Will the weather outside be frightful? Read the following to help prepare yourself and your family for this winter’s “big one”.

Each June in Florida, hurricane preparation begins. Personal “Hurricane Boxes” are stocked and insurance policies
checked. When Home Depot runs out of plywood (to cover windows), stores run out of bottled water and more than a #1 level hurricane is approaching, reality hits.

After being without electricity for several days, I have learned the following lessons- the hard way:

Cold food has to be eaten quickly or kept on ice. Ice is in grocery stores that close when there is no electricity. Heat of some kind is needed to cook all of that food. Propane stoves create new friends. Fruit is good. I love my hair dryer. Gas pumps don’t work without electricity. I need a car cell phone charger.

Here is a list of practical tips for our neck of the woods:

Now:

Put on snow tires and keep your car maintained.

Keep prescriptions renewed with 2 weeks’ supply on hand.

Create a list of medication information, doctors, pharmacy and family and neighbor contact information.

Give each family member a copy.

Buy a car cell phone charger.

Have on hand:

Shovels

Sand or salt

Warm change of clothes, bedding and food in your car trunk   See Snow Box items (below) to keep in your car.

WATCH the weather - I don’t have a television, so I have to remind myself of this.

Create a Snow Box with:

Flashlight

Battery-powered radio

Batteries for each

Candles, holders and matches

Food that can be prepared without refrigeration or heat such as granola bars, nuts, cereal with canned milk and fruit cups.

Can opener

6 gallons of water per person per day (these won’t fit in the box!)

Extra chargers

Pet food

List of important documents and items to take if you have to leave

Make a plan

How will we communicate? Cell phones? Texting or emails may work better. What will we do for heat? Will we take our pets? Will family or neighbors check in on us? If we have to leave, where will we meet?

When the storm is coming....

Start cooking food and eat...well, I do.

Charge cell phones and laptops.

Get gas, food and cash - bank machines will not work.

Share your storm plan with your family members, friends. Did I mention make a plan?

For family members with home care

Make sure your agency is prepared. Will they send caregivers before the storm to make sure they will be able to drive safely? Will the caregivers be able to stay later if needed? Do they have back up caregivers ready?

The best advice of all? Keep safe, warm and have a plan.