Batteries Not Included

Let me know if this scenario sounds familiar to you:

It's around 8 p.m. on a weeknight and after a long day at work, you've settled in to enjoy some primetime TV. McDreamy is preparing to run a CT scan on the cheerleader who thinks she has superpowers while emergency room workers are freaking out about two men with large neck wounds resembling vampire bites . . .? Something like that.

 

Suddenly McDreamy's face is replaced with that of the local weatherman. The storm that initially warranted only a ticker tape has now escalated to a show interrupting level. Before you can make sense of the yellow, green and red blobs on the radar, the TV flickers out along with the rest of your power. After finally unearthing your keys (which carry the only flashlight you own—you know, the one you got for free at the health fair at work) you click it on only to discover the batteries are out. If only you had an extra set of batteries.

This has happened to the best of us. Even having four or five flashlights in the house doesn't guarantee working batteries. Having extra flashlights and batteries on hand can help prevent crises like the above scenario or be your hero when the remote control stops working. Check out weeks 12 & 13 of 21 Weeks to Prepare for more tools that might come in handy during a disaster.

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Weeks 4 & 5: TP to the Rescue!

If you follow our blog, you might recall local disaster volunteer, Joe Brennan, sharing his packing method before heading to South Dakota to assist flood relief efforts:

“Within 20 minutes, I can pack,” Joe says. “I have it all in a box—everything from toothpaste, to toilet paper, to shirts. When I give an orientation, I tell people, “You never know.”

I'm guessing the part that caught my attention also caught yours—toilet paper! I, for one, would have never thought of it before my conversation with Joe. His philosophy is a good one to follow when building your disaster kit. Also pack soap and hand sanitizer. It might be a while before you have access to a proper wash room, so this is crucial in preventing the spread of germs.

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Week 2: Agua Vida

Anyone who has watched 127 Hours (I <3 James Franco) might have an idea of the most important item to keep in your disaster kit. It's not rocket science, but it is something that can be easily overlooked.

Most Americans have multiple sources of water in their homes, but during a disaster, it may be difficult to find clean water. Keep your family hydrated by stocking water in your disaster kit. The Red Cross recommends storing a 3-day supply (1 gallon per person, per day). That's 12 gallons of water for a family of four. The 12 gallons are spread throughout your shopping list, but stocking up now is a great way to work out.

Also work on collecting a few canned goods and snacks. A grumbling stomach is never fun, especially during a disaster. Everyone loves a good bargain, so keep an eye out for sales while grocery shopping.

P.S. Don't forget to start your weather radio fund! $1.75/week

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