Hurricane Preparedness Week will be held from Sunday, May 23 to Saturday, May 29.
We all know we should have flashlights with new batteries, manual can opener, candles etc but do you follow the advice?
We had a bad storm this winter, a nor’easter, which can produce hurricane force winds Yes, I had all those on hand But I didn’t check them ahead of time My second flashlight didn’t work I didn’t have a cell phone charger for the car So off I went on Sunday morning to the store along with everyone else driving around, being detoured around fallen trees and power lines to find that one open store that still had what I needed.
This is my new updated storm list of what to have on hand
- Working flashlight with extra batteries
- Candles
- Battery powered or rechargeable lantern (make sure you keep it charged)
- Battery powered radio
- Manual can opener
- Hard wired phone you need one if you have a landline
- Car chargers for your electronics cell phone, PDA etc.
- Extra blankets and sweaters if you are staying in your home without heat
- Wood and matches for your fireplace
- Barbeque grill to cook on, or, know what restaurants are open we had a meal at the hospital restaurant since we knew they would be open when others restaurants weren’t or had a really long line to get in.
- Cash, since ATM and stores need power to use a credit or debit card
- Full tank of gas (not be on empty since gas stations need power to work)
- Appropriate tools and equipment to repair damages and debris
Also, you need to know where you have kept each of these items so that you can find them when you need them.
Before this happens to you, please check your insurance policy to make sure you have the right coverage for the proper amount Yes, this for homeowners as well as renters Renters insurance is a small amount to pay compared to losing your personal property that the landlord’s policy doesn’t cover Contact your insurance company today and be ready for the next storm.
For more information on storm preparedness, visit www.hurricanes.gov/prepare
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