Can't
say it often enough - don't wait to the last minute to
prepare. If you do you will find the grocery stores
and hardware stores and streets packed with all the other
people who waited to the last minute. Frightened, disorganized
people are not nice to be around. Do you really want
to have to get into a fist fight over that last pack
of batteries or sheet of plywood?
Have cash on hand
- If the power goes out the ATM machines will not
be working and the banks will not be open.
Windows -
If you only taped the windows rather than putting up shutters
or plywood, close all drapes and curtains on the inside
of the house to catch flying glass. You might even feel
the need to nail heavy blankets over some windows for further
protection.
Utilities -
If you are evacuating with a big storm on the way, shut
off the power, water and gas. If you are staying make sure
you know how to turn everything off in a hurry.
Radio, lights,
batteries - Expect that the power is going to go
out at some point. It is frightening to sit in the dark
feeling cut off from the world, not knowing what is happening,
so make sure you have a battery powered radio, flashlights,
and plenty of batteries. Do yourself a favor and get
appliances that all use the same size batteries, so you
don't have to stock up on various sizes. (Also, when
batteries go dead in one item, you can swap out from
another.)
If you use candles,
use a candle holder that has a glass chimney. Not only
does this provide more light, it minimizes the fire hazard
of a bare candle. Even better, get some of those battery
powered touch-lights.
Insurance -
Check your insurance coverage. There are different deductibles,
and different coverage. If you wait until a hurricane is
actually on it's way you won't be able to get any coverage
at all.
Check into your flood
insurance. You can find out about the National Flood Insurance
Program through your local insurance agent or emergency
management office. There is normally a 30-day waiting period
before a new policy becomes effective. Homeowners polices
do not cover damage from the flooding that accompanies
a hurricane.
Photographs -
Photograph all your valuables - TV, VCR, computer, jewelry,
collectibles... I go all through the house photographing
every room and all around the yard photographing the exterior.
Get a picture of the car while you're at it. Take a picture
of yourself in a mirror so you have a photo of the camera,
too.
Paperwork -
I keep a small, fireproof safe for all my most important
papers - insurance, property photos, cash. When evacuating
I can just throw it in the trunk of the car and have everything
right there ready to go. (Don't forget
to take the key!)
Weapons -
Not everyone has or wants a weapon, use your own judgment.
I am of the "Looters will be shot, survivors will
be shot again" school. If you are keeping a weapon
handy, have it and the ammunition in a safe location where
you can get at it readily, but your children cannot. (You
will not be permitted to take a weapon into a public shelter
if you need to evacuate.)
Tools - Have
necessary tools together in case there is damage to your
home afterwards. You won't want to be scrambling around
under a collapsed garage roof to find saws, pliers, screwdrivers
and so on.
Camping Gear -
Very handy when the power goes out. You don't want to be
cooking on an open fire with your good cookware, do you?
My camping gear is all in a big plastic tub with a lid.
If I have to evacuate I can throw the whole tub in the
car, and everything is already in there. Some items you
will want to be sure to include are: |
juice
