As Hurricane Irma makes its way towards Florida, residents are preparing for the worst. The category 5 monster storm has people clearing grocery store shelves, and waiting in line for hours to get gas, water, and other supplies.
Back in 2004, Hurricane Charley caused massive destruction along the gulf coast of Florida. One resident who lives through it shared their tips for emergency preparedness with The Boca Beacon, a local newspaper.
Their tips could be really helpful to folks down in Florida this time around! Share them with any friends and family you have down south!
* It's hard to relax with an open flame in your home (especially if you have pets or small children) -- get a battery powered fluorescent or LED light source if your can.
* A cooler with wheels is great to pack things in if you need to leave or walk to the store for ice.
* It's sometimes hard to find things in a semi dark house -- put things you think you'll need in a central location
* If you don't have lanterns / can't find, remember you can bring the solar landscape lights inside at night.
* Oreos & root beer sounds like a good idea until about day 3. Get some real, nourishing food.
* Boil up some pasta, toss with olive oil & store in a zip lock. Then if the power goes out you can add whatever veggies, meat & cheese you find in the fridge & salad dressing & everyone can make their own pasta salads.
* Freeze some of your water bottles -- then they are both ice and a cold drink
*Fill your car with gas
* Baby wipes !!! Good for everything.
* Dress appropriately during the worst of the storm. This includes having a decent pair of shoes on. Suddenly battling a tree in my house in a dress & flip flops wasn't the best fashion choice.
*Bring a saw in the house if you can. You may need it to get out.
*Charge everything you own. Everything! Cell, tablets, i-pods, speakers & don't forget your toothbrush and facial cleaners if you use them.
*Get some bug spray. You may be doing yard work or dealing with a broken window.
*Get some spray anti itch medicine to deal with the above bug bites. I resorted to using dog medicine.
*Baby powder helps you not stick to the sheets when it is 200 degrees.
*Put your small pets in a crate or carrier. Make sure they have ID, collars & leashes
*Get some cash. The stores may open without power & there will be no ATMs or card usage. You may also need to pay traveling helpers to cut a tree out of your way.
*Get some magazines or books. When you have no power nights are approx 17 hours long.
*A battery operated radio helps you stay connected & entertained without draining your phone battery.
*Buy a roll of contractor sized trash bags, Good for both cleanup & keeping things dry.
* DO NOT USE A GENERATOR IN THE HOUSE OR GARAGE. THE FUMES CAN KILL YOU.
*Don't get too drunk until after the storm passes.