HURRICANE PREP
Certain sounds from hurricanes stay forever embedded in our mind. The loud thud of trees hitting the ground, screeching and howling as the winds whip around your house and the waves of pounding rain as the hurricane bands pass by. It can get scary at times for sure and you have to be ready to evacuate or hunker down. Here are a few tips from this seasoned southern organizer that can help you if you are new to this season. It’s certainly not everything but it’s a good start! It may just be refresher info for those of you seasoned Gulf Coasters.
The CDC breaks down prep into 2 categories: Prep before and actions after. I am addressing the prep before the storm here.
PLAN
Review your homeowner’s insurance. This needs to be done prior to storm season because by the time it’s in the gulf, it’s too late to change anything. Here’s a link with some great questions to ask your agent.
Make sure you have emergency numbers stored in your phone. This includes but is not limited to your doctor’s numbers, local police or fire and rescue numbers, local hospital, utility companies, your veterinarian, animal control, family members, insurance agent, boss, school/daycare, and neighbors. I keep a printed backup copy with my important papers just in case something happens to my phone. Here is a free printable from Apartment Guide so you can have these numbers on hand.
Personal papers such as insurance papers, passports, birth certificates, immunization records, wills, vet records and anything else deemed important should be kept in waterproof bags or containers. See example here.
Create a First Aid kit or order one online. These can include non-prescription meds. Talk with your doctor about getting an emergency supply of essential meds as well as a list of current medication, dosages, allergies and any other pertinent medical information that you may need to know.
Have emergency power sources in case you lose power. Make sure your electronics are charged ahead of time. (Extra battery phone chargers, flashlights with extra batteries, hearing aid batteries, generators, car chargers.) Here is a list from the CDC.
Have a printed evacuation plan (in case your phone isn’t working) and an emergency plan for tornados. If you have pets, be sure to include them in this plan. This includes names and phone numbers of hotels that allow pets.
Protect Home-board windows and secure anything that might fly away. This is when my kids realize I have a million potted plants! lol
Clean your shrimp boots.
Clean your margarita machine.
STOCK UP
Infant care items
Pet care items- medicines, leashes, bowls for food and water. They will need good collars with their tags attached. Make sure their vet records are with your important papers.
Emergency food and water. CDC recommends 1 gallon of water per person per day. Food that needs little to no prep and no refrigeration is recommended because you may not have utilities. Plan for people with special dietary needs such as the elderly or infants. Here is more information about emergency foods.
Don’t forget to include contacts, contact solution, asthma inhaler, blood sugar monitor or any other items that you or a family member will need if you have to evacuate.
Gas-For car and generator!
Paper goods-Be sure to include a manual can opener.
Covid-19 protection-Masks, hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, and gloves.
Ziploc bags filled with ice or freezing water bottles can help keep your freezer and refrigerator cold for a little bit if the power goes out.
Hurricane drink supplies.
Toilet paper-I may become a toilet paper hoarder after the Covid-19 shortage!
WE NEED AS MUCH PEACE OF MIND AS WE CAN GET NOT ONLY IN THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES, BUT ESPECIALLY IN HURRICANE SEASON AS WELL. IF YOU ARE FEELING OVERWHELMED WITH ANY SPACE IN YOUR HOME AND NEED HELP GETTING ORGANIZED, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US AT 225-205-6400. WE ARE HAPPY TO HELP!
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