Home Maintenance (Emergency Preparedness)

Storm-Season Sensibility and Beyond

Storm season is upon us once more and winter is not too far off. The natural state of affairs, or delighting in our seasons, coupled with the unrest in other parts of the world make this post timely. You'll note I have no suggestions for a zombie apocalypse--all I can say to that is "double tap". 

I am always willing to share my “Be Prepared” motto, and fun list of “Must-Have On-Hand Items”. Most items in the list should be kept handy all year long; there is always the possibility of a power outage. It is wise to consider the following suggestions in conjunction with the government’s checklist.

We lessen the burden on others, in the event of an emergency, when we are prepared as best possible, taking responsibility for ourselves and our families.

Storm-Preparedness Arsenal:

• Batteries (of various sizes for all products needed: flashlights, radios, lamps, etc.)
• Flashlights and lanterns
• Rechargeable flashlight (type that stays plugged into a wall outlet, when power is lost the flashlight is activated--using charged battery power; it is now a source of immediate light, on the wall, to guide you.)
• Masking tape to tape windows.
• Duct tape, tarps, and plastic to seal areas.
• Plywood and scrap wood (useful for covering and protecting windows. Long screws and (ideally) a drill (charged) should be kept nearby for this purpose.) 
• Assorted tools: hammer, screwdrivers, pry-bar, wrenches for gas and water meter shut-off's, assorted wrenches for other situations, nails, screws, staple gun, etc.
• Gas grill or charcoal grill (filled propane tank; charcoal and lighter fluid)
• Matches and lighters
• Hand can opener
• Food Items: (Un-refrigerated products for each person, for at least four days)
• Hermetically-sealed milks (soy, nut, dairy); do not require refrigeration until opened.
• Canned goods (Especially those that can be eaten without warming or cooking)
• Dry goods: crackers, wafers, biscuits, cereals, trail mix, nuts, seeds, and granola-type bars.
• Packaged fun foods (For the kids—to keep them thinking all is well: raisins, fruit leathers, popped popcorn, etc.)
• One gallon of water per person, per day, for 4 days (Used for drinking and personal hygiene.) Don’t forget hydration for pets.
• For babies: diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food.
• Feminine products
• Pet food
• Paper plates, plastic dinnerware, and plastic drinking cups. Don't forget paper goods!
• First aid kit: large enough for entire family--should include gauze, tape, scissors, alcohol pads, bandages, antibacterial cream/ointment, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea med., antacids, hot/cold pack, thermometer, plastic gloves, tweezers, hemostats, face masks, first aid directions, and anything else you have room for (examples: blood pressure kit, bottles peroxide & alcohol, suture kits, butterfly bandages, tourniquet, finger splints.)
  Whether bought as a kit or put together yourself, be sure to have the necessary items in one spot...preferably a bag or box that can be brought to the person in need and packed in an evacuation bag as needed.
• Additionally, a natural first aid kit would also be in my arsenal...but that's another post!

A generator would be the solution to stay self-sufficient in the event there are power outages but no evacuations. There are many sizes and prices. A small one might keep lights on and the TV airing, and a larger one would keep the furnace firing and the refrigerator chilling.

Other Storm-Preparedness Tasks:

• Fill propane tanks for grills or fire places.
• Fill automobile gas tanks (and snow blowers).
• Keep prescriptions filled and up-to-date (For Bipeds and quadrupeds!).
• Keep cell phones charged.
• A land-line phone that doesn’t require electricity will most likely work during a power outage, unless phone lines are down, too. Unfortunately, we have mostly given in to digital telephone services these days.
• Create an emergency plan with your family (know what to do, what to grab, who to call, where to go, and where to meet should you get separated—always have a “Plan B”.).
• Relocate items from the property that could become projectiles (including garbage cans). Store them in the garage, shed, or basement. Be sure loose shingles, gutters, wires, etc. are fastened to avoid further damage. NOTE: Do not repair power and utility lines yourself; always call on the appropriate companies to do so.
• If heat becomes an issue, conserve warmth by having everyone camp-out in the living room! An air mattress or two will make this a comfy way to tough-it-out. Sealing doorways or even setting up a tent will further your efforts.
• Sleeping bags
• Keep board games, playing cards, and art supplies accessible. Think about passing the time playing music…MP3 player with speakers or use the nifty new solar/crank radio or maybe playing instruments.

Crank and/or solar radios are great products to buy. There are many models with a wide price range. Some have AM/FM and shortwave frequencies, a weather band, and MP3 connection. Many offer hand crank, solar, and AC/DC as power sources. Others even have built in lanterns. Such a piece of electronics would not only be indispensable but also the sunny spot in a dark hour.

Consider buying solar chargers. Many sizes to fit your needs and budget: small chargers for cell phones, larger for small appliances, and still larger for larger needs. Many sources to power your needs means less drama for you and your family. Alternative sourced portable power isn't just for flashlights anymore.

In the Event of Emergency or Evacuation:

Should you get a knock on the door at 3 a.m., and you are in your P.J.’s—quite groggy, will you be able to get everything you need in the five to ten minutes you are given to leave your home? 

Consider the panic multiplied and amplified by each member of your household. The answer could be pre-packed emergency kits. The minimum they should contain follows.

• Overnight/Emergency packs for evacuation: Personal care items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, washcloth, make-up, lotion, dental and orthodontic appliances, feminine products, etc.); change of clothes and shoes (don’t forget socks); medications and pain relievers; and important papers (birth certificates, social security cards, copies of account numbers, insurance policies or contact numbers, IDs, credit cards, medical cards, bank cards, important phone numbers, and anything else you would not want to leave behind to be destroyed or to be found by someone who isn’t a member of your family), first aid kit, glasses, a book or two to read, notebook and pens, deck of cards, travel games, hand sanitizer, baby wipes (extra--for all family members) for freshening, chewing gum, mints, snacks (granola bars, etc), ear plugs, flip flops (to wear in shower), hair ties & elastics, gloves & hats (weather appropriate), athletic shoes (there may be walking), travel sewing kit (safety pins, too), walkers or other devices for the physically challenged.
• Don’t forget baby…If you are evacuated to a shelter, baby food and formula probably will not await you. In addition to food, formula, diapers, and baby wipes, you will need 4-5 extra outfits, pacifiers, blankets, and at least one calming toy and book.
• Pet food and pet medications. Remember to bring pet carriers, leashes, and collars with tags (To identify the animal and for proof of vaccination. Leads for cats are a good idea, too.) for each pet.
• Create a list of medications and dosage for each family member along with any medical considerations that may become emergent. Each person should keep a copy of their list on their person (consider laminated cards), in the event of separation or unconsciousness. Medical ID jewelry should be worn, as well. 

You can add as much as you like to your bags...each person could have their minimum and an additional item for all to share. Some "preppers" put up canned goods and build shelters, others pack mess kits, tents, and inflatable boats! It's all very personal.

NOTE: Zipper-lock bags are great for keeping items separate and dry in your packs. Storing papers in plastic bags is a good idea—vacuum sealing is best. What a great use for that machine! To ensure safe, dry transport of your important papers, matches, even socks, vacuum seal your way to peace of mind.

Backpacks make excellent evacuation or emergency bags. They are easy to store and comfortable to carry. Each family member should have their own. 

They can be packed at the beginning of each season and left in a closet—in the hope of never using them.

An additional bag could be packed at evacuation time with less important contents: books and activities, photos, music, a special sleeping bear, blanket, etc...  Keep an empty bag for this purpose with the "E-Bag" or "Bug-Out Bag". 

You don’t know how long you might be evacuated—whether on foot or by car. Your vehicle should also have an emergency kit and a first aid kit. They can be bought pre-packaged or you can make your own using a duffel bag or plastic (snapping) shoe box or a back pack to contain the items. Blankets (maybe even a pillow or two) stored in the trunk will be welcome if you are stuck somewhere, are at the drive-in, or the kids fall asleep on the long ride home from Uncle Nikos’ house.

This fast-paced world does not allow for tragedy or mishap. Devastation to your home and life are compounded when having to start over without the necessary “papers”. To track down everything needed is more than an inconvenience. 

In addition to carrying important documents, cards, and contact information with you after fleeing your home, it is wise to have files backed up on thumb drives. You will have them with you to help you put your life back together should the worst befall you. 

Keeping the entire packet of important papers and thumb drive in a safe place (like a fire box) is wise. Should you need to pack and run, it will all be together for you to add to your other Bug-Out items.

Use a thumb drive or two to secure irreplaceable memories: photos, scanned mementos, videos, etc. You could also scan important documents, tax returns, receipts, payment stubs, bill and statement information, worksheets, reports, music, and that novel you've been writing.  Back it up with a second thumb drive and keep them in separate bags. 

USB (thumb drive) medical records are big now. Patients can keep import medical information (useful if rescue is called) within the reach of those able to help save their lives.

The time to think about planning is now, today. Don't wait until you are scurrying to find everything you need while in a panic. There will be enough to worry about in an emergency; think ahead and be kind to your future self.

A little planning and a little praying goes a long way.

For more information go to www.ready.gov