Safey Tips

• 911 will NEVER dispatch police, fire, or ambulance during a storm! Don't do anything stupid!
• NEVER use your generator indoors. It WILL kill you! Even in the garage! Best rule of thumb: 6 feet away from the house!
• NEVER use char-coal or gas grills indoors. It can kill you!
• If you're told to evacuate, DO IT! (Look what happened in New Orleans!)
• If the eye of the storm is over you, DO NOT go outside and wonder around!
• Stay indoors throughout the entire storm. Dangers such as flying debris and downed power lines WILL kill you.

Hurricane Supply Checklist

• WATER: At least 1 gallon per person per day, for 3-7 days. "Drinking Water" is best, as opposed to purified or distilled.
• FOOD: Stock up for 3-7 days
  Non-perishable packages or canned foods and juices
  foods for infants and elderly
  snacks
  non-electric can opener
  cooking tools and fuel
  paper plates, plastic cups, plastic flatware
• CLEAN BEDDING: Blankets, pillows, etc. You never know what the weather will be like after the storm.
• CLOTHING: Seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes.
• FIRST AID KIT: Include your medicines and prescriptions. If you can, get a fresh supply before the storm.
• TOILETRIES: Hygiene items, moist wipes, etc.
• FLASHLIGHTS: Don't forget batteries!
• RADIO: Battery operated with NOAA weather band.
• PHONES: Traditional land-line non-electric phone, cell phones fully charged with extra battery.
• CASH: Be sure to get small bills! There will not be any banking facilities available.
• KEYS: for cars, businesses, and properties.
• IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS: in waterproof containers, such as banking, medical, social security card, birth certificates, insurance, and more.
• TOOLS: Keep a set with you during the storm!
• GAS: fill your cars and get extra for generators.
• PET CARE ITEMS: Food, water, meds, papers, carrier or cage, muzzle or leash.

Preparation Tips

• Fill your bathtub with water before the storm hits. It's great for toilet water.
• Though a little pricey, self-heating meals are great, and are available at camping supply stores, or on the net.
• If you have a propane grill, you should still have a small char-coal grill as a back up. Char-coal was plentiful after Wilma!
• All-metal cookware is essential for grilling! No plastic handles or lids! Don't forget an "Ove-Glove"!
• One-skillet meal-in-a-box (Ex: Betty Crocker Complete Meals) are EASY and satisfying on the grill. Get the meals that only require water! (Beef Stroganoff was our favorite!)
• Pack your fridge and freezer with gallon jugs of tap water. Keeps it cooler longer, and is a water supply back-up.
• When conserving gasoline for generators, Run in 2 hour intervals. (Breakfast and dinner!) This will be enough to keep the fridge cold!
• When buying a gasoline generator, the best place we found was Sears with the Craftsman line of generators. The home improvement stores sell generic generators that are crap, and if they don't work, they will NOT take them back for exchange or refund.
• Canned condensed milk is a GREAT substitute for your coffee if you normally use milk, cream, or half-n-half. After Wilma, I actually prefer my coffee this way now, and i'm not a fan of powdered creamers.
• Pick-a-buddy! The BEST thing was sharing resources with a neighbor!
• Chain your generator to something, or it WILL get stolen!