With the threat of Tropical Storm Isaac turning into a hurricane, things were crazy in my neck of the woods (South Mississippi). As if things weren’t chaotic already between both my daughter and myself starting school, and reworking a marketing plan to restart my business since our recent move. I myself have been lacking on blog posts lately. So why not take time out to share what I’ve learned about preparing for a disaster while keeping sane!
*First, be SURE you plan AHEAD! Do not wait until the last-minute. Stores are running out of bottled water. There are lines everywhere. Generators are out of stock at nearly all hardware centers. As a parent, you’ve got enough going on. So do your best to stay ahead of the game!
1: Have a plan, whether it’s an evacuation plan, a list of emergency items, or even contact numbers. Know what to do if disaster strikes, and be sure your family are all informed!
2: Stay safe and avoid danger
3: Pack…
Aside from the usual recommendations of things like bottled water and canned foods, here’s a helpful list of things to keep the kids happy and occupied:
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Comfort items (blanket, favorite toy, pet)
- Books
- Magazines
- Coloring pads and crayons
- Games
- Puzzled
- Handheld devices (iPod, Playstation)
- Sanitary wipes and gel
- Whistle (for emergencies)
- Radio (battery operated or hand-cranked)
- Batteries
- Flashlights
- Enough clothes for 3 days
- First aid kit/Medicine
- Bug spray
You can edit the list to suit the needs of your family!
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Thanks for the comments, guys! I apologize for the delay in responding. We had a lot of wind and rain damage, then ended up with network problems.
Jennifer from Bunny and Bean recently posted..How to organize your T-shirts
Liz… having been raised in the mecca of earthquakes- Los Angeles, I am well aware of the necessities to have available for survival… However, the devastation of a hurricane was seen in what Katrina left behind.. Thus is a great article.. thank you for reminding me that one always has to be prepared. grace, peace and blessings… Carla
Carla Barilá Karam recently posted..Day 464 ~ Is Perfection Overrated?
Good ideas.I really put off this kind of thing. But, I know I shouldn’t.
gina valley recently posted..See Steam Come Out Of My Ears
Thanks for these great tips. I wish I could say they’ll never come in handy but a natural disaster with evacuations could happen anywhere.
Shannon Milholland recently posted..I Bet You Can’t Get Up Here
Great list. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I’m “remarketing” too — because of internet issues the past several days. I’m thankful I’m not also moving.
Famliy Travels on a Budget recently posted..How to Choose the Best Cruise to Take with Kids
These are some really great tips to follow. And it is so true that you should not wait until the disaster happens, but get ready for it ahead of times. Sounds like you have gotten ready.
Gen recently posted..Wordless Wednesday
These are good tips. Checking ahead to make sure what the restrictions are for a shelter are a good idea too. I lived in S Fl for many years, and one hurricane had us seeking shelter because my mom was visiting (she had never been through one and was really not happy about it being an experience). I knew where the shelter was, but when we got there, with the winds a’blowing, it was shut down! So…we went back to my concrete house where everything was bolted down, and had only minor roof damage, fence damage, and the pool impeller became stuffed with roof gravel (nightmare…if you have a pool, get a storm-tight cover!), but we were fortunate and that was all the damage we suffered. If I had to do it again though, I would call the shelter ahead of time, just to be sure.
Rosey recently posted..The Faith of a Child
Great points Rosey!
I cringe whenever I hear about an approaching hurricane. I have relatives in the Caribbean. You’re so wise to have a plan. I live in earthquake country in California. Though I’ve lived here since 1971 I have yet to actually prepare for an emergency even though I lived through the 1989 Loma Prieta quake. I haven’t lost enough yet to be motivated to prepare and my son is a Boy Scout. Okay, I’m not perfect.
Emiliana Martin recently posted..Post-its® to God Sundays
great suggestions on how to get ready. I love the extra list a few things on there that I wouldn’t have thought about
Alicia H recently posted..Mama’s tips for travelling sucess
We always have enough clothes for 5 days, but other than that, you’re list is right on! (and we’re not even in a hurricane zone…it just makes snese to be prepared). And the bottled water is important. We have some of that stashed too, just in case!
TB at BlueCollarWorkman recently posted..Teachers on Strike: Should They Get Paid More?