Get Ready for the Hurricane

With hurricane Sandy just a few days away, I thought I'd share my families storm preparation plan with you instead of the challenge of the day.  I spent the morning running around with the kids getting things ready.  Though we are located in Eastern Mass and the hurricane isn't currently forcast to hit us directly, we are still expecting winds and possible power outages.  Additionally, not all of the computer models are in agreement, with at least one of the majors putting it farther North than is currently being shown on the TV news stations.

• Stock up on canned goods (soup, chili, beef stew, vegetables, tuna fish) - I buy foods that my family will eat anyway, even if it's not right away.
• Shop for shelf-stable foods (Mac & cheese, ramen, bread, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, snack cakes, etc.)  Again, make choices that you'll use anyway.  Don't worry about buying too much bread, you can always freeze it.  I buy 2 loaves when we usually go through 1 per week.
• Shop for paper goods (paper plates, forks, paper towels, plastic cups)  - The idea here is that you won't necessarily be able to wash dishes easily without any power.  Paper goods eliminate the need to wash anything other than pans.
• Buy water or fill empty jugs.
• Fill the bathtub with water (to flush the toilet).
• Fill Gas tanks in cars and additional gas tanks, even if you don't have a generator or snow blower.  You can always use the gas in your car.
• Get cash, at least $100
• Charge all electronics the day before and again as the storm is coming in.
• Buy extra batteries or charge rechargeable batteries.
• Gather candles and put in a convenient location with matches or a lighter.
• Wash all laundry the day before the storm is supposed to hit.  You want to have as much clean clothes on hand as possible.  Clean blankets are always helpful too.
• Gather up all of your important documents and put them in a plastic bag that's in an easy to reach location.  Include a piece of paper with contact information for insurance companies, doctors, and utility companies.  Include the most current photos of your pets and family members if possible.  If you don't have current photos, take some on a cell phone camera and email them to yourself so you have access to them if your phone is damaged.  Photos are important in case you are separated and someone is missing.
• Get out a battery or crank-operated radio and make sure it works.
• Organize your freezer to make as much space as possible.  Fill large freezer bags with water and freeze them.  This will help keep your fridge/freezer cold longer if you lose power.  Some people have been able to save food for as much as 4 days with this technique.
• If you have kids, gather up activities that don't use power.  Coloring books, cards, games, toys and other distractions will help pass the time without draining your cell phone battery.

Even though the media is downplaying this storm, it's important to still be prepared.  Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best.  At the very least you'll be a little more ready for the next storm and you'll have plenty of food in your house.  For those of you who live in the Northeast, I'm sure your hurricane supplies will come in handy this winter with future Nor'easters if Sandy isn't as bad as they are fearing.

Stay safe everybody!