates and plastic utinsels (you won't be able to wash dishes if there is no water!).;
First aid kit, medications, and prescription drugs;\
Basic toiletries and hygiene items, baby wipes, and toilet paper;
AM/FM battery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries;
Tool kit;
 Extra cash in smaller bills as many ATM's won't be operable (electricity, remember?);
Important documents kept in a Ziploc baggie to prevent water damage.  Many of these you carry in your wallet every day, but you can plop your wallet in the baggie when the time comes.   Copying these documents prior and placing into the baggie may be wise as well.;
Include in the kit a list of other items that  you consider "last minute items" that you cannot duplicate prior - such as your laptop or special photos.  With the list prepared ahead of time, these last minute items will not be forgotten in the state of stress you may be in.
It is equally important to prepare for your pets in case of emergency - thay are a part of your family, and fully depend on you for survival.  Have a separate bag packed for them that includes:
Food (enough for 3-7 days per pet)
Spare toys
Leash/collar with identifying information and rabies tag
Food/water bowls
Specific care instructions
Pooper scooper bags for clean up
A baggie with copies of their vaccination records (required if you need to drop pets off at a shelter). 
If you have pets on medications, please be sure to pack ample supply of the medication and include the dosage and instructions in your Specific Care Instructions! 
Other items you may want to consider is a blanket or pillow that smells like home so that the trauma of possible separation is minimized.  If you have cats or smaller animals, be sure to have their carriers accessible to grab and go if the need arises.
 
This is a long list of "to-do" items that, if spaced out as items on your calendar or "to-do" list can be broken down into manageable tasks that you will be glad you took the time to do should the need arise.  Knowing that you are prepared will ease your stress for your self, your family, and your pets to ride out the storm safely - whether you are able to stay home, or whether you are evacuated.

This was sent to dragsdale@roseandwomble.com by whitney@cunninghamorganizingsolutions.com.