Storm Awareness

Communication:

• Charge any device that provides light. Laptops, tablets, cameras, video cameras, and old phones. Old cell phones can still be used for dialing 911. Charge external battery backups. 
• Check on all family members, set up emergency backup plans, and check on elderly neighbors.

Power Outage:

• Gather all candles, flashlights, lighters, matches, batteries, and other items and keep them accessible.
• Before the storm, unplug all electronics. There will be power surges during and after the storm.
• Freeze a cup of water, and place a coin on top after it is frozen...keep this in your freezer to help you gauge the temperature if the power goes out.  If the coin stays on top, the food is staying frozen.  If the coin falls into the water, the freezer thaws out and most food will likely need to be thrown away. 

Water / Toilets:

• Wash all trash cans, big and small, and fill them with water for flushing toilets. Line outdoor trash cans with trash bags, fill them with water, and store them in the garage.
• Fill old empty water bottles and other containers with water and keep them near sinks for washing hands.
• Fill every Tupperware with water and store in the freezer. These will help keep food cold longer and serve as a backup water supply.
• If it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown Flush it down!

Food:

• Fill your propane tanks. You can heat soup cans, boil water, make coffee, and other stuff besides just grilling meat.
• Get plastic cups and paper plates. You need water to wash dishes
• Stock up on non perishable foods/snacks

House:

• Freeze or cook any meats in advance and other perishable foods. You can freeze cooked food. 
• Wash all dirty clothes and bed sheets. Anything dirty will smell without the A/C, you may need the items, and with no A/C, you'll be sweating a lot. 
• Run your dishwasher, don't risk having dirty smelly dishes
• Take trash out and clean cat litter boxes. Remove anything that will cause an odor when the A/C is off. 
• Bring in any yard decor, secure anything that will fly around, secure gates, bring in hoses, potted plants, etc. Bring in patio furniture and grills.
• Scrub all bathrooms so you are starting with a clean odor-free environment. Store water-filled trash cans next to each toilet for flushing.
• Clean all counters in advance. Start with a clean surface. Buy Clorox Wipes for cleaning when there is no power. Mop your floors and vacuum. If power is out for 10 days, you'll have to live in the mess you started with.
• Drop your A/C in advance and lower temperatures in your fridges.

Personal and Documents:

• Place everything you own that is important and necessary in a backpack or small file box that is easy to grab. Include your wallet with ID, phone, etc. 
• Important Documents: (Get plastic sleeves for important documents)
  • Take a utility bill with you as you may need to show proof of residency to get back into town.
  • Birth and Marriage Certificates
  • Social Security Cards
  • Passports
  • Pets medical history
  • Insurance paperwork
  • Titles to cars/boats/trailers/etc
• Have cash on hand.. 
• Refill any medications. Most insurance companies allow for 2 emergency refills per year.
• Shower just before the storm is scheduled to hit.
• Put a small suitcase in your car in case you decide to evacuate. Also, put at least one jug of water in your car. It will still be there if you don't evacuate!  Remember to pack for pets as well.
• If you can, take a video of your house and contents....walk room to room--open cabinets/drawers and closets.  This will help if you need to make a claim later.  It will show proof of items and help you list all the items (help your memory, so you don't forget anything)

Pets:

• Stock up on pet food, medication and fill up bowls of water for pets.
• Take bowls, leashes, poop bags and a favorite toy or two.
• Remember, pets are family too. Take them with you!