Random Pensées

Maybe throw in a few extra mecessities like flashlights and batteries for any nearby neighbors. That way, if you have forgotten anything that they might have, you could trade...or, of course, just accumulate some good karma.

Take it from me, I learned the hard way. You need a generator for the sump pumps and when you run them they need to be outside not inside the house.

I've been through several earthquakes, plus a riot. I'd say overall that your list may be a little too complicated. I would move emergency cash to the top, along with the battery radio; some of the other stuff, like the camping light, can probably go. The suggestion about the generators is very good. It's possible to buy disaster kits; you can check at the store for what they include.

I would also look at your appliances -- do you have any older ones on natural gas that need to have pilots re-lit? If so, you may want to get some very long matches to relight same, and possibly bone up on the procedures. You won't get utility response soon after a disaster.

Goodness, it's like one of those disaster movies from the 70's.

Just relax, it'll be ok.

If you do need to plan, all you need is a cell phone, some beer and Oreos (fruit juice and sandwich materials for the kids). It's good to have flashlights, etc around, and I always keep some bottled water available.

Think about it this way-if you had been prepared with the flashlights and the Coleman camping stove, etc...wouldn't you have missed as wonderful an evening as it sounded like you had?

I'm just saying. I do keep flashlights on hand, but I also know when electricity has handed me a blessing by cutting off and offering me a book and some candlelight :)

PS-it's worth noting that I have been in every kind of disaster known to man, with the exception of a house fire (knock on wood). Earthquake, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, wind storms, a riot, electrical storms, and yes-one volcano eruption. "Roll with the punches" is something I understand.

Walkie talkies. Camping stove. Anything that can keep you dry and warm. Matches. Extra newspaper to start the fire. Pencil/pen and paper in a reliable place.

That's all I got for now...will keep thinking.

Ummm, a couple of days worth of bottled drinking water.

I lived through the 500 year flood twelve years ago in Iowa. The water works for the entire city was flooded and there was no potable water for weeks for a quarter million people. And I mean weeks. In case something similar happens, you'll want bottled water on hand because a. all the stores will sell out very quickly and b. it generally takes days for the stores to be reloaded and the National Guard can help only so many people, eh?

I would also highly recommend duct tape and a pair of wellies, just in case you have to go through sludge.

Fill the tub--sometimes the water system will go down & you'll be glad you have it to help flush the toilets (learned the hard way through Hurricane Andrew). If you have enough warning, fill up a cooler or two with ice.

Carry a cigarette lighter in your pocket. It's great to have flashlights and candles; it's not so great to bump into half of the walls and furnituyre while you feel your way around for them. You can't keep a lighter burning, though, so you **click**, take a few steps, let it go out and wait a few seconds (maybe blow on it to cool it), repeat until you've got your hands on a flashlight. Learned that the hard way. I've got candles in my room, but definately need the lighter to find them.

cash.

my sister got stuck in the south bronx with almost no gas...and no cash on 9/11.

this day and age i never really carry any...well - i do now.

You didn't mention any sort of first aid kit. At the very least, you should have several days worth of any prescription meds your family might need.

When we were iced into our house in Nashville without electricity for a solid week, we used our cast iron dutch oven stove from my great great grandmother (probablu from the early 1900s or so) to make stews using the coals in our fireplace. Nothing high tech, and we used alot of the dry goods we had on hand for it.

When we got tired of that, though, we ate cold pop tarts.

Move?

Champagne ........... always always have champagne.

ohhhhh and maple syrup.

Actually a few tins of condensed (sweet) milk would be a good idea.

I agree with the above- Cash, flashlights, candles, water... And T.P.
A stock of paper cups and plates wouldn't hurt either.

Thanks for the link!!

Comic books.

One year at the beginning of hurricane season in Florida my husband came home from a trip and said, "Why did you buy C batteries?"

I said, "Because batteries were on the Hurricane Preparedness List published in the newspaper."

He said, "We don't have anything that takes C batteries."

Slightly off subject, but this is the second time today someone has mentioned this storm. We happened to be in Westport on Sunday (stopping off at the in-laws). The storm was certainly intense for a little bit where we were, but nothing really out of the ordinary. The power never even flickered. Interesting.

The only thing I can add to the impeccable advice above? A sense of humor. Always, always keep it on hand, and don't leave - or go - home without it.

If you're going to plan, plan for a bad one. More food, more water, more candles, more batteries. A week's worth of stable food at least, same for water, along with purification tabs to make extra water safe.

Don't forget supplies for any pets you have.

Axe or hatchet, and a good bow saw.

Tarps. Rope, cord, twine, string, etc. It would be hard to keep too much rope.

Chemical glow sticks for the kids instead of candles, for night lights and on stairs and such. Easier, safer, and conserves batteries.

Someone gave an excellent idea above about filling the tub. Also fill any sinks. And if it looks really bad, any buckets, rinsed out milk jugs and pretty much anything else that'll hold water. Water is going to be the one thing that's absolutely necessary to survive. And if the municipal supply gets contaminated, it takes time to become safe again.

I love the part about running the dishwasher before a storm. Made me laugh.

Paper, my man, paper plates, plastic utensils, paper cups. Industrial-sized trashbags for many reasons. Be sure wallets, purses, etc are where you can get them in a hurry in case you're running out the door.

Brookstones sells the Ready Lite flashlight that requires no batteries. Although I couldn't find a link for you, I bought the all in one radio, cell phone charger, flashlight that is self-generating by winding a handle for a minute. I'll save a fortune in batteries.
In my disaster kit is water purifying tablets, clorox and some medical supplies. Don't forget a manual can opener!