We consulted with several storm veterans who went through weeks of no power, roofs blown off, and piles of red tape to share some brief suggestions. We’d love to hear what you’d have to say. If you have more to add, be sure to post your ideas on the community board. (These are in no particular order and you should make sure you read the “basics” list first.)
- If you decide to leave, be sure to empty your fridge completely or you will come back to a smelly mess.
- Cash, cash, cash. It goes fast. So make sure you have an emergency stash of at least $200-$300 or more, as ATM’s cards and credit cards may not be working.
- Buy battery operated fans.
- If you have a generator, buy a small window A/C. It will save your sanity.
- Have extra cell phone batteries and get a car charger so you can power up if the electricity is still out.
- Bug spray and mosquito repellent. Lots of it. You may be sleeping outside.
- Two disposable water proof cameras. To take pictures of the damage inside and outside your home.
- More water. You go through it faster than you think.
- Gas cans. Get enough of the 5 gallon kinds to have 20 or more gallons of fuel handy for the generator. Fill them before the storm is threatening. Gas stations run out of gas.
- Go to the library and get books on tape.
- Create a hurricane chest of toys for the kids with games especially for this time.
- Have a good amount of tarp on hand before the storm, you never know when you will need it. And if you don’t need it, your neighbor might.
- Have extra birth control methods on hand in case you run out.
- Check to see if the screws you used last year have gotten rusty.
- Get an old school phone—connected to the wall, you’ll need more options than cells and portables.
- Enough propane, charcoal and starter fluid to last you for a week or two.
- Reconnect with friends and family in other areas of the state or further away.
- If you decide to fly out, make your reservations early. One minute there were seats the next, everything was gone.
-Battery operated lanterns for camping worked great!
- Those lighted necklaces you get at concerts are fun for the kids and make being in the dark less scary.
- A well-stocked first aid kit---really important
- Do as much laundry beforehand and get a wooden clothes dryer to lay your clothes out on.
- Consult an attorney if you have trouble with your insurance company. But first make sure you know what your policy really covers and what your rights are.
- Talk to your friends, or get counseling. When you lose so much realize you’ll need help or at least a shoulder to cry on.
If you think your home has mold, call the Health Department for guidance and brochures on how to handle the situation. Don’t hire mold specialists in the telephone book without first checking with the Better Business Bureau
