Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Got Supplies?

Today is the start of hurricane season. 
For 6 long months, we need to be ready for anything.

Having survived Hurricane Andrew in 1992,
I know first-hand the devastation and upheaval
that these storms can cause.  My world was turned
upside-down when I lost my apartment
and most of my belongings.  I literally had nowhere to live,
as available apartments were snatched up all around me
while I was busy working nonstop for 3 or 4 days.
Thankfully, the hospital where I worked
gave employees a cot and a shower
to get through those first shock-filled days.
Almost everyone in my family lost everything
and were forced to start over. 
It's a very humbling experience.

Since we've moved up to Central Florida,
we have felt that storm damage would be less severe
as we are not living on the coast. 
We've noticed that hurricane preparedness here
is not taken as seriously as down south. 
Nonetheless, we will keep our pantry stocked,
our first aid kit up-to-date and
our flashlights and lanterns in working order. 
For those outside of the hurricane zone,
this list would be come in handy in the winter
or during tornado season.
Here are the basic necessities you should have on hand:

Hurricane Supply List

~Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

~Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils

~Blankets / Pillows, etc.

~Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

~First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

~Special Items - for babies and the elderly

~Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

~Flashlight / Batteries

~Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

~Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

~Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

~Keys

~Toys, Books and Games

~Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

~Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

~Vehicle fuel tanks filled

~Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash



For more information on hurricanes
and other severe weather,
head here.
Let's hope it's a quiet season.

4 comments:

  1. Very good list. Everyone should have an emergency kit like this. Even those of us that live inland have been having horrible weather. Tornado, flooding, etc. We all need to be prepared.

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  2. Hey Daisy...I do hope it's a quiet season but I have already started stocking up on food in the pantry (for the cats, too) and reducing the amount of food in our freezer. My mother always took hurricane season seriously and taught my sister and I to do the same. Thanks for the reminder.

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  3. Great post! We didn't live here (Charlotte area) when Hugo came through but I've talked to people who went through it and it has left people mighty twitchy. No power for over a week so people were cooking up their freezers and giving it away to anyone who would eat it. You couldn't drive cause of so many trees down on the streets. Water and ice and were as good as gold.


    I can't imagine what you went through, Daisy. Please take care and get GONE when one of these come through.

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  4. Jane-Yeah, a lot of strange stuff going on with the weather anymore.

    Susan-Yeah, it's always good to be as prepared as possible.

    tami-Yeah, I was just lucky to be unhurt, considering parts of my roof blew away! We will be coming up there where we vacation if one comes close.

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Thanks for taking the time to leave your thoughts!