How to Stay Prepared for an Emregency

Though it’s early in the season, we currently have our first hurricane among us.

Where I live geographically doesn’t get many hurricanes, and when we do they’re usually quite downgraded, but we do still get a few tail-ends and post tropical storms being on the coast. It wasn’t long ago that we were hit quite hard and had thousands of dollars worth of damage done. Our city as a whole received a huge wakeup call from Mother Nature and we no longer mess around!

Since living through the first bad hurricane 11 years ago, and many post tropical and winter storms, we have become quite educated in the emergency preparedness department. There are the basics that most people remember like having food and water on hand but there are many more steps into assuring your family will be safe and sustainable for a few days with potentially no power for you, or your entire city.

Prep Your Property

Make sure you ”baton down all the hatches”. Clear your decks, porches and yards of any debris. A lot of the damage done in our last storm was from flying debris. If you have time and can predict stuff like low-lying tree branches that may break, deal with them. Bring outdoor plants inside and secure all furniture that can’t move.

Medication/Medical Supplies

During the hurricane a few years ago, pretty much our entire city was without power for at least a few days. Pharmacies had to close, and people were running out of medication. I remember my mom, who is a pharmacist, going into work and losing thousands of dollars worth of refrigerated stock. She was also playing ”catch up” and dealing with people who had run out and may not have been in the best medical condition. In today’s technology, storms are usually pretty well predicted. Listen to any warnings and make sure you stock up on any medication for you and your family at least for a few days. Also have a first aid kit on hand.

Baby Supplies

If you have a baby, stock up on supplies like diapers, wipes, Tylenol, Advil and benedryl, you never know what may happen! If you cloth diaper, buy disposable to have on hand since you may not be able to do laundry to wash your cloth.

Propane/Gas

If you have access to a BBQ, even a small camping stove, make sure you have some propane on hand. We relied on this mode of cooking for almost a full week during the last bad storm and as we prepare today for power loss I know we had a mode to cook some food. Also make sure you have a full tank of gas because there’s a possibility the gas stations may not be open!

Power Sources

Obviously power loss is a big deal in storms. Have backup batteries, candles, lighters, solar chargers and ideally a solar-powered radio. You can really never have enough batteries on hand. Also think about kids toys which may require batteries, if you have no power and need to keep them entertained, batteries may be required for your sanity 😉

Entertainment

Make sure you know where family fun stuff is. Books, games, cards, coloring books. This is also good in case you are required to leave your house and need to grab some things relatively quick.

Pet Supplies

This is all too overlooked. Heck, I just did it this week. Though I didn’t forget the food I did forget to buy kitty litter so hoping if we lose power it isn’t for long and can get to a store in the next day or so! Again, if you have to leave make sure you’re not looking for the pets cage or carrier. I know our cat carrier is often buried in a closet somewhere.

Though storms, no matter how well predicted can still be very unpredictable when they actually hit it doesn’t hurt to be prepared! And no, I don’t believe you can ever be too prepared.

How do you stay prepared for emergencies?

Catherine

Catherine is a first time momma to a rambunctious toddler. When she isn’t soaking up all that motherhood has to offer, you can find her blogging over at Plunged in Debt where she chronicles her and her husbands journey out of debt. You can also follow her on Twitter.