Stuff to Buy Now – Before a Storm Hits

There’s been much in the news lately about how 2020 could be a rough hurricane season.

Considering everything that has already happened in this ill-fated year, is anyone surprised by that?

It certainly shouldn’t have been a shock that Hurricane Hanna recently made landfall in Texas. And that Hurricane Douglas threatened the Hawaiian islands.

And yet many people continue to live their lives as if they will never face an extreme weather event. No matter how many times they see weather-related carnage on the news, they continue to believe it will never happen to them.

It’s tough to remember everything

Fortunately, we know better. We know how important it is to prepare for an uncertain future.

But we don’t always remember to stockpile everything we’ll need to face a storm. Sometimes a few things fall through the cracks.

Today I want to provide you with a list of 15 items you should have ready BEFORE an extreme weather event.

First, though, I want to briefly talk about those two hurricanes I mentioned.

Hurricane Douglas was a close call

Douglas was the first hurricane in the Central Pacific this season. Fortunately for the folks in Hawaii, they did not take a direct hit.

The storm was packing 90 mph winds as it passed the islands to the north. Hawaii Governor David Ige said they “dodged a bullet.”

Janice Dean is a senior meteorologist for Fox News. She said, “It just scraped the islands of Hawaii. They are so lucky they didn’t get the worst of the rain and the wind and the storm surge.”

Still, heavy rain and wind gusts battered Maui. The storm surge caused sand and debris to wash across roads on Oahu, where other roads were flooded.

Some 300 people evacuated to the Hawaii Convention Center, just in case. Space was limited due to COVID-19 social distancing protocols.

Hurricane Hanna made landfall

Not as fortunate were the folks living in Corpus Christi, Texas and the surrounding areas. Hanna made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane.

Neighborhoods were flooded, boats were sunk and piers were destroyed by storm surge. Water found its way into the Art Museum of South Texas. And the Texas State Aquarium.

Most of downtown Corpus Christi was protected by seawalls. But some waves crashed over and condos took on water.

Parts of South Texas got 15 inches of rain. Fallen trees and power lines closed roads.

Also suffering damage was Padre Island National Seashore.

For some, Hurricane Hanna was a reminder of the havoc caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. But this time, they were also dealing with a recent COVID-19 surge.

Wake-up calls should wake us

Douglas and Hanna were Category 1 hurricanes that produced limited amounts of damage and power outages.

But they should be a wake-up call for those living in areas that have been affected by hurricanes in the past. Not to mention those who experience occasional tornadoes, wildfires and other crises.

We are powerless to stop these natural and manmade disasters. But we can prepare for them.

As promised, here are some things you might want to stock up on before you are faced with an emergency situation.

Stockpile these items

  • Survival food. If your power is out for an extended period of time, you’re going to need nonperishable food. Stock up and keep it in a cool, dark place.
  • Water. Nobody lives long without this item. Be sure to keep at least 1.5 gallons of clean drinking water per day for each member of your household.
  • Tactical flashlight. The best ones are lightweight yet durable. They can light your way in the dark and perform a number of other tasks.
  • Rechargeable batteries. Don’t be left searching your kitchen drawers for a working battery. Have a set ready and charged.
  • Power pack. When the electricity goes out, this might be your only way to charge the electronic devices you need. Including your phone.
  • Multi-tool. A power outage is likely to leave you with a few things to fix. Having pliers, scissors, wire cutter, blade and other tools all in one will be convenient.
  • Radio. Stay up to date on information about the storm using a weather radio.
  • Solar-powered generator. Keep lights on, appliances running and electronic devices working with a portable generator. One you don’t have to rely on gas to run.
  • Lantern. A bright lantern that will stay on all night if you want it to will enable you to see what’s around you in the dark.
  • Fire starters. Stockpile a variety of this item. Including Bic lighters, waterproof matches and a magnesium fire starter.
  • First-aid kit. Power outages also often result in minor injuries. A fully-stocked first-aid kit will help you treat them properly.
  • Emergency blanket. The American Red Cross recommends having one of these on hand. Especially during colder months.
  • Bug spray. In warmer weather, you’re going to want protection from annoying and disease-carrying bugs.
  • Important documents. They might not help you survive, but they will come in handy if you need them. Keep a set in a waterproof bag.
  • Pet food and supplies. Our furry friends need protection too. Fill a bug-out bag with food and other supplies, including leashes, a litter box and toys.

Preparedness doesn’t just help you AFTER an emergency strikes. It gives you peace of mind BEFORE it happens. Because you know you’re ready for whatever storm comes your way.

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