Good morning to all of my friends in Florida and all of my friends who have family members and friends in Florida. My usual blog this week will be suspended for this public awareness message. Not that the Hurricane is not getting plenty of coverage, but just in case you have not heard how to prepare or what the recent forecast is – I am sharing it here.
The Hurricane headed towards the USA is currently over Cuba. It appears to be heading west and then north, which will take the main part of it into the Gulf of Mexico and affect the Florida Keys and the West coast of Florida, before heading toward The Panhandle or further west towards Louisiana.
If you live on the East Coast of Florida (Where we live), be sure to prepare for a lot of Rain and some high winds today through tomorrow.
PREPAREDNESS: Taken from www.ready.gov
Basic Disaster Supplies Kit
Recommended Supplies List (PDF)
Recommended Supplies List (Text)
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers, inverter, or solar charger
Once you have gathered the supplies for a basic emergency kit, you may want to consider adding the following items:
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler’s checks and change
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) (PDF – 977Kb) developed by Operation Hope, FEMA, and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information.
- Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or free information from this website. (See Publications)
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
- Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe, or bleaches with added cleaners.
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children
Make sure you have some friends to ‘huddle’ with in case you have any problems and stay in touch with them during and after the Hurricane passes.
Of course, if you are in a ‘direct hit’ area or close by and you have a car or a way to get out – then GET OUT of the area immediately!
And remember, Board up any Windows that are exposed to the storm or debris flying towards your home. Make sure your car is on High Ground and your bikes, lawn furniture and other items that can blow away or get damaged from winds or falling branches – are secure in the garage or tied down.
I’ll update any critical news on my Facebook http://www.facebook.com/grangerw and on my Twitter http://www.twitter.com/grangerwhitelaw
Now – Grab a good book or two and make a Hot Fudge Sundae – and relax.
~~Granger
