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.
21 Comments
Leave a commentOh Bethanne I hope all you get is a little rain. We’re still traveling but are headed home from Massachusetts today. I sort of feel like we should just drive to the AL house instead to make sure it’s safe…but I think it’s far enough west to be ok. My sister is in Cokumbus GA and I hope all she gets is rain too.
I have two Florida families with their dogs that may go to the lake house to flee Irma. One is leaving tonight to head to AL. The other is from the Keyes and has made it to Orlando and is in a hotel there. He may stay there. If he has to leave Irlando he will go to AL.
I’m si worried about all of them (there are other friends as well.) I can’t sleep.
It is so worrisome and we all know family and friends who are in the direct path. I think we will be fine and just get the rain and wind and not much else hopefully. We aren’t on a coast so no surge or anything but still with all the trees and a lot of them old it is worrisome. Praying all your friends and family stay safe as well.
These storms are awful. I’m so sorry people have to deal with these storms. it’s always good to think about emergency preparedness. Wish you didn’t have to.
The ferocity of the storms lately are very scary. It keeps changing directions and that is why it is so difficult to predict but it is always good to be prepared. Now it look like it is moving more westerly so who knows how it is going to turn out?
Stay safe my friend. At least you have your Pop Tarts so you won’t look like a dork when you’re interviewed on TV. Be sure to hold them! Seriously am praying for everyone!
And that is exactly why I bought them! I am camera ready! 🙂
I remember living outside of Dunn, NC when Fran and Floyd came through. The pine trees sounded like gunshots as they snapped and broke. Not fun at all. Stay safe.
Thanks so much! Yes–hurricanes can be pretty scary even if you are not on the coast or in the eye. Better to be ready if you can be. Thanks for the good thoughts!
I’m happy you are preparing and getting ready. We decided to leave and are currently on the road to Raleigh. From there we might go to NY… Stay safe!
I am glad you guys decided to leave. Safe travels, my friend, and keep me posted. If you need anything we are here prepping!
Thanks! I’ll check in later.
Thanks! Want to know all my peeps are safe!
I sincerely appreciated this post as I wondered about you and if you would be affected. Perhaps indirectly. It’s a good thing to be prepared. Hunker down and be safe. And enjoy your pop tarts.
Well, you sound very prepared, so that’s good. Especially with those pop tarts (wink,wink). I’m still praying that nasty ol’ Irma decides to head out to sea.
Me, too!!!
G’luck sister! We’re preparing ourselves too. Still have to gas up 7 fill the gas can & get some sugar for coffee. LOL Pop tarts??? Even a hurricane won’t get me to buy that corn syrupy food coloring, I don’t care if we fit in. I’ll use the savings to buy more peanut butter! I heart peanut butter. Stay safe!
You stay safe as well! I know those pop tarts are horrible. 🙂 But the hubby has fond childhood memories so I appeased him. I did make homemade cinnamon rolls this morning so I am sugared up myself. 🙂
What we usually get is rain, for which I’m prepared. Sometimes we get power outages, for which I’m prepared, but grudgingly. I hope youall get only rain too.
The storm keeps shifting and today it seems like it is shifting more and hopefully will not hit us as hard. I hope you avoid as much of it as possible as well.
I hope it floats right by you guys!!!
And yay for Pop Tarts. 😉
You guys stay safe, too! Th path keeps changing. The good news is we can get Chris’s car in the garage now so we can shelter it from tree limbs flying around with the winds. Storms of any kind are never fun!