Mommy’s Tips for Hurricane Preparedness

Prepare in Advance for Severe Weather

This weekend, the East Coast is expecting to be pummeled by Hurricane Irene, which forecasters anticipate will be more severe than 2003’s Hurricane Isabel. Take time now to get ready for the storm to hit! Here are Mommy’s top tips:

• Keep cell phones and laptop computers fully charged. Same goes for wireless hotspots. Sometimes when phones are down, data plans still work.
• Arrange back-up communication, such as a neighbor’s land line, in case cell service is interrupted.
• Fill your gas tank and check your vehicle fluids now so you will be “ready to roll” if you need to travel during power outages.
• Know your evacuation route and plan, and gather all important papers and emergency supplies (3-5 days’ worth of medications, food, clothing, pet food and leashes, formula, diapers, car seats, etc) and put it by the door in case you have to leave quickly.
• JUST IN CASE: Identify “safe zones” in your house where you can shelter away from windows or external walls. This may be a closet, bathroom, hallway, etc. If you don’t have this kind of space, cover windows as best you can and prepare to shelter against a piece of large furniture (preferably between two!) to protect you from falling debris.
• Take and cover windows.
• Gather (or acquire!) plenty of flashlights and/or candles.
• Charge all of your rechargeable batteries and/or pick up regular batteries to power your flashlight, clock, weather radio, baby monitor, etc.
• Refill any prescriptions immediately to make sure you don’t run out. Stock up on over-the-counter medication you may need as well.
• Make sure you have 3-5 days’ worth of food for your household that does not need to be refrigerated or heated, such as:
  • Peanut butter sandwiches
  • Canned tuna and crackers
  • Powdered milk (with water) and cereal
  • Canned fruits and vegetables
  • Pre-made baby food in jars
  • Dried fruits and meats
  • Breads, biscuits, and crackers
  • Granola bars, protein bars, energy bars, etc.
  • Nuts
• Make sure you have 3-5 days’ worth of water for your household. Don’t forget bottled water for baby formula and small children.
• Set aside extra water for pets in extra water bowls, buckets, or jugs.
• Start cleaning out the fridge and freezer now just in case you lose power. Eat those leftovers, cook the stuff that will turn soon, and pull out and prepare anything that can go without refrigeration so you have it to pull from. You will NOT want to open the fridge or freezer when the power goes out.
• Stock up on diapers and wipes NOW if you are low.
• When the storm begins, fill your home’s bathtubs so you have water for flushing toilets and taking “bird baths” if the power or water go out (especially if you’re on a well). You can also boil water on an outdoor grill if you run low on drinking stores, or use it as-is for your pets.
• Do laundry and dishes in advance so you go into the storm with plenty of supplies. Take a shower or bath and bathe your children before or right when the storm starts as well so everyone is clean.
• Empty all of your trash cans, compost bins, etc., before the storm starts.
• Secure outdoor furniture, or bring it into a garage, shed, or crawl space for safety.
• Buy milk in a small container (quart, half gallon) only in case the power goes out this weekend. You can always get more later, and won’t have to toss it!
• Gather materials now so your kids can sleep in your room (or everyone can sleep in the most sheltered room in the house) in case the storm gets bad, so you don’t have to run all over the place gathering kids.
• Review official information about preparing for a disaster or major storm:
  • Information on Preparing for a Hurricane
  • Hurricane Updates, Watches, and Warnings
  • Preparing for a Power Outage

What else are you doing to prepare for the impending storm? Leave a comment!