Irma.
That horrible hurricane that is wreaking havoc with so many areas is coming.
Irma is coming quickly on the heels of the horrible Hurricane Harvey that hit the Texas area and the wildfires that appear to be raging in Montana and other areas. There is a lot going on in our little corner of the world and I want to be ready.
Last fall when wildfires threatened our home (you can read about that here) Chris and I got our first real taste of trying to be prepared for evacuation. It wasn’t fun and I don’t wish it on anyone. Hurricane Irma is coming our way and even though we live in western North Carolina the predictions are for very high winds and a lot of rain. Consider the fact that we live in a very wooded area the real concern is falling trees and limbs, flying objects and a possible power outage from downed power lines that bring the power into our development. Our utilities are underground in Connestee Falls but the power has to come in on above ground lines. So there you go.
I like to think that I am usually prepared for things and going into the possible conditions that are headed our way on Monday (as the current forecast predicts) I think we will be in good shape. Hurricanes usually allow a good lead time so that is good.
What are the things that I have on hand to help us?
- batteries for flashlights
- candles and matches
- water –both bottled and we will fill the tubs as well
- bread
- peanut butter
- fresh fruit
- cereal
- long shelf life milk
- Pop tarts because an article told me that that was one of the things that always sells out in times of disaster and I want to fit in with everyone else.
- Medication/first aid supplies
- cleaning supplies
- important documents secured in waterproof/fireproof lockbox ready for transport if need be
- Plenty of pet food for Buddy and Holly
- Gas in both of our vehicles
There are a million or two lists out there floating around that tell folks what to have in their disaster readiness kits and I usually have a really full pantry and freezer so I am not worried about food. If the power goes off we do have a propane grill that we can always fire up if I can pull some meat out quickly from the freezer. I highly doubt we will starve. I have a reserve supply of fat to keep me going for awhile. “grin”
Our plan of attack is to secure our outside items as best we can on Saturday in preparation. It’s a good time to bring in all my summer decorations and store them anyway so it will just be a little earlier than normal. The real project will be trying to rearrange the garage to finally get Chris’s car inside. I really would hate for something to land on it so we have our work cut out for us.
We have so many friends who live in Florida or have vacation homes in Florida and we are praying that everyone stays safe and heeds any evacuation orders in their area. It is not time to be a hero. Things are things. They can be replaced. Lives are what matter and I am grateful to those responders who stay and help in times like this.
Please stay safe my friends and let me know in the comments what you plan to do if the storm is coming your way as well. Any tips? Any suggestions or do’s or don’ts? I want them all. Remember that each comment means a whopping $1 donation to the UMCOR Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
