Pray and Prepare

One of our storm shutters from 2004 - when we had three back to back hurricanes

A friend sent me this info.  I've been preparing for hurricanes for many years, but there are some here I've never thought of.  I've always lived by the motto:  "Better to be safe than sorry." 

  Pray and Prepare

Regarding cell phone, and towers being down:  you can download the ZELLO app to your phones, which enables you to use them as walkie talkies.  Folks used this in Texas when towers were down.  If you do this, don't forget to share your USER ID information with those with whom you need to keep in contact..

1. Charge any device that provides light. Laptops, tablets, cameras, video

cameras, and old phones. Old cell phones can still be used for dialing 911.

Charge external battery back ups.

2. Wash all trash cans, big and small, and fill with water for flushing

toilets. Line outdoor trash cans with trash bags, fill with water and store

in the garage. Add bleach to sterilize.

3. Fill every tub and sink with water. Cover sinks with Saran Wrap to keep

it from collecting dust. Fill washing machine and leave lid up to store

water.

4. Fill old empty water bottles and other containers with water and keep

near sinks for washing hands.

5. Fill every Tupperware with water and store in the freezer. These will help

keep food cold longer and serve as a backup water supply.

6. Fill drinking cups with water and cover with Saran Wrap. Store as many as

possible in the fridge. The rest you can store on the counter and use first

before any water bottles are opened. Ice is impossible to find after the

storm.

7. Reserve fridge space for storing tap water and keep the sealed water

bottles on the counter.

8. Cook any meats in advance and other perishable foods. You can freeze

cooked food. Hard boil eggs for snacks for the first day without power.

9. Be well hydrated before the storm hits and avoid salty foods that make

you dehydrated.

10. Wash all dirty clothes and bed sheets. Anything dirty will smell without

the A/C, you may need the items, and with no A/C, you'll be sweating a lot.

You're going to want clean sheets.

11. Toss out any expiring food, clean cat litter boxes, empty all trash cans

in the house, including bathrooms. Remove anything that will cause an odor

when the A/C is off. If you don't have a trash day pickup before the storm,

find a dumpster.

12. Bring in any yard decor, secure anything that will fly around, secure

gates, bring in hoses, potted plants, etc. Bring in patio furniture and

grills.

13. Clean your environment so you have clear, easy escape routes. Even if

that means temporarily moving furniture to one area.

14. Scrub all bathrooms so you are starting with a clean odor free

environment. Store water filled trash cans next to each toilet for flushing.

15. 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.

16. Make sure you have cash on hand.

17. Stock up on pet food and fill up bowls of water for pets.

18. Refill any medications. Most insurance companies allow for 2 emergency

refills per year.

19. Fill your propane tanks. You can heat soup cans, boil water, make

coffee, and other stuff besides just grilling meat. Get an extra, if

possible.

20. Drop your A/C in advance and lower temperatures in your fridges.

21. Gather all candles, flashlights, lighters, matches, batteries, and other

items and keep them accessible.

22. Clean all counters in advance. Start with a clean surface. Buy Clorox

Wipes for cleaning when there is no power. Mop your floors and vacuum. If

power is out for 10 days, you'll have to live in the mess you started with.

23. Pick your emergency safe place such as a closet under the stairs. Store

the items you'll need in that location for the brunt of the storm. Make a

hand fan for when the power is out.

24. Shower just before the storm is scheduled to hit.

25. Keep baby wipes next to each toilet. Don't flush them. It's not the time

to risk clogging your toilet!

26. Run your dishwasher, don't risk having dirty smelly dishes and you need

every container for water! Remember you'll need clean water for brushing

your teeth, washing yourself, and cleaning your hands.

27. 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.

28. Check on all family members, set up emergency back up plans, and check

on elderly neighbors.

29. Remember, pets are family too. Take them with you!

30. Before the storm, unplug all electronics. There will be power surges

during and after the storm.

31. Gas up your car and have a spare gas container for your generator or

your car when you run out.

32. 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

(help your memory, so you don't forget anything)

33.  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 come back, as it

may appear everything is still frozen, but if the coin is in the cup--you

will know!!

34.  Finally, anything that you want to try and preserve, but you can't take

with you---place it in a plastic bin and put in your dishwasher, lock the

door---this should make it water tight in case of any water intrusion into

your home. But of course, take all the important/irreplaceable items you

can!!

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