Preparing For Hurricane Irene

One can't help but stay glued to the Weather Channel watching the current news and forecasts concerning Hurricane Irene.  I had to write a short little blog about our experiences here in Texas.  We live approximately 180 miles from the Texas Gulf Coast and  Galveston.  Until you see something like this in person, you just can't fathom what it's like.  We live in a town that is along the evacuation route from the coast.  We had miles and miles of people driving through our town with everything they own in their cars and gas cans strapped to their roofs.  It was a sight that would make you want to cry for them.  People would get stranded because they could not find a hotel and they ran out of money paying for gas.

People become angry when they are forced out of their homes, or supplies are not available.  Start now, because dealing with the public later is not fun and you will not be able to find what you are searching for.

When Hurricane Ike hit several years ago, it had a huge impact even this far north.  We lost electricity for FIVE days and there was SEVERE tree and home damage just 60 miles to our South.  We had so many trees down that we could not drive down our road to go into town for about two days.  Do not be lulled into thinking that since you are not immediately in the eye wall's path that you will  not be affected. 

Because this was not our first time to have one come through, we were prepared thankfully!!

Here are a few tips we've learned.

YOU WILL LOSE ELECTRICITY.

It is sooo much easier to cook at least one meal a day outside on a grill.  That being said...STOCK UP ON CHARCOAL OR PROPANE FOR YOUR GAS GRILL NOW!!

Buy pre packaged foods that do not require refrigeration and try and keep those foods which you need to cool at a minimum....AND BUY FREEZER BAGS TO STORE THOSE IN THAT MIGHT GO IN COOLER....soggy food is NO FUN

WHEN YOU LOSE ELECTRICITY FOR MORE THAN 48 HOURS, YOU START LOSING THINGS IN YOUR FRIDGE AND FREEZER

Plan now on how you want to store some of those things from your fridge and freezer.  Buy extra coolers and dry ice if need be. 

DON'T FORGET DIAPERS AND FORMULA

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS FILLED....you will not be able to just run to the pharmacy if you run out....more than likely they will have no electricity either....remember...life will not be the same for a while

WAL MART SELLS PORTABLE BATTERY OPERATED FANS IN THE SPORTING GOODS /CAMPING DEPARTMENT. 

You will want some of these.  After a huricane, trust me, it's hot and humid and a fan is AWESOME.

That being said....STOCK UP ON D BATTERIES, they sell out FAST....they are a hot commodity after a hurricane and you will not be able to purchase them if you wait until the day of the Hurricane or the day before....

If you can, buy one of the battery operated radio/cell phone charger./flashlight/lanterns......trust me....these things come in handy when you have no way of hearing what's going on in the outside world. 

Fill your cars up with gas, if people start evacuating, you need to be able to travel as far as you can.  GAS WILL BE IN SHORT SUPPLY AFTER A HURRICANE. 

DON'T FORGET....GAS STATIONS ALSO RUN ON ELECTRICITY FOR THEIR PUMPS....IF THEY HAVE NO ELECTRICITY...YOU CANNOT BUY GAS....FILL UP YOUR CARS IF IT IS AT ALL POSSIBLE

IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON STAYING IN A HOTEL AND EVACUATING....MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY....HOTELS FOR MILES AND MILES WILL BE SOLD OUT QUICKLY

The things you are used to now will not be back to normal for several weeks or maybe months. 

DON'T FORGET....JUST BECAUSE AN ELECTRIC LINE IS DOWN ON THE GROUND DOES NOT MEAN IT'S NOT "LIVE"...DON'T TOUCH IT, DON'T LET KIDS NEAR IT....

I want to also say, if you live in a home that is surrounded by large trees, please use caution if you are within 130 miles or so of this hurricane.  Tree tops can snap and fall on your home and injure you and your loved ones.  If I can forewarn anyone then I will feel like I've done my job. 

OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU FROM HERE IN TEXAS

Below is a Hurricane Supply List from NOAA

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

AND HEAVEN FORBID YOU HAVE TO BE EVACUATED TO A SHELTER WITH MANY OTHER PEOPLE....HERE IS HOW TO MAKE A 72 HOUR SUPPLY KIT

http://selfreliantsisters.blogspot.com/2009/01/sample-72-hour-kit.html