by Robert Cooper

Created on: July 07, 2008   Last Updated: July 13, 2008

To prepare for a hurricane you will need supplies and some basic tools. First of all you must realize that if a hurricane merely passes your area there will still be gusts of wind that can blow trees down on power lines or blow power lines themselves loose leaving widespread power outages. Often these outages have been known to last for days or even weeks!

This leaves us with one major dilema, most of our food is in the freezer or the refrigerator and will only remain unspoiled for a day or maybe two without electricity. One way to solve this problem is to purchase a portable electric generator. Though the average cost is about $500.00 out of hurricane season, if you have a large freezer, the food you save from just one storm would pay for the generator. This means too that you must add surplus gasoline to your hurricane list to run the generator.

Commercially, there are many products designed to protect your windows like exterior shutters, wind netting, roll up steel curtains, all of which are very effective, but also expensive. The old fashioned way is to fasten plywood over the windows which has proven to be effective in the past.

Make sure your vehicles are filled with gasoline just in case the "evacuation" order is given. Or during a power outage gasoline pumps won't operate. Also keep your supplies and bedding organized so they might be quicky and easily loaded into the vehicle should you have to evacuate.

Battery operated lanterns( suggested) and flashlights along with plenty of extra batteries for both should be on hand. At least 5 gallons of bottled water per person just in case. For groceries, canned goods that are easy to prepare, along with dehydrated noodles or vegetables and few loaves of bread. Remember the average corporate grocery store will run out in about 3 days if not replenished.

If your finances will allow it, you might want to have $200-300 in cash as many times desperation shopping won't afford you using your debit card if the power is out.

If you have pets I've found the best thing is to purchase"pet carriers" the ones people carry their animals to the vet in. Many times om the excitement of a storm the emotions and noises can be quite chaotic, making it to keep your pets flowing in the same direction you are. Also during an evacuation, they can temporarily live in the carriers if you are forced to seek refuse in a public shelter.

If you have children and no electricity, they are indoors with no television or P.C., don't cut your throat, bring playing cards, sketch pads & pencils, small board games, old photo albums, and a digital camera to record this event and how we endured it. If you are the victim of a hurricane, survive first, but help others.

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