Don't panic because we're going into hurricane season. Use this guide for smooth sailing during the roughest weather of the year. It will help you sail through stormy days and scary nights with the utmost calm and confidence.
It's September which mean hurricane season is here. Although you may not get directly hit there's still a good chance you'll be affected. What to do? Follow this emergency guideline. It will help you , loved ones and even neighbors weather the hairiest of storms.
Have supplies on the ready. This not only includes the ubiquitous milk, eggs and bread (perfect if you want to whip up French toast) but also bottled water, along with canned meats, fruits and veggies. Fruit leathers are also good because they're sealed against moisture and provide you and the kids with sugar for quick energy. Make sure you have canned pet food for your animals along with jars of baby food. Remember your grocery stores may also be hit so stock up on batteries, paper towels and most importantly - toilet paper.
Medical supplies are a must. Make sure elderly parents along with neighbors have their meds with tem in case of an evacuation If your cat or dog needs insulin or thyroid medicine , remember to pack it as well. Also remember to bring whatever you need too. You don't know if you're going to be required to act as an emergency doctor and set up your own triage. It then pays to have one or two tubes of Neosporin along with bandages, band-aids and splints. Have pain killers along with both children's and regular strength aspirin.
Don't forget your radio and cell phone. The first is a necessity especially when you lose power. The radio will be your only contact with officials who will announce the escape routes and where to go for shelter. If you're lucky your cell phone or I phone may get service however don't count on this. There may be a lot of dead zones due to the storm. If you want, invest in a good pair of walkie talkies in case you and your family get separated. This will keep you in some form of communication if your cells aren't working
ID is a must. Have your driver's license , credit and ATM cards with you at all times. You never know when you're going to be asked to show them. Also tag your kids with some kind of ID in case they become separated from you at a shelter. Older kids can use their high school or college ID tags for this along with driver's licenses. Make sure pets have some form of ID whether on their collar son written on their carriers. Along with your name, address and cell phone number.
Have a good wad of cash handy. Since ATMs are run by electricity, then it's a good chance that they'll be down after a bad hurricane. If that's a caser then stash money in your socks or shoes. You'll also need money for gas (if the pumps are working) or for a hotel or motel out of the danger area.
Make sure your car is emergency ready. Fill up the vehicle you want to take the day before said hurricane will strike your area. You may also want to stock with pillows and blankets for a quick makeshift shelter. Another good idea is to put your suitcases in the truck as soon as the storm begins. This will cut down on any last minute craziness when you have to leave.
Above all DON'T panic. Remain calm no matter how bad the traffic jams out of your area are. Don't let the kids or even the pets know that you are panicking. Just be calm for their sakes. If the little ones ask a lot of questions be honest about what's happening but make it an adventure . Older kids may balk at going with you or be too afraid to leave their gear behind. Let them bring their I Pods and cells just for reassurance. Let them brings games or favorite books if they have to spend a night at the shelter. Bring favorite toys and blankets for your cats and dogs to they have a whiff of home. Keep yourself calm with deep breaths and following all safety advice.
If you are staying home, make sure your house is prepared. You should board up all windows to prevent anything from flying into the house. Tie down anything loose or put in the basement (like your barbecue grill, or sports equipment). If you're in a low lying area roll up the rugs and put the furniture on wooden blocks to prevent any water damage. Keep an eye out for any looter as well. Hurricanes can mean easy pickings for those looking to prey on disaster. You may want to get together with your neighbors and designate a block warden who can be in charge of keeping crime down.
Surviving a hurricane can be bad but it doesn't have to be a complete disaster. Follow these guidelines and you can sail through any of September's brutal storms with relative calm and ease.
