Natural disasters can take many forms, from tornadoes to blizzards, typhoons to monsoons, forest fires, floods, earthquakes and of course hurricanes! Tragedy and damage from Mother Nature is happening all over the world, affecting many of us every day! Being prepared is crucial.
Hurricane Dorian is still on the Move!
When we lived in the Midwest portion of the US tornadoes, ice storms and blizzards were the weather issues we faced most often. Having specific food staples and emergency supplies on hand became routine during certain times of the year.
Now the Birds live in the Southeast US so we prepare for Hurricane Season!
Hurricane season begins June 1st and lasts through the month of October. During this time it is normal to experience several tropical storms and daily showers. The months of August-October are the months when ocean temperatures are the warmest, perfect for Hurricane formation! I remember arriving in Florida and having our realtor tell us she updated her “Hurricane kit” on June 1st, every year…we thought she was kidding.
We experienced our first hurricane Irma, just 5 months later!
I want to help you prepare!
This year we’re preparing in advance! Luckily hurricanes give advance notice! Time to prepare food and supplies. With food on hand we gathered the necessary supplies to shelter in place, the Bird’s Nest! Many of these supplies are items you may already have around your house!
Water, water, water!
We wanted to have at least 1 gallon of drinking water per person (per day) on hand; enough to last at least 7 days. We weren’t able to drink the water for 5 days after we arrived home from our Irma evacuation. Re-using plastic jugs would be perfect! Fill them up! Place a couple in your freezer! They’ll be perfect in your cooler or to help keep your fridge cooler if the power fails. You’ll have fresh water when the ice melts!
Yes the power will probably fail!
We elected to purchase a small generator to have on hand. Don’t forget the gasoline and power extension cord! This should be enough to power a small refrigerator, a few fans, and a weather radio and help charge our phones! Remember: the generator must be run outdoors!!!!! The fumes are deadly!
Hurricane lanterns…
come in handy. I inherited several hurricane lanterns from my mom. I love them, never though they would be used in a hurricane! Wicks and indoor lantern fluid will help fuel the lanterns for several hours. Natural hand wipes are so helpful when it’s hot and humid, great for a quick cleanup!
Check your batteries…
Flashlights, battery radio and a weather radio will update the hurricane movement and help keep us out of the dark! Lack of communication was one factor that caused so much stress for us.
Have cash on hand!
If the power fails, you can’t use those credit cards! Having a little extra cash on hand will come in handy. Be sure to check your First Aid kit and personal prescriptions! My kit was quite outdated now that we don’t have little ones around the house. Take a moment to give it an update while you have time. Oh and be sure to grab a few extra rolls of tissue paper, that’s a must!
With food on hand and supplies in check I think we’re ready!
It looks like Dorian won’t be making a visit to the Bird nest but hurricane season isn’t over yet!
big thanks to the weather channel maps
Although natural disasters aren’t anything any of us want to encounter, I hope sharing this will help others prepare for the future. Natural disasters come in many shapes and sizes. I'm sure I haven't covered everything but this is a start. Having a checklist to follow can be so helpful during those stressful moments. Be safe my friends!
And as always, blessings to you all!