It’s hurricane season!!! Did you know that? LOL I am sure
you did because it’s apparent in the weather we have been having especially in
Louisiana. I love Louisiana the culture, the hospitality, the family events,
adult events just the fun altogether as well as sportsman activities such as
fishing, crabbing, shrimping, gator hunting etc. Since moving from Baton Rouge
to the Northshore of Louisiana I have learned some perks, such as the beach
being 2 hours away in Grand Isle, great school systems, awesome neighborhoods,
friendly people, great shopping and access to both New Orleans and Baton Rouge
within an hour away. However it also has its cons…such as hurricanes. As anyone
who watches the news knows we are on Hurricane watch here in Louisiana. Since I
am so close to Lake Pontchartrain ( 4 miles) we are definitely getting
prepared. We started a hurricane box
when we first move to Baton Rouge when Hurricane Gustav came. I wanted to do a post for everyone on
important things that will be needed for anyone who is getting ready for the
Hurricane or needs to get ready for the season period. This list includes if
you have children and if you don’t just simply disregard the items.
*This list is not in order so put in order at your own discretion.
First
thing first, get a Rubbermaid container ( you know those ones that you can
store stuff in). They are often blue and even green and red during Christmas,
some as also pink. Either way get one and put your essentials in it.
1.
Flashlights: I like to have enough for all the
big kids who can carry one just in case we all have to walk and need one)
2.
Batteries: You need plenty of those depending on how long
the power goes out. Maybe a mega pack would be good. Never know.
3.
Candles and lighter: When you’re not using the
flashlight the candles will be very helpful. They will also be essential if all
the batteries die.
4.
Bottled water: This is essential everyone. We
can’t survive without it and considering that I have a baby, toddler and to
young boys I want to be sure to have enough for everyone. From what I
understand you are supposed to have enough to last you for a week. And you
should have at least one gallon a person a day. So being that there is 6 people
in my house we need 6 galloons a day. SMH!!! That's a lot of water lol
5.
Battery operated radio: This is important to
keep you in the know of what it is going on especially if you have no power and
your cell phones go out. Plus you will able to keep up with the time, which
will be essential and keep you sane if the power goes out.
6.
Grill and charcoal: If the weather permits its
and you have no power you can cook on your grill. That’s what we are going to
do. I will tell you this….you may not be able to cook full course meals but you
can grill hotdogs, sausages or meat if you have some in your fridge and don't
want them to go bad. After Hurricane Gustavo passed up 4 years ago in the BTR we
went to Winn Dixie since they had power and got steaks. Lol we grilled outside
our hotel room down in the parking lot and even meet some nice people who we
chatted with and the kids were able to keep some air after being cramped up in
a room for two days.
7.
Nonperishable goods: Cans of soups, vegetables
such beans, fruit and even tuna and spam are good to have. If you have children
or just for you, you should get bread, crackers, food snacks, apples, peanut
butter, jelly anything that doesn't need a refrigerator to stay good. If you
have little ones and you lose power and need to lighten the mood consider
acting as if it’s a picnic. Light the candles around your area, put a blanket down and have sandwiches, fruit
and water. It will ease their minds to do something fun.
8.
Cooler: You need a cooler to put your food in.
That way you can take it to your designated area that you are going to ride the
storm out at. Last thing you want to do is have to move around in the dark and
hurt yourself trying to find food.
9.
Paper plates and plastic utensils: Since there
may not be water this will come in handy. Quick to use and trash. NEED I SAY
MORE!
10.
Trash bags: To put trash in. Last thing you
want is a bunch of trash in the area in which you may have to stay while the
power is out. Order is still necessary to keep your sanity J
11.
First Aid kit and medication: Make sure you
have enough medication for a week or two. If your child has asthma make sure
you have the inhaler and a refill, allergy medicine, cold medicine, fever
medicine, orajel, etc. My oldest two have allergys so I keep Lordatine, my
oldest has asthma so I keep both his everyday pump and emergency pump plus
refills, pain pills for headaches, orajel cause baby boy is teething and cold
medicine cause bg has a small cold. A first aid kit will also come in handy
just in case anyone gets cut or something while riding out the storm.
12.
Important papers and identification: These
papers can go inside a safe inside that plastic container I talked about at the
beginning. It should hold, ids, passports, ss cards, birth certificates, shot
records (for kids) and a home management binder (will discuss the important of
this in another post).
13.
Gas: Make sure whatever car you are going to
drive is gassed up in case you decide to evaluate or after the storm is over
and need to get out. If the storm is really bad you may not be able to go get
gas.
This pretty
much sums up my list of things you should have to assist you with preparing for
hurricanes. One thing that is not on my list is a designated area in which you
and your family will ride out the storm. Choose somewhere away from windows and
glass and lower level of house. We will be using our closet in the bathroom. It’s
a walk in so we should be able all climb in if need be along with cooler and
plastic bin.
Let me
know if there’s anything I missed. Hurricanes and tropical storms are serious and
we must take in account for our safety :)
Until next time lots of love,
Ladyhart
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