Hurricane Preparedness 101: Part 1 - The Basics

By Jaye Lewis

Whether we want to admit it or not, hurricane season is moments away. This year, be prepared, at least with the basics: food, water, flashlights, batteries, battery operated short-wave radio, etc.

So what are the basics? How much is enough? And how much is too much? What type of foods should I store? What? Why? When? Where? How? It can be terribly confusing, but having survived 3 hurricanes, myself, I’ve learned a few lessons on how to be successful to save my life and the lives of my children.

Here are the basics, with a few of my own lessons learned:

What is a hurricane?

A hurricane is a tropical cyclone. Think of the water going down the drain. See how it swirls in a counter-clockwise fashion? That is how a hurricane spins. It can be a Category 1, which is 74-95 miles per hour, all the way up to a Category 5, which is 156 miles per hour or more! Hurricanes are not child’s play. They spawn tornados and micro-bursts, which can uproot trees, flatten houses, and kill you before you even know it! A hurricane also can produce a storm surge so high, so fast, and so powerful that it can take away your home, your family and your life.

Should I evacuate? If you live near the coast, or on an island near a river that empties into the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean, you should evacuate. Find out if you are in an evacuation area, and keep posted as to when or whether you should leave. (In my own experience, if you must evacuate, sooner is better than later). Have a plan. Make certain every family member knows the plan. Practice. Or at the very least, role-play, discuss it and memorize it. Make certain that small children know the plan.

What about water? How much should I store? According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) website, you should have a gallon of water a day per family member, for at least 3 days. I disagree.

In my experience, 2 gallons per day per family member is better preparation. And I would have enough water for a week, at the very least. So for a family of four, that would be 14 gallons of water per person, just for drinking, for one week.

There’s an easy way to do this, if you have a chest-type freezer. Simply line the bottom and sides of your freezer with gallons of water. Not only will you have extra water, but you will have ice. In fact, I would let the freezer get as empty as possible, approaching hurricane season, and fill every space with gallons of water. The water will stay fresh, and let me tell you, that ice will be more precious than rubies, when you need it.

Water for washing (If you do not evacuate, fill every pot, tub, and sink in the house)

What about food? Canned food is the essential commodity.

• Canned meats, such as corned beef, chicken, ham, tuna (which also comes in packets), salmon or roast beef. If you don’t like salmon, or you’re allergic to tuna, don’t store it.

• You can also store canned fruits, beans, and vegetables. Store only what you will like. (I made the mistake of storing canned beans and weenies. I hate beans and weenies! What was I thinking?)

• You can also store soup, canned personal meals, peanut butter, jelly, bread, granola bars, and canned nuts, baby formula, canned milk, and food for the elderly or diabetics.

• Don’t forget comfort foods, such as cookies, chips, crackers, candy, sweetened cereals, and juice.

What about first aid? Get a tackle box ready, now. I was not pleased with FEMA’s list of necessities, so I formed my own. Fill it with the following:

• Band-aids, in different sizes
• Gauze pads and adhesive tape (hypo-allergenic adhesive for those who are allergic)
• Sterile rolls of gauze
• Scissors; tweezers; needles; safety pins
• Moistened towelettes (baby wipes are great)
• Anti-bacterial towelettes (couple of boxes)
• Peroxide and/or isopropyl alcohol
• Thermometer (petroleum jelly for baby’s rectal thermometer)
• Latex or vinyl gloves (a box or two)
• Antibiotic band aids and triple antibiotic ointment
• Soap
• Aspirin and acetaminophen
• Sunscreen

MOST IMPORTANT: Pack your prescription medicine in a separate bag. DO NOT FORGET. Ask your pharmacist or doctor how to get at least a week ahead (preferably a month ahead) on your meds.

What about cash? Do start saving in a secret place, known only to the adults. Save dollar bills. A friend of mine always saves up $100 in ones. It has saved her from real anxiety and need.

What about the family cars? Fill-up every family car within 48 hours of the storm’s arrival. I did that, and it saved us from real hardship. We had mobility, when others did not.

What about sanitation? Now’s a good time to get that camping toilet you always wanted. Here is a list of suggestions to help you get started.

• Toilet paper
• Antibacterial soap
• Dish soap
• Sanitary pads
• Personal hygiene items, such as toothpaste and toothbrush.
• Sealable garbage bags
• Zipper bags, especially gallon bags
• CLORINE BLEACH

Now is a good time to gather the family and make that list together. In our family, there are disabilities, so that’s a consideration. Every plan should suit your family. Now is the time to talk to your children; consider your elderly; your pets and make a personal list. FEMA has suggestions, so does the Red Cross, but only you know your own needs.

Don’t forget:

• Flashlights (everyone should have one)
• Extra batteries (make certain that they fit the flashlights)
• Short wave radio with new batteries (it’s your link to the outside world)

I pray that you will never need this list. But be prepared. Don’t let yourself feel silly. Get started NOW. It could mean your life or the life of someone that you love.

Continue to Part 2: Protecting Your Home

© Doityourself.com 2006