Are you ready for a storm?

Are you Ready for a Storm?

 

 

Hurricanes, snow storm, ice storm, torrential rains, tornado's, etc.

 ARE YOU READY??

Do you have mobility issues?  Cognitive issues?  Heat or cold issues?

For those in the Northeast baring down for Sandy (lets hope it fizzles out) or any other storm - here are some things to keep in mind that I have seen posted.  Please Comment if there is anything that was left out!!!


most of these shared by our co-founder Sharon

1- make sure your meds supply is up to date and you have all you need.

2-Flashlights- keep all flashlights in a specific spot so you know exactly where everything is.

3-Batteries- make sure you have different size batteries AAA, Double AA, C'S & D'S

4- Candles and Butane lighter ( the long ones you can use to start up your BBQ grill)

5- Gas up your cars/make sure your tires have proper air
 • Car charger for your cell phone. If your cell loses "juice" you can always run out to your           car and charge your phone.

6- Buy non perishable items to have on hand, soup, peanut butter, dry cereal, crackers, spam,  etc.

7- Get a "old school phone"  - a phone with a cord. If you lose power you can remove the battery powered phone from the jack and use the phone with a cord - put that into the jack which doesn't require batteries and you'll have phone service.You can go to a pharmacy, a 5 & Dime store they usually have them for under $10 (she sadly learned this during 9/11 so she could have phone service)

8-THIS IS KEY!!!!! Make sure your power company knows you are disabled (they keep that on file) and USUALLY if you lose power they attend to those first listed as "disabled"

9- Have distilled and regular bottled water.

11- Hand crank radio/flashlight (I found them at RadioShack) I have seen them run $40-$200 - but the one time investment is so worth it, especially when you need light or access to hear what is going on in the outside world (you can use it while camping too)

 12- Make an emergency bag. Extra clothes for you & your family ,tooth brushes toothpaste, brush, feminine items, spray shampoo, medications, and personal items. A list of meds, doctors names addresses. Also in this emergency bag keep all of your important documentation IE birth certificates, passports etc.

If your in a low lying area highly important in case of evacuation.

put this in a liquid tight bag or liquid tight plastic bin

13- DONT FORGET ABOUT YOUR PETS!!!! if you have pets make sure you have enough food and water for them, if they take meds for aliments make sure you have their meds on hand as well

14- if you have kids, charge their Nintendo DS, Nooks (even your own Nooks or Kindle) if you lose power you make sure the kids are occupied

15- I have bags of ice in my freezer. If you lose power put the bags of ice in your frig/frigs it will help keep things from spoiling. Don't open and close the door to the frig, keep it closed so the cold air doesn't escape. this is important especially if your medication require refrigeration



16 - fill your bathtub with water. if you are without power for extensive period of time you may need this for bathing - brushing teeth - during storms your running water can become contaminated and you wont have power to boil it first

17 - get cash out of the ATM - if no power  - no ATM's or Credit card machines will work

 

18 - if you have a portable AM/FM radio make sure batteries are fresh (if you don't have a hand crank radio)

19 - if you have a generator make sure it works. if its gas powered be sure you have gas for it (a few cans as backup)


20 -make sure you have gas/charcoal for your grill - if you lose extensive power and the ice runs out you can grill your meats and other foods before they spoil

21 - if you have portable/non electric powered fans/heaters make sure they work and if they take batteries you have enough strictly for them

22 - update your First Aid Kit

In Florida as most of our storms are hurricanes, we board up our windows - if the storm coming your way allows time for it, it may be a good idea.

if you are approaching a devastating storm, GET OUT!!!  Call a friend of family member in a different area or go to designated storm shelters

If you can - reach out to one person after the storm is over and let them know you are ok or if you need help  and have them spread the word. 

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