Pre-Hurricane Preparations – A Basic List

When I was growing up in North Dakota, we had huge blizzards that would come through every winter. They would last for two or even three days, and be truly dangerous. The entire region would close down and “hunker in.”

My parents had standard blizzard preparations: Make sure the oil tank was full, so we wouldn’t run out of fuel oil. Make sure we had plenty of stored canned goods – including canned protein, such as a canned chicken, and a canned ham. And finally (for their own peace of mind and sanity), the “parental essentials”: cigarettes, brandy, and chocolate. (How else could a couple get through three days of being snowbound with five children in the house?)

Naturally, I grew up taking blizzard – and winter storm and hurricane – preparations seriously.

Several years ago, we had a major hurricane come through the NoVa area, and power went out (briefly). What was more unexpected: The area’s water supply was contaminated. For a few days, water was safe enough for bathing and washing clothes, but was not drinkable. (My housemates and I delivered some gallons of pure drinking water, from our well, to business colleagues whose water supply was disrupted.)

So – as I write – we have about 48 hours to go. Then Hurricane Irene is “for real” on our shores, NoVA, and moving north. And we all want to be safe and hunkered down.

As much for my own peace of mind – and to keep a calm, steady focus – I’m writing down my “hurricane/blizzard” steps. And I’ll post a few on Facebook as well.

Step 1: Get Clean

Because in our home, the water supply can be disrupted when the power goes out (well water), the “get clean” step helps us ALL feel better if we’re going to be without water for a while.

• Take a shower, wash your hair.
• Empty the garbage. Get the recycling out of the way (but not outside).
• Clean the cat pans.

Step 2: Clean Up the Outside

This can be done any time up until the “big winds” and the rain hits, but its always best to overestimate the power of the storm.

• Make sure that anything that could go “flying off with the wind” is pulled inside.

Step 3: Get All Contact Information Organized

Think worst case – cell phone towers disrupted, or your cell phone simply runs out of juice and the power is still out. Think back-ups.

• Write down all the contact info that you might possibly need during the storm – telephone numbers, email addresses – in case you wind up using someone else’s phone or computer.
• Let people know where you’ll be; cancel unnecessary meetings, or make firm arrangements to connect with someone BEFORE heading out to the meeting – either you or they could have storm-related interrupts.
• It’s obvious, but: Charge up everything! And if you have a charger that works in the car, as a back-up, get it into the car where it will be available when/if you need it.

Step 4: Lay in “Hurricane/Blizzard Supplies”

Once again – think worst case. Think a couple of days without power.

• Lay in a stock of easy-to-eat foods; nuts and raisens and chocolate, various pre-mades. Stock up on canned protein as well; even a can of tuna fish will help. Get extra pet food.
• Load up on “potable water” (the drinkable kind) and, just to be safe, some gallons of “non-potables” – for washing, toilet flushes. (Just in case.)
• The basics: flashlights and batteries. (Load and test.) If you have a little battery-powered radio, make sure your batteries are fresh and/or that you have extras. Candles and matches. Keep the flashlight with you once it’s dark, and put the candles AND matches (for each candle) strategically throughout the house.
• Make something that’s easy to eat and will last for a few days; a big crockpot of chili, or a spagetti with sauce. Something that will tide people over for a few meals if need be. Get the “go-withs” – cheese, chips, salad, whatever. Make a pan of brownies.
• Just before the storm hits, make a big thermos of whatever it is that you like as a “hot drink.” Who wants to go without hot coffee of tea for two days?

Step 5: Advanced Preps

This step is only for those who like to be truly prepared, but if you are, then:

• Get firewood, and dry tinder, and “fire starter” materials inside. Be ready to light a fire. Get your cooking grate set up, and identify which pots/pans you’re willing to “sacrifice” to be used over an open flame. (On a cooking/grilling grate, of course.)
• If you have a grill that can be brought into the (vented) garage, get that set up.
• Find and assess all “emergency supplies.” For example, we have propane-powered lights. Time to haul those out, test and check.

Step 6: Get Something Good to Read

Of course, if you’re going to be rained in or snowed in, it helps to have something to pass the time. My all-time favorite, of course, is a good read. Naturally, I’ll recommend Unveiling: The Inner Journey first. But I’ll recommend some others as well, and as soon as I can get a bit more time, will post some links on the next blogpost.

Until then, if you ORDER NOW, Amazon will deliver your copy Friday morning – or Saturday morning – and you’ll have a fab read for the weekend!