Be Ready for that Emergency

     Good afternoon, Family...  In light of the disastrous weather that has been happening in the Gulf region and in the Atlantic Ocean, I thought I would take the time out to talk about being prepared.  Although, we have NO control over mother nature and the elements that she brings forth, when the predictions arise that there may be horrific weather on the horizon, we can prepare ourselves in advance JUST IN CASE we are caught in the midst of a disaster.


     Hurricane Harvey has and Irma are wreaking havoc on various parts of the US and Caribbean Islands.  Many folks have been forced to go to shelters for safety.  I have never had to be in a situation like this, but the thought of daily activities--eating, sleeping, playing, praying, bathing, talking--happening in a facility with another 8,000 plus people is just something I cannot even imagine, although I am seeing the images on my television everyday. The fact that there is even order and calm in the place is a miracle in itself.


     Ironically, September is NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH.  The theme for this is "Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.”  The concept is to take steps to be prepared for potential emergencies, including natural disasters and terrorist attacks.  (Never would have ever thought in my lifetime there would be a need to worry about terrorist, but here we are).  The "Ready" campaign asks individuals to do three key things:  1.  Get an emergency supply kit, 2.  make a family emergency plan, 3.  be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses.


     According to FEMA, all Americans should have some basic supplies on hand to survive for at least three days if an emergency occurs.  Here is FEMA's recommended BASIC Emergency Supply Kit:

• water, 1 gallon of water per person/day for at least three days
• food, at least a three day supply of non-perishable food
• battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone alert and extra batteries
• flashlight and extra batteries
• first aid kit
• whistle to signal for help
• dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
• moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• local maps

I remember as a child my parents and grandmother ALWAYS had an OIL LAMP ready with  oil and a flashlight, in case the electricity went out and I am sure we had about 2-3 days worth of non-perishable foods, but bottled water was not even a thing back then and a first aid kit was a paper towel or napkin with your spit on it to wipe off the boo-boo. (some of you know what I am talking about).  Anyway, the above list is just the beginning.  Of course there are many other items that you could consider for your prep kit--medications, infant supplies, pet supplies, CASH,  matches, feminine supplies, fire extinguisher, etc...--whatever your household would need to SUSTAIN itself for several days.


    This information is not the complete answer to your possible needs in the time of a disaster, but it is definitely a start.  Maybe consider getting a large storage bin that you can place  somewhere in your home were you can store these type of items.  You would really need to make a note of expiration dates of your batteries and food items as you want them to be usable at your time of need. 


     Continue to keep those affected by these current disasters in your thoughts and prayers.  For additional information about readiness, check out the website www.ready.gov.




Smooches