Tropical Storm Ella Was a Warning!
If you have ever experienced a hurricane coming through your hometown, you know how important preparation can be to make it through the aftermath.
My family and I lived near Charlotte, NC, when Hurricane Hugo came through. We didn't know what to expect and as we were about 150 miles from where it made landfall, we expected rains and some wind but not much more. Well, we had over 18 trees demolished in our backyard and our town didn't have electricity for almost two weeks. It was an experience we won't ever forget.
Having lived through this, and lucky that our home wasn't damaged severely nor our family harmed, I'm more aware of the necessity of preparation. So here's my thoughts and recommendations. Of course, check your local weather services for more in-depth recommendations and local rules and regulations.
1. When you hear that a hurricane is forming (even if it's 400 miles away), fill up your cars/trucks with gas. Gas will only become more expensive as the storm comes closer. And the lines will become longer with possible shortages.
Why get gas if you're not likely to have to go anywhere? Gas station pumps use electricity to pump the gas. The stations use electronic cash registers. Emergencies occur. If someone in your family needs to get to the hospital, you don't want to run out of gas on the way. Gas stations may be closed. And gas won't go bad, so why not get it first thing?
2. Get cash. I can't recommend how much money you should have, as that depends on your spending. But I will say, not only gas stations but also grocery stores use electronic cash registers. This means IF they are open, cash will be KING. In fact, you should have dollars, not just twenties. You may not be able to get change back on your purchase. We found some stores were open but since they couldn't accept debit/credit cards, only cash could be used for purchases.
3. Purchase water. Water is so important and you really don't realize how much you go through in a couple of days. About a day before the storm comes, fill up the bathtubs with water. DON'T take a bath in it until after the storm is gone and you are back to normal. Water in the tub can be used to flush toilets (bet you forgot that one!) and provide water to pets, plants, and washing dishes.
4. Set up your flashlights with NEW batteries. Again, nothing is worse than having a bunch of flashlights and the batteries are low or not working. Put the batteries INTO the flashlights and test them. This is really hard to do when it's pitch DARK, so do it before the storm is close. I don't recommend candles as so many accidents occur...kids, dogs, etc.
5. Charge your phones. Then use one phone at a time. Don't have your entire family checking their phone or all of them will cease working.
6. Purchase a complete First Aid Kit. If possible, get a wind-up radio, clothes drying rack, bug spray, and Clorox/disinfectant.
7. Obtain you insurance information and important papers in a water tight box. Have them handy so once the storm is over, you can check your home and surroundings and if necessary contact your insurance agent. If you're asked to evacuate, there's no time to run around the house checking storage and desk drawers for those important papers. Also, don't forget to include shot records of your pets.
8. When it comes time to clean-up, DON'T start using tools with which you aren't familiar. Hospitals and 24 Care Centers are filled with accidents due to saws and axes after a storm. And if you're trimming your trees and bushes, please make sure your children and pets are FAR, FAR away from you. And don't let them play in the leaves and bushes as many snakes and bugs have taken to these to hide.
I'm sure you can think of many more recommendations. But these are the ones I think are most important even for "little" hurricanes and storms. Stay safe!
