Hurricane Florence is predicted to hit the east coast, more specifically, the Carolinas, later this week. Our family spent the weekend getting ready. So, I just wanted to share some thoughts with our readers that may be getting ready, or may have moved here and never been through a hurricane before.
Here are some things I suggest you think about as you gather your thoughts and things.
Consider keeping on hand:
- Water – either bottled or through rain catchment (make sure you understand how to do a HEALTHY catchment system)
- Candles and matches
- Batteries and flashlights
- Nonperishable foods
- Charcoal/propane for outdoor cooking
- Full tank of gas and cars full in case you need to evacuate
- Battery operated radios
- First Aid Supplies
- Generator (DO NOT USE INSIDE OF YOUR HOME OR GARAGE) and its supplies
- Baby and Elderly supplies
In Your Home:
- Raise things that are important to an attic or higher levels
- Place important papers into plastic ziplock bags (birth certificates, SSN cards, mortgage papers, insurance papers, etc.)
- In case of SEVERE flooding, make sure to put an Axe and ladder in your attic along with water, medications, blankets, flashlights
- Clean and fill your bathtub(s) with water to use for sanitary purposes (flushing toilets, taking some into a small bowl to wash etc)
- Use your washing machine to fill with ice and store things that should be cold in there if needed
- Make sure all medications are filled and in a place easily accessible and out of water’s way
Outside:
- Bring in anything that can be hazardous
- Tie down or weigh down what you can’t bring in
Animals:
- Bring all animals inside or take them to higher ground also make sure they are properly marked for identification
- Make sure you have enough water and food for them
- DO NOT LEAVE THEM CHAINED TO or LOCKED IN ANYTHING INCLUDING YOUR HOME…give them an opportunity to survive using their instincts. If you can, please try and take them with you.
If you decide to leave:
- Leave as soon as possible – don’t wait
- Have a paper map on hand
- Have a full tank of gas
- Leave EARLY in the day so you have enough daylight
- Prepare for traffic – pack your snacks and patience!
For more ideas visit this hurricane preparedness link. Praying we all stay safe and please don’t try to be heros by putting yourself and others in danger!