It’s Hurricane Season, are you prepared?

Hello my friend and welcome back!  While I usually talk about man-made disasters, but we also need to be prepared for Natural disasters as well. We are officially into Hurricane Season 2017 and the potential of our first named hurricane is high right now.  This is the topic of today’s post, so grab a cup of coffee my friend and have a seat while we visit.

If you live along the Gulf Coast, or East Coast, then you’re no stranger to Hurricanes and their destructive power.  In many cases, you have plenty of warning to get ready, but not always.  There have been times, when they have developed in the Gulf of Mexico, and quickly moved ashore leaving many people unprepared for what happened.  In cases like this, many lives can be lost and it’s effects can be felt  for months, and even years in some cases, like Katrina.

I have lived along the Gulf Coast almost all my life, so this is one type of disaster that I am well versed on.  Like most of my neighbors, I have what is commonly know as “Hurricane Supplies” stored up for just such an event.  Of course, they are a part of the same preps that I store up for any emergency as well.  It never ceases to amaze me how so many people can wait to the very last minute to get the supplies they need and then complain when the stores become empty.

Other than food and lots and lots of water, there are many other things that are needed as well. Things such plywood and long screws to cover the doors and windows for starters.  While many people rush out and buy it when the storm is imminent, the smart ones buy it in advance and cut it and fit it to each door and window.  Then you number it and store it for when you need it.  In the past 10 years or so, many people have switched to a metal system that is made for just such an event, and if you can afford them, then it’s well worth the money.  They are designed to protect your home from blowing objects such as two by four pieces of lumber, rocks and any other debris that might get caught up in the wind. Stock up on sand bags for doorways if your yard floods easily…instead of having to go fill them at the last minute.

You also want to make sure you have a good Generator, or Solar Panels and Batteries that you can deploy to generate power.  Flashlight batteries is another item that you will also need  to have plenty of as well,  because the power could be out for days, weeks or even months depending on where you live.  Another tip which is true for anytime you lose power is to have gallon jugs filled with water in your deep freezer.  When the power goes out, simply tape the lid shut to try to keep the cold air in.  The frozen jugs will help keep things frozen, and then cooler for much longer than if you didn’t have them, saving your frozen food longer.

Another thing is to be sure you have plenty of propane and either a propane grill or stove to cook on.  Emergency candles are another good investment in preparing for Hurricane season.

When you are stocking up on food try to avoid things like breakfast cereal because there may be no milk available, unless you have powdered milk.

Something many people don’t think about when it comes to Hurricane supplies are the one’s need for sanitation such as the list below..ƒ

• Feminine supplies
• Personal hygiene items (toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo etc.)
• Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Household chlorine bleach, disinfectant
• Plenty of absorbent towels

Don’t forget to fill your tank up on any vehicles you may have, as well as any gas cans lying around. The Red Cross has a full list of Hurricane supplies that you should keep on hand in case a hurricanes strikes your area.  Now, as someone who has been through a few Hurricanes, there is no way to describe the noise the wind make other than “unnerving”, and if you can avoid one altogether, then by all means do!  There is nothing exciting or brave about riding out a hurricane. You need to prepare now and like with all disasters, avoid it if you can, but if you can’t, be prepared for the worst.

Well, that’s it for today my friend and I hope you have found this post worth reading.  Until next time my friend, stay safe, stay strong and stay prepared.  God Bless America!

-Sarge-