She never once mentioned FEMA
Or asked for money, or a trailer or anything else.
Dr. Melissa Clouthier talks about surviving hurricane Ike. She includes mistakes that she made that she has learned from. Imagine that! As well as things she did right that she’s glad about.
A back-up generator is not a luxury. When figuring a cost-benefit analysis, the food lost alone (we had a side of beef in a deep freezer), a generator pays for itself after one power outage. So, we need to get a generator. In addition, relief organizations won’t get into the area with ice for at least three days, maybe four. By that time, food is wasted.
We didn’t have enough batteries. I waited until too late to check on how many I had. By the time I figured out we needed more, they were sold out at the store.
Guns and gun training are a must. The police simply cannot be everywhere, but criminals are remarkably effective at being where the cops are not. So, we need to get both.
Full tanks of gas. This is a no-brainer but I was surprised how many people were desperate for gas right after everything hit. Lack of preparation has consequences. We needed the gas because we decided to leave The Woodlands. We were at least 100 miles or so out of the area before there were working gas stations. An empty tank would have left us stuck. Also, I was using the car to charge my cell phone every night. The car is an excellent generator. I’m thinking about electric cars too. Wouldn’t get too far with one of them, would you? Trucks are mighty nice in this situation. Our Suburban could be filled to the gills with kids, dogs and stuff and had a nice big (albeit guzzling) gas tank.
Landline, AT&T and Sprint telephone carriers. At one time or another at least one was working–mostly. That was a relief. Its one thing to be without internet (and at my level of addiction that’s painful), it’s another to be without a way to communicate period.
[...] BE READY FOR DISASTER– She never once mentioned FEMA …. [...]
Pingback by Steynian 253 « Free Mark Steyn! — September 23, 2008 @ 4:31 pm
You need to fill every gas tank at least two days before the evacuation. Otherwise there will be no gas. Make sure your propane tanks are full also.
I find 12 gal boat tanks great for evacuation. They don’t tip or spill and you can connect a clear tube to the gas suction, tilt it on its side and never have to siphon.
At start of hurricane season, I buy 10 case of bottled water and 2 cases of gallon jugs. Lots of soup and chilli and similar easy to cook stuff that is easy to store. I have two big ice chests, bought 18 bags of ice in Houston after Katrina and it lasted most of a week,
Hand gun and pump shot gun a good idea.
High limit credit cards, at least two. A bank with branches in evacuation states. Cash and travelers checks are always on hand.A bill paying service out of the area, mine is in SD never missed a bill after Katrina. A note book computer and wireless access.
I leave one car at home full of gas, evacuated with two I carry 2 12 gal cans with me, Generator and at least 15 gal of gas and supplies in the attic. Don’t forget several long extension cords. Tent and camping supplies are a must, you can’t live inside a flooded house.
Comment by rpkinmd — September 29, 2008 @ 6:07 am