A Storm is Coming! A Storm is Coming!

If you are anywhere near the East Coast right now...You are (hopefully) preparing for the Monsterous Hurricane Sandy.
I think it's appropriate that we create a short list of the very basic items that you should have prepared.  If you haven't prepared and you head for the grocery store right now...You'll probably see this:

1 - Potable Water
At least one gallon, per person, per day...That's just for drinking.  Remember - You'll also want extra water for, cleaning, cooking, and other sanitary reasons.  I think it is best to plan on 3 gallons of water per person, per day.  Keep in mind that if you have stored Freeze Dried or Dehydrated food, you will need more water to re-hydrate your foods.  Another post to think about.  Water, Water, Everywhere and Not a Drop to Drink

2 - Food
At my home, we have a lot of store bought canned food, but honestly...we don't use much of it.  We prefer the canned food that we grow and can ourselves.  Store bought canned goods have a long shelf-life, so it's good idea to have a bunch of it on hand.  If you are prepping for a storm or earthquake or even civil unrest, you can, and most likely will...lose electricity.  With Hurricane Sandy, Officials are estimating that approximately 10 million people will lose power. If you do lose power, the food in your fridge will spoil, plan to eat those perishable foods first.  After that, the food in your freezer will begin to thaw.  Use it next.  After all other food is gone, go for the canned and or dehydrated foods.
IMPORTANT - If you plan to use canned food, don't forget a non-electric can opener

3 - Battery Powered or Hand Crank Radio
Not many people listen to the radio anymore.  There really isn't much of a need anymore...right?  You've got the internet and your cell phone.  Heck, even your cell phone has the internet.  If you are in a storm or earthquake situation, that will likely change.  What do you plan to do if the internet and/or cell service is dead?  You will need a battery powered AM/FM radio to get information.

4 - Cash

I recommend having at least $200 in cash.  If there is no power, there will be no ATMs.  If there is no power, there is a chance that stores will re-open, but they won't be able to accept anything other than cash.  In this situation, it doesn't matter how great your credit is...If you don't have cash, you don't get to purchase. Remember, SMALL bills.  A lot of places won't have change to give back to you.  

5 - Batteries

It seems like it's easy to find a flashlight when the power goes out, but the batteries are ALWAYS dead.  Don't skimp on batteries.  Get them...Get lots of them.  You won't regret it.  I like Eneloop rechargeable batteries.  They come Pre-charged and have a low self discharge rate.  While you're at it...Make sure all of your gadgets are charged fully.  You will want these to be fully charged to keep yourself entertained.



6 - Toilet Paper and other sanitary supplies
This doesn't need much explanation.  Make sure you have what you need.  It would also be helpful to stock up the First Aid Kit

7 - Bug Out Bag
Some people have to bug out, some people have to bug in.  If there are mandatory evacuations being enforced, you will need a bug out bag.  Some people call them 72 hour kits.  The bug out bag is simply a supply of the items listed above.  You will also need to add a change of clothes along with important papers for identification etc.

Well - This really is just a quick list.  I obviously didn't spend a lot of time on it.  It covers the very basics.  Prepare what you can, with the time and resources you have.  For a more extensive list, I recommend you check out - Top 100 Items to Disappear First in a Crisis

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