Hurricane Preparedness

During hurricane season, it is important to be prepared. You hope you won’t need to use this information but it is good to have.

According to AARP, you need a “Go” bag with these things:

“1. Basic electronics - Pack an extra phone charger in case you’re fortunate enough to have electricity, and a portable battery pack in case you’re not. Also stash a long-lasting LED flashlight. Pack a small hand-cranked or battery-operated AM/FM radio (with extra batteries).

2. Personal needs - While getting ready for a typical day, list every toiletry you use, then buy a travel-size version of each. Pack backup eyeglasses, as well as a first-aid kit, baby wipes and a multipurpose tool with a knife and can opener.

3. Clothing - Pack a few days’ worth. Include layers you can add or remove, plus lightweight rain gear and waterproof boots.

4. Your meds - Pack about three days’ worth of each of your prescriptions, which should last until you can get to a pharmacy that’s open. If you need larger items, such as an oxygen tank, make sure you have a portable version.

5. The perfect bag - Think small and portable. A backpack is ideal, but a lightweight suitcase with wheels will also do. Just remember, you may literally be running with it.

6. Paperwork - Fill a zip-top waterproof bag with photocopies of your birth certificate; driver’s license; Social Security and Medicare cards; power of attorney and will; any marriage, adoption or naturalization certificates; proof of address; insurance, medical and immunization records; and information about your credit and ATM cards.

7. Food and drink - Bottled water is essential. Granola or energy bars are great because they are small and filling, and they come in a variety of flavors.

8. Cash - In addition to enough money for a few days, include small bills and a roll of quarters. If you need to buy something out of a vending machine, you don’t want to start asking equally desperate strangers for change.”

According to the American Red Cross in “What Do You Need in a Survival Kit?”, they suggest the following:

“At a minimum, you should have the basic supplies listed below:

·      Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)

·      Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)

·      Flashlight 

·      Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)

·      Extra batteries 

·      Deluxe family first aid kit

·      Medications (7-day supply) and medical items

·      Multi-purpose tool

·      Sanitation and personal hygiene items

·      Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)

·      Cell phone with chargers 

·      Family and emergency contact information

·      Extra cash

·      Emergency blanket

·      Map(s) of the area

Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit:

·      Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)

·      Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)

·      Games and activities for children

·      Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)

·      Two-way radios

·      Extra set of car keys and house keys

·      Manual can opener

Additional supplies to keep at home or in your survival kit based on the types of disasters common to your area:

·      Whistle

·      N95 or surgical masks

·      Matches

·      Rain gear

·      Towels

·      Work gloves

·      Tools/supplies for securing your home

·      Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes

·      Plastic sheeting

·      Duct tape

·      Scissors

·      Household liquid bleach

·      Entertainment items

·      Blankets or sleeping bags”

What would you add to your emergency survival kit? Please share?

Photo by Sun Lingyan on Unsplash

9/11/2001

On September 11, 2001, thousands of people were killed during four terrorist attacks on the United States. It is a day I will never forget. I will remember where I was and what I was doing at the time. When I talk to people about major events in history, they say this is the same way they felt when The Challenger space shuttle exploded or when John F. Kennedy was killed. I’m sure others remember other events that had affected them in this way.

It is a day that I will never forget because for many hours, I didn’t know if a few of my family members were safe. It is also not something we really ever talk about. It is not a topic that we want to discuss or relive.

To this day, I can’t watch any movies about this day. I have tried to watch a couple but usually can’t make it through the whole movie.

One day a couple of years ago, I had to take a state test for my teaching license and I was horrified when I realized that I had to take it on 9/11. I was deeply upset and anxious until a good friend reminded me that before 2001, September 11th was just another day on the calendar. This really helped me focus on my goal and not the date.

I feel a little ambivalent about this day.

Part of me wants to remember that all those people died and should not be forgotten. First responders, emergency personnel, and volunteers who risked their lives and many who died from this are remembered. I understand that all across the country, there are memorial services and remembrances to make sure they are not forgotten.

Part of me wants to put my head under a blanket and hurry this day along. I don’t want to remember the day I feel so anxious and alarmed. I don’t want to remember all the families finding out that they lost a loved one in the attacks. I don’t want to relive that day and my heart hurts for families who feel the same way I do.

To all the people out there who were affected by this day in history, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Photo by Aidan Bartos on Unsplash