In light of the potential for severe and hazardous weather conditions posed by Hurricane Irma. We are posting some helpful information provided ahead of the recent Hurricane Harvey by the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (SSAWG). They have pulled together a list of the preparations we ought to make in case things get very serious in our area.
While we may not face extreme hurricane conditions in Marietta, it would certainly be wise for all of us to stock up on the supplies listed below – especially water and nonperishable food – and to have our cars fully gassed–up, emergency and first aid kits, as well as flashlights ready to go.
As this hurricane is expected to impact our weather beginning this Sunday, please make your preparations this week, before the store shelves may become empty of essential supplies.
It goes without saying that prayer for the hurricane to abate or remain out to sea is the best course of action for all of us to take!
1. Get documentation:
- Take pictures and video of the inside and outside of your house prior to the storm.
- Gather any and all personal and business receipts, paperwork, and essential documents that you may need for insurance or personal purposes. (including passports, birth certificates, medical records, etc.)
2. Secure your property:
- Make sure you have renters/homeowner’s insurance. For renters, this can often be purchased the same week of a storm and is generally very affordable.
- Buy plastic tubs for all items that could be damaged by water but that you would not be able to evacuate with.
- Make a list of what items you will take with you in case of evacuation.
- If you are in danger of flooding, raise everything off the ground with cinder-blocks, create a sandbag wall around your doors, and duct-tape the bottom seams of the doors from the inside and outside (There’s more than one case of this actually stopping water from coming in.)
- If you are going to leave your house and evacuate, move valuables away from windows, cover with tarps, hang protection over your windows, and take what you can.
- Consider parking your vehicle in a parking deck to avoid damage and/or flooding.
If you evacuate, shut off your water valves, cut off your main breaker, and unplug everything before you leave. - Getting contact information from your neighbors so if you evacuate you can find out how your house is.
3. Collect supplies:
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- Water– at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
- Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days
- non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
- foods for infants or the elderly
- snack foods
- non-electric can opener
- cooking tools / fuel (propane camping stove and fuel)
- paper plates / plastic utensils
- Blankets / pillows, etc.
- Clothing – seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
- First aid kit / medicines / prescription drugs
- Special Items – for babies and the elderly
- Toiletries / hygiene items / moisture wipes
- Flashlight / batteries
- Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
- Telephones – Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
- Cash (with some small bills) and credit cards – Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
- Keys
- Toys, books and games
- Important documents – in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bags.
- Tools – keep a set with you during the storm
- Vehicle fuel tanks filled (buy extra gas can and fill as well)
- Pet care items
- proper identification / immunization records / medications
- ample supply of food and water
- a carrier or cage
- muzzle and leash
4. Make a plan for staying AND evacuating.
Obviously, you need to make this decision based on what is most appropriate for you and your situation. That being said, here are some things to consider.
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- What category is the storm? For a hurricane, Category 3 and above should evacuate but if you are living in an area that could flood, be cut off by flooding of roads, or is isolated – any hurricane can pose a threat.
- What type of home do you live in? Can your house get flooded? Are there any large trees over your house that could come through the house? Do you have a safe place in the house with no windows that you can safely hide? If flood waters rose, would you be able to climb to higher ground?
- If you were to be cut off from power and water for 7-10 days, would you be able to survive off of the supplies you currently have?
- Do you have somewhere safer to go? Consider asking around with family, friends and co-workers to see if there is an alternative place for you to go, how long you can stay, and if your pets are welcome.
- Will your employer expect you to return the day after a severe storm? You would be surprised.
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5. Get ready for a LONG commute.
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- Fill up your gas tank and potentially even fill up an extra. Traffic will be extreme and even with highways reversing to accommodate flow, it will be a long journey.
- Pack snacks, drinks, and games for yourself (and the kids) but keep in mind that there may not be a lot of stops for bathroom breaks.
- Make sure your car has plenty of air in the tires and all fluids are topped off (oil, coolant, etc).
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Other things people often forget.
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- Extra coolers filled with ice-packs to unpack your fridge into if the power goes out.
- Generator and fuel is always a useful item (if you have the money…)
- Fill your bathtubs and sinks with water the night/day of the hurricane… this way you will have even more potable water.
- Expect excessive evacuation delays and how much gas this could potentially use.
- In addition to filling your car with gas, check all fluids, tire pressure, filters, etc.
- Either own or know someone with a chain-saw and fuel.
- Let other people know your plan so they don’t have to worry!
