As I was driving back from Jupiter to the Treasure Coast today I hit one of those Florida downpours. For those who live in New England, where I’m from – I equate this to a white out blizzard. Why? In both our rainstorms and your blizzards you’re lucky to be able to see the entire hood of your car in front of you, never mind the road. This of course brought me to thinking about hurricane season and how I thought I was escaping ice and winter storms in Rhode Island, but arrived here to be hit with a one-two punch (and then a third sucker-punch) by hurricanes within months of arriving.
My friends up North may be dealing with storm season now, but we’ll be doing the same come August. Since it’s going to be my sixth hurricane season, I’m getting smarter about preparing early. I know from past experience that I could be stuck inside for weeks with no way of getting out. I’ve already got plenty of lanterns, a great radio that if I run out of batteries can be wound up (including a light), and while I always stock up on plenty of bottled water, I don’t have any food storage yet.
All of this rain got me thinking that I need to make my list and buy as I see the items on sale. For those of you up north, the list should be pretty much the same. The NHC offers a great supply list:
Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils
Blankets / Pillows, etc.
Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
Special Items - for babies and the elderly
Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
Flashlight / Batteries
Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
Keys
Toys, Books and Games
Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
Vehicle fuel tanks filled
Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash
And of course…a GOOD BOOK or two to read while I wait for the electricity to come back on.
A patient called the office yesterday and said ” it’s a freakin’ hurricane out there!!” lol
Living near Galveston, we have to always be prepared for hurricanes also.
It’s a good idea to be prepared for whatever natural disaster that could happen in your area. Well, it pays to just be prepared for power outages.
I used to live in FL, and remember the downpours. We used to call them sunshowers. The sun would be shining, and then the rain would pour down. A few minutes later, it would be clear and sunny again.