June 1st is well known by many local residents in the Gulf Coast Region as: The Beginning of Hurricane Season!!
Words can not express what so many of us went through during Hurricane Katrina-August 2005. We may have different stories, but the sadness we all felt is so similar. One thing many of us have done is change our prep strategies. June 1st means we are replenishing or rebuilding last years Hurricane Prep Supply Kits.
Have you seen the National Geographic Series: Doomsday Preppers? Let’s just say… they take prepping for disasters to the next level!! I can honestly say, those participants are pretty much prepared for a national disaster of any sort! Okay…maybe they are a little too extreme for the average disaster prepper, but it can be fun to watch!
We were without power & water at my mother’s home (which had little damage..by little I mean less than 20k in damages) for over 2 1/2 weeks during Hurricane Katrina. My family was never able to move back into our home due to the severity of it’s damages. So we lived with my parents for 2 1/2 months until my husband & I closed on a property that was not affected by the disaster.
Below is a list of recommended items needed to have an adequate Disaster Supply Kit as recommended by National Hurricane Center. This list is merely a way to survive for a small inconvenience, such as loss of power or if your stuck within the comfinds of your home for a few days.
One lesson we learned about ourselves, our neighbors, & the Gulf Coast is that we are a people of Resilience. Together We Survived, and Together We Thrive!
Check box Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Check box 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
[…] some people were a little late preparing. Several bloggers have prepared lists and suggestions for families facing a hurricane that you may find helpful. One thing that I have noticed is that no […]