As we continue to recover from the big hurricanes of September, news of more still to come leaves an uneasy feeling in my stomach.
Colorado State University Atlantic hurricane trackers Philip Klotzbach and William Gray predicted three more hurricanes just for the month of October.
"Our October-only forecast calls for 3 named storms, 2 hurricanes [and] 1 major hurricane," they wrote on their website.
I don't know about you, but that makes me nervous. Living through Ike was no piece of cake and I am not ready to live through another one this soon. Give me a year or so to recuperate.
In the spirit of the prediction, I would advise those living in hurricane-prone areas to be prepared. Here are a few tips of things to have on hand.
Besides the normal gas, water, food, insurance documents, etc., here is a list of items that should also be on the list. These are things that we found ourselves wishing for during Hurricane Ike.
Battery-operated anything
This could be those essential Nintendo DS or Leapsters, radios or televisions. I know it sounds silly to say you need electronics when you are fighting for your lives, but if you have kids-you need them! They keep them preoccupied and not scared! I also can't tell you how much we missed not having TV. We had no clue what was going on in the world. Granted it was nice not hearing about the election, but it was isolating not knowing what was going on in the world.
Family games
Pack your family games in a place that is easy to get to in order to have some quality family time. If you have no games, buy some. Get a deck of cards, or some basic board games. Remember Scene-It is not an option when you have no electricity.
Get cash
I know all the hurricane guides say this, but when you are dependent on using debit cards, sometimes you forget. I can not stress this one enough. ATM's can not work without electricity.
Bicycles
Dig out those outside toys. You will be surprised how much easier it is to get around on a little bicycle when trees are covering roads. So get out those scooters, skateboards and bikes for some fun and cheap travel.
Plan a hurricane vacation
Have vacation plans set just in case. Visit family in another state. Go camping in a safe area. Just getting away from the suffering and destruction can be a huge mental boost.
Buy a generator
I know a lot of individuals don't purchase the generator because it tends to be a one time a year use item. Talk to anyone who has gone weeks without electricity, and they will tell you that that one purchase, is well worth it.
Buy instant coffee
If you are a coffee addict like me, get the instant stuff to make it through. With no electric stove or water at times, coffee becomes a hot commodity.
I am sure those who also lived through hurricanes have their own essential items. Feel free to leave them in the comments. My thoughts and prayers go out to those still recovering and I pray that this is one prediction that is wrong this October.
