Storm Preparedness for Hurricane Sandy

Today is the day Hurricane Sandy makes landfall on the East Coast. After last year’s Irene and considering the fact that Sandy is a larger storm system than Irene, many have been preparing days in advance. While time has already run out on the preparedness window for some, there is still a small opportunity for some inland to gather last minute provisions.   Many retailers have nothing left on their shelves, but if you get creative with where you are looking, extra supplies are still available. Some of the items recommended by the American Red Cross include: - Several days supply of bottled water – 1 gallon, per person, per day - Canned and non-perishable foods - Extra blankets - Batteries - Battery powered or crank radio - Full charged cellphone - First Aid supplies - Medications - Sanitation and hygiene supplies - Multi-purpose tool(s) - Baby supplies - Pet supplies - Emergency contact information - Extra cash - Maps with marked evacuation routes - Important documents – home deed, birth certificate(s), death certificate(s), insurance policies, passports, power of attorney, health care proxy, will, etc. If you can, have a separate set-up for food in case the power goes out. Make ice cubes or blocks in advance and store food in coolers when electricity shuts off. Your food last the duration, but coolers will help keep some options on the table during the early days of a long-term power outage. Secondly, expect that your toilets may not work. Fill up the bathtub with extra water, this way you will have water on hand to manually flush the toilets. Know where your emergency shelters are. Many people believe that they will not need access to an emergency shelter and they can manage on their own. The truth is, you just never know. Weather systems, as large as Sandy can be highly unpredictable. In addition, it is not just the storm that poses a threat. Exampled by Irene last year, major flooding can be a huge problem post-tropical storm, as the large amounts of rainfall begin to make their way into their larger tributaries that can become over-filled quickly. Make sure loose items in your yard are brought indoors or tied down securely. This includes grills, lawn furniture, bird feeders, and basically anything you do not want flying around your neighborhood. Remember not only could flying objects hurt someone, they can do a lot of property damage to your home or a neighbor’s. So remember, get prepared, stay safe, and stay dry. Heed warnings in your area and make sure to check on friends, neighbors, and relatives when you can. Lastly, plan to stay inside. If you live in an area that will be receiving the brunt of a storm, board up windows and do your best to “waterproof” the home. Staying indoors will keep you protected from high winds, blowing debris, and any falling trees or power lines.   Source for preparedness list: American Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340128_Flood.pdf