I grew up in North Carolina loving thunderstorms and still do, it actually makes me sad that we don't get them here in Portland, OR. Hurricanes were always like an extended thunderstorm and I loved it. We would play board games and card games together as a family under candle light and flashlights. However, living in North Carolina, the highest category storm we've ever had was a 3. Even then, with one hurricane, we had major damage when a tree landed on part of our house. People often don't take the time to truly prepare for these events and it can leave them completely unprepared for the devastation that may take place.
Hurricane preparation: Things to buy ahead of time and keep in a safe place for upcoming storms:
Drinkable water (At least one gallon for each person per day)
Non-perishable food -- canned foods(tuna, salmon, chicken, turkey, soups, chili, vegetables like green beans, carrots, peas, and chef boyardee), protein and granola bars, packaged fruit cups, applesauce packets, pudding cups, cheese/peanut butter crackers, ramen noodles, dried fruits, Peanut butter/almond butter/sunflower seed butter depending on allergies, crackers, pop tarts, dry cereal, trail mix, powdered milk.
In case you have children, get extra cans of formula and jars of baby food. (pureed baby food can also be great for the elderly if they have a hard time chewing)
Manual can opener
Room temperature food for pets
Fill up your gas tank beforehand. In case of a mandatory evacuation, you deciding last minute to evacuate or attempting to get around after the damage has occurred... this may be your only chance to get gas before the storm hits. Learn nearby evacuation routes ahead of time. If possible, get a small gas container filled to put in the car also.
charcoal or propane for your outside grill.
Clorox wipes can be helpful when needing to do a quick clean up.
Garbage bags, Paper plates and plastic silverware will be handy!
Things to do before the hurricane hits land:
Charge all devices that can be used and provide light to 100%. Old phones can be used for dialing 911. Cell phones, laptops, tablets, e-readers, old phones.
Gather all flashlights, batteries, hand crank radios, candles, lighters, matches, and keep them accessible. If possible, have at least one flashlight per person.
Run all machines the day before - dishwasher, washing machines, dryer.
Fill your tubs and sinks with water. If possible, fill your washing machine after it's last load with water and leave it open. Use any buckets/trashcans you have to fill with water for refilling and flushing toilets.
Fill old Tupperware with water and store this in the freezer. It will help keep foods stay cold longer once the power goes out and can be used as back up water supply.
Cook meats in advance and other perishable foods. Cooked food can be frozen. Have hard boiled eggs for snacks for the first day without power.
If you are able to get one, a generator can help you stay more comfortable for the days when the power has gone out.
Take pictures of your valuables and put them in a safe, dry spot high up.
Place everything you own that is important and necessary in a backpack or small file box that is easy to grab. Include your wallet with ID, phone, hand sanitizer, snacks, etc. Get plastic sleeves for important documents. Make sure to get cash.
A charcoal or propane grill can come in handy once the storm passes and you're left without power.
If you live in a high-risk flood area, buy sandbags in advance to build a barrier to protect your home. If sandbags are unavailable, you can create your own with cat litter, pillow cases and zip ties.
Empty all trash cans in the home and throw out expiring foods.
Bring in any yard decor, hoses, potted plants, patio furniture and grills. These items can later become missiles when the wind picks up. Secure anything that will fly around, secure gates, and if possible park cars so they aren't near trees.
Put a small suitcase in your car in case you decide to evacuate. Also put at least one jug of water in your car. It will still be there if you don't evacuate! You don't need to store all water in the house. Remember to pack for pets as well.
Check on all family members, set up emergency back up plans, and check on elderly neighbors.
If you can, take a video of your house and contents....walk room to room--open cabinets/drawers and closets. This will help if you need to make a claim later. It will show proof of items and help you list all the items in your home (it may help jog your memory, so you don't forget anything).
Pick a safe space in your home that will will fit all people and animals. Try to get away from windows if possible. Prepare pillows, emergency items, flashlights, and things to do in this area. Books, board games, card games, toys for kids and pets, etc.
Know where the main breaker is in your home. If water floods up to your electrical outlets or you have to evacuate, TURN OFF the main breaker.
Health wise:
If you have serious health issues, contact your doctor or health provider and find out what the best option is for you regarding care and evacuations.
Make sure your medications are refilled before the storm hits. Be prepared with at least 2-3 weeks of back-up medications in case the power goes out.
Drink as much water as possible and do your best to avoid salty foods to make sure you don't get dehydrated.
Wash all dirty clothes and bed sheets. Anything dirty will smell without the A/C and with no A/C, you'll be sweating a lot. You're going to want clean sheets.
Shower just before the storm is set to hit. You may be without power and running water for several days.
Keep baby wipes next to each toilet. Don't flush them. It's not the time to risk clogging your toilet!
Before the storm hits, unplug all electronics. There will be power surges during and after the storm.
Remember to always expect the worst and be prepared for it. Close ALL doors in your home - To ensure that your roof stays put and that you and your family stay out of harm's way, close all interior doors, windows, and exterior doors of your home. Closing all interior doors helps disperse the pressure throughout your home, reducing the effect that all of that force can have on your roof—which is basically the one thing that separates you from the storm.
Have a safety contact - Pick a friend or relative who lives outside the affected area of the storm and designate them as your safety contact. Check in with them ASAP post-storm. Remember, it will be easier to get calls out of the area than to communicate with the area affected by the storm. Write their phone number down ahead of time.
Another idea: freeze a cup of water, place a coin on top after it is frozen...keep this in your freezer to help you gauge the temperature if the power goes out. If the coin stays on top, the food is staying frozen. If the coin falls into the water, the freezer thawed out and most food will likely need to be thrown away. This is super helpful is you have to leave and return after the storm, as it may appear everything is still frozen, but if the coin is in the bottom of the cup--you will know that the food has gone bad.
For those of you going into hurricane season or getting ready for the next storm to hit, good luck and just use common sense. ❤️ Be safe.
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