Check List: Prepare for Threatening Storms

I used to live in hurricane country and I also used to live in tornado ville. I can't say one is worse than the other really. If I had to choose, I'd say hurricane because it is all over destruction. But at least people can prepare for it. Here are some tips.

Putting tape on your window wont really stop something from coming through it, but it will stop the glass from shattering all over the place and possibly injuring someone.
And remember to throw the patio furniture in the pool if you have one, or take it inside. Yes, even the heavy-as-shit stone table will fly when the winds hit 70-80 miles an hour. Let me put it to you this way; during a hurricane a friend of mine and I were outside by my car. The wind was slowly but steadily pushing my parked car out of it's parking spot. I quickly put the parking break on. Now you try and physically move your parked car out of it's parking spot. You better believe the high winds of a storm can pick up that heavy stone table and plant it in your neighbors back window.

With Hurricane season now upon us and tornado season in full swing, here is a good check list to have so you and your household are prepared.

Here are recommendations on what to do before a storm approaches:

-- Download an application to your smartphone that can notify people where you are, and if you need help or are safe. The Red Cross has a Hurricane App available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. A First Aid app is also available.
-- Use hurricane shutters or board up windows and doors with 5/8 inch plywood.
-- Bring outside items in if they could be picked up by the wind.
-- Tape your windows with an "X" of masking tape.
-- Clear gutters of debris.
-- Reinforce the garage door.
-- Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting in case power goes off. Use a cooler to keep from opening the doors on the freezer or refrigerator.
-- Fill a bathtub with water.
-- Get full tank of gas in one car.
-- Go over the evacuation plan with the family, and learn alternate routes to safety.
-- Learn the location of the nearest shelter or nearest pet-friendly shelter.
-- Put an axe in your attic in case of severe flooding.
-- Evacuate if ordered and stick to marked evacuation routes, if possible.
-- Store important documents - passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates, deeds in a watertight container.

-- Have a current inventory of household property.
-- Leave a note to say where you are going.
-- Unplug small appliances and electronics before you leave.
-- If possible, turn off the electricity, gas and water for residence.

Here is a list of supplies:

-- A three-day supply of water, one gallon per person per day.
-- Three days of food, with suggested items including: canned meats, canned or dried fruits, canned vegetables, canned juice, peanut butter, jelly, salt-free crackers, energy/protein bars, trail mix/nuts, dry cereal, cookies or other comfort food.
-- A can opener.
-- Flashlight(s).
-- A battery-powered radio, preferably a weather radio.
-- Extra batteries.
-- A first aid kit, including latex gloves; sterile dressings; soap/cleaning agent; antibiotic ointment; burn ointment; adhesive bandages in small, medium and large sizes; eye wash; a thermometer; aspirin/pain reliever; anti-diarrhea tablets; antacids; laxatives; small scissors; tweezers; petroleum jelly.

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-- A small fire extinguisher.
-- Whistles for each person.
-- A seven-day supply of medications.
-- Vitamins.
-- A multipurpose tool, with pliers and a screwdriver.
-- Cell phones and chargers.
-- Contact information for the family.
-- A sleeping bag for each person.
-- Extra cash.
-- A silver foil emergency blanket.
-- A map of the area.
-- Baby supplies.

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-- Pet supplies.
-- Wet wipes.
-- A camera (to document storm damage).
-- Rain gear.
-- Tools and supplies for securing your home.
-- Plastic sheeting.
-- Duct tape.
-- Dust masks.
-- An extra set of house keys.
-- An extra set of car keys.
-- Insect repellent.
-- An emergency ladder to evacuate the second floor.
-- An axe in the attic.
-- Household bleach.
-- Paper cups, plates, and paper towels.
-- Charcoal and matches, if you have a portable grill. But only use it outside.

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