Prepare for the Unexpected - Hurricane Irene

There are many of us who are oblivious as to what is happening to the world, unless it’s weather of course. Many of us go on weather.com to get the daily weather, some just look outside and decide on their outfit. With that being said, after our bizarre earthquake on the east coast yesterday afternoon, in my opinion, we are gradually receiving Mother Nature’s sign for 2011. Needless to say, I have been watching too many movies about the end of the world, but I think we should prepare for the unexpected.

Hurricane Irene, currently in the Bahamas area is gradually coming up north. Although there is no definite prediction as to where the Hurricane is headed, New Jersey and New York is one of the targeted areas. With no expectations for natural disasters on the east coast, I suggest some well planning for you and the family, just in case there is another earthquake or in this case, Hurricane Irene.

• Write up emergency phone call numbers and seal with a plastic bag. Our generation today relies on cell phones and address books more than anything. Very few people are like me with a memory of important phone numbers, but even with that said, it is still important to have a physical emergency list of numbers in case anything happens to you (unconscious and such). Be sure to have every family member carrying around an emergency contact list at all times during the hurricane in case of separation. You can include name and address as well.
• Stack up on enough water for three to seven days. Water is one of the basic essentials for survival and it is crucial to have enough in the house for three to seven days since there is no exact determination as to how many days we are/will be stuck in the house. The general estimate is to prepare a gallon of water for each person each day, but there are many people who drink more than a gallon a day so plan accordingly to the household.
• Store enough nonperishable foods for the family. Running over to the supermarket and planning a bit earlier is better than planning last minute. Be sure to store enough can foods and other food of your choice that does not require refrigeration. Remember to check expiration dates on can foods. It is always better to be over-prepared than under and since can foods can last a few years, you will surely have enough time to finish.
• Have cooking tools ready. Plan for the whole nine yards: have enough cooking fuel (not the electric stove), pots and pans, utensils, paper plates, and such. You can purchase a gas burner that his available in hardware stores with a few extra gas.
• Develop a plan. Plan for a safe place to hide against storm surge, wind and flooding. Know your house’s capabilities and consider that the safest place to shelter may not be in your home, but within your community. Be sure to have a destination to meet after the storm and know familiarize yourself with escape routes from the house or apartment.
• Have tools ready. You should have a box of tools ready in case of any emergency. Securing windows, entry ways, roofs, shutters, and such is crucial during a storm. Plan ahead and have extra wood, nails and bolts ready to strap down such areas to prevent wind from entering.
• Plan for evacuation. Be ready to get stuck in traffic and long waits, fill up gas ahead of time. If possible, stay with a friend or family member where the hurricane is not targeted for evacuation. When evacuating, bring cash (small bills as well), a few credit cards, and remember to have all important documents sealed in a plastic bag to prevent damage. Remember to pack keys, fully charged phones (as well as a fully charged spare battery if available), clothing (windbreakers, rain boots, those that are waterproof), pillows, blankets, medications, children and elderly items, first aid kit, toiletries, hygiene items, moisture wipes and more.
• Have flashlight and batteries handy. If you are able to purchase all different kinds of flashlights, do so. They include regular battery operated flash lights, pocket flash lights, keychain flash lights, manual (non-battery) operated flash lights and such. If you do not have flashlights available during a hurricane, be sure to have a lighter and candles ready.
• Portable radio. Battery operated and NOAA weather radio will help to keep you in the loop of what is happening in the area. 

At the end of the day, I hope it's not going to come our way. At least if it does, we'll be prepared! I don't know if it's only me, but I enjoyed the earthquake shake a bit. Felt like I was floating on the cloud, that is until I realized it was an earthquake and freaked out when I saw my grandfather's bed shake. Haha!