Your Short, But Sweet 10 Item Hurricane Prep Check List From Someone Who Lives On The Coast In A Hurricane Zone

If you’re one of the northerners in the path of Sandy, you may be thinking, “I’m not used to hurricanes! What do I need to prepare?”

Here is a very basic list (No plywood on the windows, storm radio, etc) from someone who has taken his dog out to pee in the middle of a Category 2 Hurricane (And believe it or not, the dog seemed completely non-phased by it)

#1) I keep lots of soup on hand (Have a can opener, spoons), but you may want to add in chips, jerky, or any other similar foods you can eat without cooking.
#2) Lots of drinking water.
#3) At least a gallon of water to be used to “flush” the toilet. Filling the bathtub with water works well for this, although you shouldn’t drink it unless you’re in a pinch.
#4) Multiple flashlights along with spare batteries.
#5) A gallon of water to put in the freezer. Let it freeze and if the power goes out, it may extend the life of your items in the freezer a little longer and save you a lot of money.
#6) Supplies of gas could be disrupted by the storm and hordes of people leaving could run all the gas stations in your area dry. This is why you want a full tank of gas BEFORE the storm hits, just in case you need to flee.
#7) Know how to get out of town. That may mean planning it out beforehand or getting a map. When the rain is pouring and the wind is fifty miles an hour, you won’t be able to ask anyone.
#8) If the power is down in your area, you may not be able to use a bank machine locally. Have some cash on hand just in case you need it.
#9) Charge your cell phone beforehand and ideally, have a phone on hand that doesn’t require power to work.
#10) If things go all “New Orleans,” you don’t want to be a victim. Have a gun and ammo.

Correct: I rewrote #2 and #3 to make it less confusing.

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