DISASTER-PREPARDNESS-LIST.txt
from a Friend:
Some
of you are new to the area and may not know this, but hurricanes
do come inland quite a long distance. Hurricane Fran in
September 1996 came up much the way it appears Florence is
headed. I was without water/power for 9 days and had 6 trees
fall on various structures. Not fun.
Here’s a great Disaster Preparedness checklist, for anyone who is
not familiar with hurricanes. Prepare NOW!
This is the most comprehensive list I've seen so far! Be prepared!
1. Charge any device that provides light. Laptops, tablets,
cameras, video cameras, and old phones. Old cell phones can still
use for dialing 911. Charge external battery backups.
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 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 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 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.
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)...I highly recommend!!!
I also heard you should 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!!
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!!
You may wish to consider a Water Straw for a longer-term solution:
http://www.woodsmall.com/water-filtration-for-preppers-families-individuals.htm
Stay Safe everyone!