If you are putting together your go-bag in anticipation of Hurricane Florence, here are some tips from a three time hurricane survivor. Put all documention into ziplock bags when possible. Birth certificates SS cards and ID. Insurance policies. Recent bills and statements.
Bring trash bags. Medications — both prescription and OTC. Extra inhalers, retainers, etc. if you wear contacts don’t forget your supplies and spare glasses. Obviously chargers for devices. Pack your comfortable clothes and bathing suits. Whatever is easier to wash and sweat in.
Did I say trash bags? Bring more. Also playing cards (board games are bulky and have too many pieces), paperback books, and a couple comfort items. One or two small flashlights with fresh batteries (shelters can have poor lighting).
Pet food and pick-up bags. Comfort items for your animals. Did I mention trash bags? Hygiene items (especially if you or your daughter(s) get stress induced periods). Put lotions and shampoo type things in ziplocks, too, along with baby powder, etc. things get squashed in a rush.
Family heirlooms, jewelry, those things you can’t replace should come with you.
For the things you have to leave behind you want to locate the most secure room in your house. Few or no windows. Centrally located. Bathrooms are great for this.
For the things you have to leave behind you want to locate the most secure room in your house. Few or no windows. Centrally located. Bathrooms are great for this.
If your house is going to be in danger of flooding or surge, put things up on counters off the floor. Top shelves of closets are good for things too big to take with you. Unplug large expensive electronics and cover them with trash bags and/or move them against interior walls.
Also if you have a desktop PC, you can just pull the hard drive(s) to bring with you instead of lugging a tower around.
Finally, have a notebook (PAPER) with some pens/pencils. Write down the phone numbers you most need. You may think you’ll remember them but stress does strange things.
If you have someone willing, designate them as your update contact and tell your friends/family to contact them for the most current updates about you and your family. It’s much easier to communicate with a single person when everyone’s worried.
Also, one more PS — don’t hesitate to tell people at restaurants, hotels, etc, that you are evacuating from a storm. People can be jerks, but the vast majority will be understanding, supportive, and helpful.
You’re going to be stressed and displaced. Letting people know what you’re dealing with helps everyone.
Be safe. Try to be patient. Practice self care. Encourage kids to communicate. Comfort your animals.
Above all be safe.
Be safe. Try to be patient. Practice self care. Encourage kids to communicate. Comfort your animals.
Above all be safe.
Also ZOMG I cant believe I almost forgot — first aid supplies. TAKE THEM. With trash bags.
I cannot tell you the people I know that evacuated safely and then got injured coming home after the storm to check on their property. First aid kit in the car. Always.
I cannot tell you the people I know that evacuated safely and then got injured coming home after the storm to check on their property. First aid kit in the car. Always.
Okay, more. While I think of water as “hunkering down” supplies, having a couple of refillable liter bottles to bring with you is a good idea. And while not everyone has them — work gloves and boots may also come in handy.
