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!!
