It is hurricaine season....something I haven't even thought much about for our last 4 years in Montana. Now, with hurricaines bearing down on us, and us living in a coastal city, I think I need to be prepared...at least a little! How realistic these things are for a family of 8...I'm not sure....but at least I'm working on it! So, for your pleasure...from the NOAA weather site
1. Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
***So, for a family of 8 humans and 2 cats, we're looking at....wait a sec...I can't do big numbers in my head....AT THE VERY LEAST....25 gallons of water for 3 days. Okay, logic says that's actually not too bad of a number. BUT, we live in military housing. WHERE AM I SUPPOSED TO STORE THIS?!?
2. 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
***Right. Food IS a necessity. But, first, we're going to cross off the infants/elderly one...there are neither in our house. Second, we've got the can opener covered. Check. Non-perishible packaged foods. Right. For 3 to 7 days. Again, WHERE am I to store all of this? Food for all 8 of us? for 3 days? that I am supposed to keep my children from digging into when I'm not looking? And, never mind that...I don't have extra money in my food budget.... Paper plates, utinsels, etc...not a problem...dig out the camping/picnic stuff. Cooking fuel...we've been needing to buy gas for the grill...this is as good of an excuse as any.
3. Blankets / Pillows, etc.
***Easy peasy...pull 'em off the bed, and we're good.
4. Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
***First, how much? are we making sure we have suitcases packed in case we evacuate? So, how many changes of clothes per kid? 3 days? 7 days? Rain gear? I've come to the conclusion that we lived in Montana for too long...we're just not used to rain any more...
5. First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
***Note to self: BUY BANDAIDS!! The rest is in pretty good shape.
6. Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
***Again, for staying in the house if there's no power, or for evacuating? *note to self: Find out where the Navy evacuates dependents TO.
7. Flashlight / Batteries
***Flashlight, check. MUST BUY BATTERIES.
8. Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
***Radio, check. MUST BUY BATTERIES. Do we really HAVE TO have the NOAA weather radio?
9. Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
***I think we're okay on this...I just have to remember where my charger is at any given time...we have a converter in the car, so I can plug my regular, household phone charger into the car....though I don't have an extra battery...is that necessary?
10. Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
***Granted, this sounds sensible...but do people ACTUALLY have "extra" money laying around that can be designated for this?!? NOT in our house....
11. Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
***I have my container...just need to gather everything together....
12. Vehicle fuel tanks filled
***At the moment, we're good on this....
13. Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash
***Grrr....okay, I forgot all of this when we adopted our second cat...MUST BUY another carrier, and find out if she's had all of her shots. Oh, and WHAT is proper ID for a CAT?!?
Alright, enough of me....that is just part of the list....go to the NOAA Weather site, and see for yourself....and BE PREPARED!!
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12 comments:
I have noticed storm pics and talk of hurricanes on a few blogs now! Its all so new to me! We dont have this - EVER!!!
It is rather overwhelming just to read actually and trying to coordinate 6 kids - that actually petrifies me ;o)
Sort of glad I don't have to deal with hurricanes here in WI, we have a storm survival list for severe weather like tornadoes and floods though. Interesting topic for TT this week, mine is up at The Cafe.
That is a useful and helpful Thursday 13.
Like you mentioned, parts of it aren't very doable, but . . . at least you know what the experts advise!
Thanks for visiting my Thursday 13 AND I'm jealous of your blog's reading level. I can only come up with Junior High! I spell correctly, and I think my vocab is pretty good, but (sigh!), I just don't measure up!
We're starting to get our store going too.. I think we'll store the water in the garage?! I think...LOL!
We had lots of rain last week/weekend and more last night. Is that just the way it is in NC? AZ was soooooo dry!!
God bless,
Sallie
I live in Tornado Alley, and I have not one iota of anything "prepared" in case a tornado blows my house away. I do, however, have 2 recent experiences with having to evacuate: when my house burned down, and the ice storm that knocked out our power for a week last December. The #1 most important thing on your list above is the cash in small bills, and both times, I had none. Like you, that's something that doesn't just 'lay around' here. LOL
yes..we will have to think about this now. mmm...glad we live in central Florida!
All goodly bits of advice. We're fortunate to live in an area that doesn't get hit TOO often (although it's not unheard of,) and we do still keep a wee "emergency kit" on hand just in case... may need to enhance it a bit with some ideas from here thought!
I think we've been having the affects of some of these hurricanes where I live, it has been raining all week here! We rarely get hurricanes here, New England area, Maybe the last one was 20 years ago. Good list to keep in mind though, for any kind of disaster. Hope you don't have to use it anytime :)
Great list. I need to get our emergency supplies together (that is one of our summer projects). We live in tornado country not hurricane country but most of the items on your list are what we would need too. You are right about the cash. We have a jar of coins but no bills other than what would be in our wallets at the time. Thanks for your comment on my site. Strays are a good thing.
Hi Laura,
That's quite a list! What a change from Montana. Looks like you are on your way to being prepared!
You know, I suddenly don't miss living in Virginia so much. I forgot about all the hurricane hullabaloo.
Awesome list, and it is always so good to be prepared in general for lots of different things, hurricanes included. Good reminder.
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