Hurricane Preparedness 101 - For Fun
If you came here expecting to read a serious article about getting prepared for a Hurricane or Tropical Storm, you've come to the wrong place. Check out these sites instead:
Okay, now that the responsible part is done, how about that Hurricane Preparedness 101 - For Fun
As we prepared for Tropical Storm Isaac this week I thought back to my first few years in Florida and the difference in how I prep for storms now compared to then. After 16 years of experience, I've got the hang of it. I've also learned that living the salt life helps you with being prepared for more than I realized. We already have flares, fire extinguishers, handheld radios that send immediate 911 calls to the U.S. Coast Guard with your longitude and latitude if in despair. Heck, let's get down to it, if our house flooded, we wouldn't be hanging out on the roof for days waiting to be rescued. Instead, we would be in our boat rescuing people who weren't as prepared from their roof tops. **Benefit of storing your boat on the side of your home vs. away in a marina to get destroyed by a storm.
Down here, if there is the possibility of a Hurricane you'll hear the locals say, "Hurricane Party"! Thing is, we really do have a party. You can't go anywhere or do anything so you gather with friends and loved ones and "hunker down"! Beer and frosty beverages are usually on the top of everyone's hurricane preparedness list. Right along with all your favorite bar type snacks, pretzels, nuts, chips.
Some Must Do Items for the Gals
Wash your hair! What if you couldn't wash it for a week? So start squeaky clean.
*A must pack, waterless shampoo. It's a great deodorizer if you do find yourself hanging out on top of your roof for a few days. Everyone else on the roof will appreciate it too.
Shave! Girls this could be the difference of you being a hairy beast in a few days or still being that sexy mamma your man can stand to sleep next to at night.
*Be sure you pack a disposable razor in your hurricane "to go" bag.
Bundle your "Precious"! Even if you have your jewelry covered by an insurance policy. Can you really replace the memory or sentimental value? Each of my watches, rings, and pair of earrings have a story. Going out to buy them as a "replacement" just wouldn't be the same. *Pack 'em!
Very Important Items - soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, body spray, lotion, sunscreen. Even though many of us can get away without it..mascara, eye liner. Chapstick, deodorant, and hair accessories to keep the mess out of your face.
Some Must Do Items for the Guys
Guns & Ammo! Of course this is a must have. Things can get crazy and you never know what kind of animals you'll come across, whether they be of the human kind or not.
Beer! I know we covered beer already but we are talking about men here. These guys will want more beer. In fact, we should just go ahead and add to the list a third time now.
Generator! Having a generator is a must during a time when you could lose power! There are these things on t.v. called SPORTS and it's already a bit of a stressful time. Must keep man happy with t.v. and SPORTS!! If not sports, trust me, there is a need...VIDEO GAMES!! YouTube!!
**A generator is a plus because it keeps the gals happy too. They can use it to keep the phone kicking and if you're really lucky some super fans to keep her feeling cool, calm, & collected.
Don't worry about the toiletries, your girl has got you covered there fellas!!
A few more fun to do's & some serious ones...
Fun - Load up the DVR. If you have a generator and power goes out you've got something to watch.
Serious - Load up on water. Buy the water bottles for water coolers to use for things you need larger amounts of water for and bottled water for drinking. Buy some of the refillable water containers, fill them and put them in your tub. You can use them for washing dishes, etc.
Fun - Load up your phone, ipod, tablet, or all three with movies and music to entertain you no matter where you are; roof, hotel, or safety of your own living room.
Serious - have lots of canned food items; tuna and chicken are great you can change it up between sandwiches and dips.
Fun - cookies, granola bars, pop tarts, chips, crackers.
Serious - a few gas cans filled with gas. Fill your cars with gas in case the stations are closed all week or even longer. Also helps if you need to evacuate. You can get right on the road vs. needing to stop at the first station on the way out of town - along with all those other last minute folks.
Fun - lots and lots of cards and board games.
Serious - paper plates, cups, and plastic ware so you have something to eat off of should the house get flooded and you begin life on a boat for a few days.
Fun - Grab your umbrellas. It's always easier to get the dogs out back for potty time w/them.
Serious - Pull your coolers out and make sure you have enough ice on hand to fill them. If the power goes out you can fill them with your beer..I mean, food and condiments from the fridge.
Fun - only surround yourself with fun easy going people who aren't afraid to get dirty. This way if you get stuck in a disaster zone together you'll all pitch in to get out of it and you won't kill each other before managing to do so.
One last note, if you think you want to take more with you than what you can fit in your car, boat, RV, trailer...just remember what's important in life.
Important documents - you'll need your birth certificates, social security cards. driver license, passports, marriage license, and paperwork for animals (county vaccine records).
Clothes - you probably won't be going to the Governor's Ball anytime soon after going through a real disaster so take reasonable clothing that you can be rugged in and can wear more than once without having to wash them. They should be appropriate for the climate and conditions.
Meds, Pets, Pets' needs, food, water, phones, tablets for communication purposes.
You really don't need pictures because you'll always have the memories.
You really don't need furniture or all your clothes and dishes and knick knacks.
None of those material things mean anything or matter over he safety of yourself and your loved ones. Just grab the bare minimum, be safe, and stay strong!
