Stormy Times Ahead

We hiked South Mountain this weekend and paused at what they call Hugo – the rockslide that Hurricane Hugo’s massive rains sent tumbling down the mountain several years ago. It got me to wondering, is my home ready for lots of rain and loss of electricity – or would we crash down much like those boulders? Here are some tips for staying at home during a disaster. For more information check www.ces.ncsu.edu/disater/factsheets .

Water is a priority. You should have at least 1 gallon of water per person per day and be prepared for 3 days. So, a family of four would want 12 gallons of water stored at a minimum. This should be enough for drinking, food preparation, washing dishes and bathing. More water will be needed if it is very hot or if you have children, nursing mothers, or sick people in your household. If you are on well water, you’ll need additional water to flush toilets. Clean soft drink bottles are excellent for storing water. If you need to purify water, use ¼ teaspoon of bleach for each gallon of water.

Make sure you fill your prescriptions, gas tank and wallets. We’ve all been surprised by gas stations and ATMs being shut down without power. Also check your fuel for the grill and batteries for your flashlights. Charge your cell phone and computers.

Have food on hand that does not require refrigeration, little cooking, and little water. Have a manual can opener on hand. Buy containers of food that can be consumed in one meal to limit food borne illness. Here are ideas that you could eat right out of the container: canned vegetables and fruits; canned soups that don’t require additional water; peanut butter; crackers; granola bars; dried fruits, nut and seeds; canned tuna, sardines, canned stew or chili; fruit and vegetable juice; canned evaporated milk; fresh vegetables and fruit if used promptly. Don’t forget comfort foods like hard candy, gum, canned pudding, coffee and tea. Boy, what I would have done for a hot cup of coffee during the ice storm a few years back!

Have your first aid kit and flashlight out and easily accessible. There’s nothing like trying to find those items in the dark or during a crisis. Have important family papers in a waterproof place – you would need these if you had to apply for assistance after a storm.

Don’t forget your family. Have games and activities for the children. Have supplies that your pet will need. Communicate with your family about your emergency plan.

As always, it is my privilege to serve through the NC Cooperative Extension Service. Please feel free to contact the Extension office for further information about emergency preparedness at 704-736-8461 or leigh_guth@ncsu.edu. Look for a follow up column on how to clean up after the power has been out including when to throw out foods.