When folks ask me how to prepare for hurricanes one thing I generally tell them is after they've done what they can to get ready:
- Take a Shower, leave the water in the tub to scoop out to flush the toilet with or put a wash tub in the shower and stand in it to shower. I usually also tell them to put a bucket of water in their tubs for flushing too and save it for Nasties, not just a little piddle. A person will seldom regret getting clean before a long power outtage.
- Keep a squirt bottle or 2 of water in kitchens and bathroom for hands and personal areas. When in bathroom squirt these areas over the toilet to dilute a little piddle. Don't jump if the water is cold.
- Watch out for snakes and fire ants. Both of which tend to come up out of the ground when there's a heavy rain.
- When you buy flashlights and batteries it is wise to get extra bulbs as well.
- Don't forget the emery boards to go with the batteries, you can often get more life out of the batteries by using the emery boards on the ends.
- A hand operated can opener, a battery operated fan and a wind up or battery operated clock, preferably one that glows in the dark are important to have. Those battery operated candles do great in front of mirrors too. They make a really big glow and are much safer than real candles whether or not you have pets (and especially if you do have them.)
- Grab a battery operated TV, it really helps to see the outside world. I know during IVAN last year it was one hint of Normal Life. The Black & white ones cost about $20 so are certainly affordable and usually have am/fm radios too.
Lots of hints gathered in 50 years or so. But Nobody is "Prepared" for the Big Ones. They scare the Bleep out of you, period plain and simple.
Linne
For more information on hurricane preparation:
http://www.fema.gov/hazards/hurricanes/
