Hurricane Preparedness Steps
Survival
Blog
Now is the
time for those in the Southeastern United States to check their
preparations for hurricanes. Below is a list of steps I go through
anytime there is a hint of a potential storm. These steps were derived
from past experiences and lessons I have learned from other Survivalblog.com
posts. I do this prep so as not to get caught up in panicked crowds
on the days immediately preceding the storm. Should the storm not
hit me directly I consider this prepping chance to practice and
shore up my supplies.
7 Days Out
- Water (1
or 5 gallon jugs) is purchased and any filter systems, storage
systems and well pumps are checked.
- Storage
food is checked and additional food is purchased if necessary.
During his phase any non-perishable food needed, including comfort
food should is purchased.
- Fuel Stores
such as gasoline, diesel, propane, natural gas, Coleman White
fuel, kerosene are checked and topped off as needed.
- Cooking
fuels are checked and purchased as needed.
- Battery
stores are checked and additional batteries are purchased as needed.
- Flashlights,
lanterns and other alternative light sources are tested and batteries
are replaced, fuel is added to each device as needed.
- Alternative
cooking devices are tested.
- Radio communications
are tested and made ready.
- Storm shutters
and fasteners are made ready for deployment.
- Blackout
curtains are located and made ready for use.
- Generators
– run on a load for 30 minutes, tanks are topped off and
any maintenance need is completed.
- First aid
supplies – are checked and additional supplies are purchased
as needed.
- Double check
prescriptions and fill if necessary.
- Firearms
(If you have them) are checked and cleaned and lubricated if necessary.
Ammunition is checked and the amount needed for a possible event
is moved from storage to an easily accessible, but secure location.
- Daily used
household items such as cleaners, soaps, tooth care; toilet paper
etc. should be checked and purchased as necessary.
- Start making
Ice and have bags ready for when the container for the ice maker
gets full.
- G.O.O.D.
packs are checked and replenished as needed.
- Fuel tanks
for vehicles from this point on are not allowed to go below ¾ths
filled and as a normal procedure should not be allowed to go under
½ full.
- Check vehicles
for tire pressure, fluid levels, belt tensions, and any pending
maintenance critical to the operation of the vehicle should be
done at this time.
- Communicate
with your preparedness group, family and like-minded friends;
discuss the possibility of implementing your preparedness plan
assuming you have one.
4-to-5-Days
Out
- Grocery
store – last minute items and surprisingly perishable items
such as fruits and vegetables that do not need refrigeration are
purchased. The event may be short term and this will allow for
one to two weeks of fresh fruits and vegetables before the need
to move to dry and canned food.
- Mail all
bills due in the next 30 days if possible.
- Start freezing
water in 2 liter soda bottles. This will help freezers and refrigerators
stay cool longer when the power goes out.
- Have family
or group meeting and discuss preparedness plans to include responsibilities
for final preparations and survival responsibilities immediately
after the event and contingency plans for when things go wrong.
- Start consuming
primarily refrigerated perishable food.
- Assuming
the garbage trucks are still running; make sure all trash is removed.
- Any member
of your family or group who has to work will need to place a survival
pack in their vehicle, that should include 3 to 7 days of food
and water and one or two Jerry can(s) of fuel if possible. If
possible, preposition short term emergency supplies at the place
of employment.
Experience
has demonstrated the hordes of panicked people are beginning to
start at this phase, but depending on the event and how the event
is covered in the media, the hordes could potentially start earlier
than expected; making some of the preparations at this stage more
difficult to accomplish.
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the rest of the article
August
25, 2011
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