Active Hurricane Season

Just when we think it is okay to go back in the water......

Ha ha ha.  Isn't that the tag line from the movie Jaws?  Anyway, this year so far has been pretty active for hurricanes.  Many years we don't have to worry too much about them because they just rage out in the sea and most never touch or come close to land.  This year we have had quite a few that has started to threaten us on the east coast.

Irene, which actually came on shore, got us all thinking about preparations even though the weather forecasters didn't think it was going to be much of a big deal where I am.  Well it was.  We were out of power for 7+ days and I think that is a big deal.  However, it allowed us all to remember that we aren't safe from these storms and we learned what we needed most in this situation.  Then comes Katia, which now looks like it will be pretty much not really a threat to us.  Lee comes on shore but weakens just before he gets here and then dumps a whole lot of rain where we just had a bunch from Irene.  We are flooding again!  Now we have a new storm Maria which is in the same path and could threaten us once again. 

One thing that I know is before each of these threats I check my supplies and then go ahead and stock up on items that I know I will be using even though I already have them.  Batteries for one.  If I have the time and money, why not buy extra and rotate that stock.  Can't have enough water and extra food on hand.  If you know I will be using it then it is not an emergency and my supply is for emergencies, so why not replenish prior to the storm.  Just makes sense to me.

After each storm or event. I take stock in what I used, replace it and get ready for the next one.  I also look at what I used, learned and wanted or needed.  I stock up on those supplies too.  It just makes sense.

One thing that became apparent to me this past time was that if I can stock up or have time to prepare for an emergency then it hardly is an emergency at all.  It becomes just an event.  If I have a  plan then I am more at ease during the event and my family is too.  It just makes sense.

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September is Emergency Preparedness Month

All this month I will be posting topics that we should be thinking about when preparing for an emergency.

Today let's talk about the basics:  Food, Water, Shelter

Food:
The national government has advertised that we need to have at least a three day supply of food in case of emergencies.  Since we don't know what kind of emergency we will be preparing for all the time if we are going to talk "basics" here then we need to think about a variety of food items that will sustain us for at least three days.  We might have power, we might not.  So we should prepare for both.  If we have power then we can cook on an electric stove or oven.  We could also include foods from our freezer, fresh veggies on hand and canned foods that need to be heated to eat.  If we don't have electricity then we should be prepared to eat foods straight out of the package or canned foods cold.  If we don't have electricity we might still have a cooking source like our grill or a campstove.  It is a good idea to include an alternate cooking source in our emergency kit that way you have a way to cook other than relying on power.

Water:
Recommendations say we should have a three day supply of water for each member of our family and for our pets.  This is a gallon a day per person.  So for my family a three day supply of water is 15 gallons.  That sounds like a lot, especially if we have to move.  If you can't keep a three day supply of water or if you have to evacuate and can't carry it then consider a filter system or purification tablets.  They are much easier to carry.

Shelter:
This will vary from emergency to emergency and from season to season.  The best place for shelter is our own home.  If we can stay there it will be best.  However, that is not always  possible.  A shelter may be a tent, a trailer if you have one, a hotel room or possibly your car.  When thinking about shelter we also need to consider the season and the weather.  Again sheltering in place seems the most logical but if it is the dead of winter then we need a heating source.  If we have to evacuate our home then we need to think about another type of shelter.  A tent would be logical but in the dead of winter that may not be reasonable.  Sheltering in your car might not be logical either.  If we keep a small amount of emergency money in our BOB (Bug out bag) then we might be able to afford a hotel room or other accommodations for a while.

Once you have these basics then you can begin to expand upon them.

Here are a link to help get started:

http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html

Hurricane Irene: Lessons Learned

I love that you can learn lessons all the time.  Some lessons though you don't necessarily want to learn by living them, but I feel like this hurricane taught many people many things. I for one, learned a few, others that I already knew were just confirmed.

1. Preparation - when this storm was approaching there were some forecasters that were telling us to get ready and get ready early.  Others were telling us it wasn't going to be so bad.  Some still were telling us, we weren't going to get anything really where we lived.  I am glad that I prepared and prepared early.  This storm gave us time.  Some storms won't.  When I went through what I already had and made a list of what I needed to prepared, there wasn't much on the list other than a regularly scheduled grocery shopping trip.  I made a point though to only pick up items that could keep in the space we had in coolers (in case of power outages) and items that I could cook on my grill, and items that would keep on the counter for a few days (like fruits and veggies).  I also made sure I picked up an extra couple cases of water.  This way I wouldn't go through my already stored water, I could rotate my stock and already have enough to replenish it.

2. Stay or Go??? - we have a travel trailer that has a generator and we are very comfortable living in it for long periods of time.  When we got to the two day out (before the storm) mark my husband and I discussed again the idea of leaving and moving out of the storm's path.  We decided that we should leave.  Now, I have to tell you that many thought we were pretty crazy for leaving including family members.  We left and headed 4 1/2 hours away from our town.  We figured that there was nothing that we could do during the storm if our house got hit by a tree or with power outages, etc.  We figured that we could come back and assess the damage after the storm and deal with it then.  Nothing lost except a dark windy night at our house without power.  We packed up the trailer with all the food and meats from the freezer that I could pack into our freezer in the trailer. We loaded up a few extra pair of clothes, not knowing what we might come back to and headed on our way.  Our decision to go put us in a quaint town and a campground on a beautiful lake.  We swam in the lake while our home town was being pummeled by falling trees, 90mph winds, and rains, not to mention the fact that our neighborhood lost power about 1 pm the day of the storm, pretty early for the rest of the city.  That evening we enjoyed hot dogs on the grill, a campfire, and a nice bed with air conditioning.  The next morning we awoke and had our coffee overlooking the lake through the beautiful forest listening to the locusts chirp.  My neighbors and other family members awoke to damage, debris, and no hot coffee because their coffee makers did not work on battery power.

3.  Stay put after the storm - If you prepared correctly then you have enough food to last you a few days and a cooking source to cook your meals.  You really should stay put.  I followed this storm via Facebook through my friends, neighbors and family who stayed home.  I received this one post that cracked me up.  It said something to the point of "The storm is over. I am off to find a cup of coffee with the rest of the city."  I giggled thinking of our last big storm in 2003 where we did the same thing.  We got up the next morning and packed the kids in the car to go find breakfast somewhere along with 10,000 other people.  We learned then that everyone else will be out doing just that and we don't have to be a part of it.  If you prepare correctly you don't have to get into those crowds.  You can sustain yourself and your coffee habit right at home. (PS if you boil water on your camp stove and then pour it slowly into your coffee maker filter with the pot underneath it makes just as good a coffee as if your coffee maker had perked it with electricity).

4.  Be Patient - We are currently on day 4 of no power.  I don't expect it to come on today or tomorrow either.  I know that the electric company is working hard to get power restored, and I keep checking on the big tree that took down the electric line.  The tree is still there along with a bunch of other trees in other places.  I am patient.  This clean up takes time.  No matter how much we yell, call the electric company, and complain to others I am only getting myself worked up and in the end they will fix my power in due time.  Right now, I have a pretty good set up.  I have the trailer in the driveway with our food in the fridge and the generator running.  We use the house toilets and the sinks for water and washing.  Cooking, TV watching, and sleeping are done in the trailer. I have a pile of clothes that will eventually need to be washed. I will find a laundromat in a day or two.  I have cleaned out our house refrigerators and freezers and packed as much as possible in coolers and in the trailer refrigerator and freezer.  The house freezers and refrigerators needed to be cleaned out anyway.  We also have internet.  We plugged up an extension cord to the internet router and have wifi in the trailer.  I am getting close to empty on gas and will need to fill up the gas tank soon for the generator but other than that we are getting along fine.  Showers on the other hand are getting chilly and we will need to find a new place for a shower soon.  But we can get by on a shower every other day.  I am being patient.

Even if we didn't have a generator, I know we would be okay.

Oh, and guess what???? Another hurricane is looming in our future.  I just heard that Katia may be knocking on our doors in another week or so.  Am I prepared for that one???  You Betcha!!!

First 100 Items to Disappear in an Emergency Situation

I found this post from Carolyn Barber on BlogHer.  I thought it was a pretty good and comprehensive list of items that we should have on hand because others will be wanting them.

Just yesterday in preparing for the Hurricane that is coming to our area my husband was telling me that he was a hardware store (not big box) and the cashier was saying that they had sold 80 generators in the past 2 days and they had another 80 coming in the next day on a truck.  I am sure that they were gone in no time!

Check out her blog too.  I found a bunch of great information there.

The first 100 items to disappear in an emergency, disaster type situation:
1. Generators
2. Water Filters/Purifiers
3. Portable Toilets
4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 – 12 months to become dried, for home use
5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)
6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.
8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.
9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar
10. Rice – Beans – Wheat
11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.
12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)
13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY – note – food grade if for drinking.
16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur).
17. Survival Guide Book.
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)
19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)
21. Cook stoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)
22. Vitamins
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item
24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products
25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil
27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)
28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)
29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels
31. Milk – Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)
32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)
34. Coleman’s Pump Repair Kit
35. Tuna Fish (in oil)
36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)
37. First aid kits
38. Batteries (all sizes…buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies
40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)
41. Flour, yeast & salt
42. Matches. Boxed, wooden matches will go first
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculator
44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)
45. Work boots, belts, Levis & durable shirts
46. Flashlights/LIGHT STICKS & torches, “No. 76 Dietz” Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times)
48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting – if with wheels)
49. Men’s Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc
50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)
51. Fishing supplies/tools
52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams
53. Duct Tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
55. Candles
56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)
57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags
58. Garden tools & supplies
59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.
61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented)
62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles…Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc
65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Board Games, Cards, Dice
68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & roach magnets
70. Paper plates/cups/utensils
71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.
73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)
75. Soy sauce, vinegar, bullion/gravy/soup base
76. Reading glasses
77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
78. “Survival-in-a-Can”
79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
80. Boy Scout Handbook
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky
83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)
87. Cots & Inflatable mattress’s
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.
89. Lantern Hangers
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws, nuts & bolts
91. Teas
92. Coffee
93. Cigarettes
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,)
95. Paraffin wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
97. Chewing gum/candies
98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)
99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs
100. Goats/chickens

New Forecast for Hurricane Irene

I was at the grocery store this afternoon and it was more crowded than usual.  Also I noticed that most everyone had a case of water bottles in the bottom of their carts.  I also heard several people talking to others they knew and saying things like, "I ran out of milk this morning and needed it anyway." and "I needed batteries for my kid's toy".  I spoke with a worker there in a friendly way said, "have you all been busy today?" and he said "Yeah with all the crazies stocking up for the end of the world. ha ha ha. With all the talk on the TV scaring everyone".

I thought it was really interesting that so many are embarrassed to say they are buying supplies for the storm.  They say they are buying things because they need it or ran out or whatever.  Why can't we tell others proudly that we are just stocking up for the storm.  Just in case, you know.  I don't understand why we have to be embarrassed about it.  Why are we trying to belittle the warnings that are given by the authorities or better yet, why are we trying to convince people that is really won't happen? Honestly I don't know what will or will not happen.  I am not thinking that we will necessarily have an "end of the world" situation, but I do think that we can be prepared for weather emergencies, economic downfall, and other financial emergencies in our homes due to loss of job or illness.  It just makes sense.

So next time you are in the store and you are stocking up on milk, bread, eggs, butter, or like me extra batteries, yeast, and chocolate cupcakes (because that is what we are low in) and someone says, "ah preparing for the big storm, huh?"  Smile at that person and say "Yup, you never know!!!" :)

Saving Money While Stocking Up

Many blogs and other sites talk about stocking up your food storage and other emergency supplies slowly so you don't go into debt doing it.  They talk about waiting for items to go on sale and then stocking up.

This can be a daunting task for someone like me who wants to get prepared NOW, and not wait for items to go on sale.  It can also me daunting to try to figure out what a "rock bottom" price is for an item and if you have never really used coupons for items before either. 

However, I have decided to not stress out about this.  I decided to use the coupons that I have and not search too hard for other coupons on the internet and other places.  I DO have a life you know.  One can spend hours collecting and clipping coupons for one shopping trip.  This doesn't seem time efficient to me and if I spend a bit more money on an item because I didn't spend an extra hour getting that $0.25 coupon for it then it is worth the extra quarter to me.  In the end if I feel like I got a good deal on something even if it wasn't the rock bottom price then I have won.

This past weekend I glanced through the ads in the Sunday paper.  I noticed that CVS had a sale on paper products.  Buy $25 in paper products, get $10 back.  Then they also had a deal on cleaning supplies like bleach, 409, and Tilex.  This deal was spend $30 in product, get a $10 gift card for gas.

So here is what I bought:
First Transaction:
4 boxes of Puffs Plus tissue (sale price - saved $0.99 each)
1 16 double rolls of Charmin toilet tissue(sale price - saved $6.00)
1 12 rolls of Bounty paper towels(sale price - saved $5.00)
Total with tax $27.98
Got back $10 in Extra Bucks

Second Transaction:
2 bottles of 32 oz Formula 409 (sale price - saved $2.49 each)
2 bottles of 32 oz Clorox Cleanup (sale price - saved $2.29 each)
5 bottles of 10 oz Palmolive Dish Soap (sale price - saved $0.98 each)
2 bottles of 96 oz Clorox Bleach (sale price - saved 1.00 each)
3 Oral B toothbrushes (sale price - saved $0.38 each)
2 boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios (sale price - saved $1.69 each)
2 jars of Planters Mixed Nuts (Buy one get one free - saved $5.79)

1 composition book (for daughter for school)

Used $2.25 in manufacturers coupons
Used $10 extra bucks from first transaction

Total spent with tax $27.57
Got $10 gas gift card back. 

In all I saved 50% off the total nonsale prices not including getting the gas for FREE!!!  The gas will go in my tank for my generator.

In the end, I can't worry about "rock bottom" prices, spending a zillion hours clipping coupons and I have to remember to take this prepping in baby steps.  But if I feel like I got a good deal in the end then I am happy.  I buy things on sale, clip coupons when I see them and use them when I remember to, and will keep my lists of items I need for food storage and emergency supplies.