Living for decades near the coast and on a farm with well water has made me be a storm prep fanatic. After nine days without power or water following Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and other storms to follow, I do the following while the weather people are forecasting:
Stock up on sink water. No need to go buy out the bottle water supply. Fill pots, pitchers, sinks or tubs with water. This is vital if you lose water and sewer when power goes out. It can be used for drinking, washing, flushing.
Charge up everything. Phones, laptops, tablets, flashlights, and anything chargeable.
Find your flashlights and lanterns. And batteries too. Check to see that these little used items actually work.
Move cars to safety. Try to move out from under trees and power lines if possible.
Secure all lightweight items in the yard. They can become projectiles that can cause damage and even break windows. Bird feeders, trash cans, umbrellas, lightweight furniture, potted plants.
Protect your pets. They will be scared and need shelter, food, and water.
Storms can range from gentle, lovely, and fun to massive, intense, and scary. Do what you can to prepare to make it easier. If you’ve got candles and flashlights to go with your water and sewer, you’ve got this.
If you’re lucky enough to not need your preparation because the storm misses you or lessens, that’s great news. You’ve cleaned up your yard and have pots ready to make tea and noodles and a bathtub ready to add some hot water to bathe a person or pet. Be safe and be prepared.
September 30, 2022 at 9:55 pm
Great advice thanks Aunt Lisa.
October 1, 2022 at 5:47 pm
Terrific advice, Lisa! I hope you all weathered the storm. We only lost power for an hour and a half. My heart breaks for those in Florida. Thanks for sharing!
October 2, 2022 at 2:59 am
We never did lose power. My mom did in Whiteville for about 16 hours. She said she hoped someone who needed it worse than she did had it. Always thinking of others.