Feeling Like a Lumberjack

Since hurricane Helene hit on September 27, we have been cutting trees. It has been an enlightening experience. It seems as if the more we do, we aren’t so exhausted and sore. The first couple of days, we were pretty tired and used muscles we weren’t used to using. We cut a lot of the stuff we could off of our pecan tree and the Leyland cypress in our yard. Then on that Saturday Dyanna and Earl came with the pickup truck and helped us haul it to the street. On Sunday we hooked up the garden cart to the lawn mower and moved some more stuff to the street. We went to Dyanna’s house on Wednesday and cut up some of her trees. There are still 3 trees on top of her house and we are waiting to hear from the insurance company. We are also waiting on 2 estimates for removing them from the house. It has been a very long week!

Original photos and video by Pat Hensley

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

Hurricane Season

The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November.

According to the National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration, a hurricane is:

“A hurricane is a type of storm called a tropical cyclone, which forms over tropical or subtropical waters. A tropical cyclone is a rotating low-pressure weather system that has organized thunderstorms but no fronts (a boundary separating two air masses of different densities). Tropical cyclones with maximum sustained surface winds of less than 39 miles per hour (mph) are called tropical depressions. Those with maximum sustained winds of 39 mph or higher are called tropical storms. When a storm's maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph, it is called a hurricane.”

Here are some classroom activities that students may enjoy doing in order to learn more about hurricanes.

Hurricane Season, Grades K-5 -

Hurricane Season, Grades 9-12 -

Hurricane Watch: Lessons and Activities

Gizmos

What lessons do you enjoy doing in order to teach about hurricanes? Please share.

Photo by NASA on Unsplash