tia: tAkE tWo

Tis the season!  Hurricanes, snow/ice storms, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, etc, etc. Wherever we live, there are weather related concerns.  Our depending upon government agencies to assist us is... is... is a concept that belongs in a Disney flick.  They can no sooner be "right there" than we can "get out" if we've waited too long.  A little self-reliancy while we wait for the cavalry to arrive is always beneficial.

Reliable Weather Websites:

wunderground

noaa

And, as every girl scout knows, thinking ahead and being prepared is always a good plan.  It's a great time to go through the flashlights and see if the batteries & bulbs are functioning;  & spare parts are always a good thing to have on hand.  (Nothing like a power outage to make you feel, "brilliant" for not getting a simple pack of batteries.)      

Preparedness Websites:  (see the 72 hour/emergency kits/lists)  

American Red Cross

FEMA

(Disclaimer:  The following is not to be considered a comprehensive or complete list, only you will know your family's &/or your needs.)

Food & Water
Camp stove and coffee pot
Medicines and Doses List (spare prescriptions or extra doses may come in handy)
Tylenol, Aspirin, Benadryl, Epi Pen, etc.
Band aids & Neosporin or a simple First Aid Kit
A Hard Copy of Phone Numbers  (i.e., Family, Government Offices, Physicians, Veterinarian and Friends)
Some Cash and a Roll of Quarters (maybe even some dimes)
A Local Map (GPS may not be up and running)
A Print Out of Your Evacuation Path
A NOAA weather radio
Plastic Bags:  Come in handy for many purposes
Important Papers in Water-proof Folder
A Camera for Insurance Purposes

Pet(s):  Feed, Supplies and a Copy of their Records

Automobile:  Gas, Oil Changed, Tires Inflated

Refuge:  Plan ahead as to where you will evacuate.  A friends, relatives, hotel room, a water-proofed campsite, etc etc. Also, if you have pets, be sure they're accepted where you're headed.  Leaving our critters behind is not really an option... especially after having watched coverage of Katrina. (While I'm at it, may I humbly recommend seeking some safe place other than our sports arenas for refuge?)

House: Plastic Sheeting, Duct Tape, Bleach

Life and Limb Warning:
1.  A chain saw comes in mighty handy to remove debris, but must be used with extreme precautions!  Leather work boots and gloves, eye and ear protection, jeans, etc, etc.
2.  Treat ALL power lines as though they could kill you... because they CAN!!!
3.  It is just plain slow-going to get back to your home after the all clear has been given... so take your time and realize things may need to be removed from the road as you go.

One more thing, pick up a deck of cards, a good book or a small battery operated radio/tv.  We were without power for six weeks once... I still remember watching an episode of, "Major Dad"on a teeny little tv my sister had left... that simple act made me feel connected again.

Be safe.  Be prepared.  Be patient.

Now, C'monnnn DEBBY!!!!!!!