Friday, September 5, 2008

Hurricane Hanna


One thing about a hurricane barreling up the coast, you can feel it coming. Everything gets quiet, doesn't it?

The day you're standing in is more beautiful, more clear than any day you can remember for a long while, but something is going on way out there in the ocean. Something big. Something that can't stop spinning and sucking all the water into a wall hundreds of feet high . . .

From the air, it looks like a whorl of white smoke or a cloud turning like a great wheel, making its way across the water undoing everything in its wake.

We could be in a maelstrom upsidedown. We could be in a backwards clock.

What we all need is a disaster supply kit at the ready, just in case.

The Federal Government's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (www.noaa.gov) offers this list:

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food/juices
— foods for infants or older adults
— snacks
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools/fuel
— paper plates/plastic utensils

Bedding - Blankets/Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal/rain gear/sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit/Medicines/Prescription Drugs

Flashlight & Batteries

Radio - Battery-operated & NOAA weather radio

Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery & a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash & Credit Cards - Banks & ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books, Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Gas - Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash