Thursday Thirteen #460

 Emergency! As winter gives way to spring and summer, weather around here can be very changeable. Storms can come up quickly and knock out power. I've lived here all my life and should be ready for this, but now that I think of it, I'm not sure I am. Here's how experts recommend we prepare in case power is knocked out for hours or maybe days.

1. Food that requires no preparation. I've got canned tuna and ham, dry cereal and protein bars. I might not be happy, but I'd be OK.

2. Bottled water. Well, I've got a pitcher of water in the fridge and a couple bottles. I know I should have more.

 

3. Pet care. Oh, they're in better shape than I am! I have plenty of food and litter for the cats. I gotta stock up on the water, though, for them as well as me.

 

4. Prescription meds. I'm good here, too.

 

5. Flashlights and batteries. Yeah, I need to attend to these. I know where my flashlights are – one is in the bedroom closet, the other in the kitchen – but I'm I should switch out the batteries. (C? D? Gotta check.)

 

6. Transistor radio. Oh, I'm very good here! My shower radio is always operational. I can't shampoo without my tunes.

 

7. Be sure your electronics are charged. Phone and laptop. I've got a small portable power station for this. Better make sure that's charged, too. I got it less for my electronics than to run a fan. I hate, loathe, despise and abominate extreme heat and would really suffer without a fan if I can't run the ac.

 

8. Sanitation. As a storm approaches, fill a couple buckets with water. I always forget to do this, but it's important. Why? If the storm interferes with your plumbing, you can pour water in the toilet to trigger an automatic flush. Similarly, you might need a bucket of water to wash dishes. 

 

9. Paper goods. Have you got enough paper towels and toilet paper? I do.

 

10. Garbage bags. You may need all sizes for after-storm clean up efforts.

 

11. Ice and ice chests. If the power is out for more than a few hours, you'll need to do what you can to save your refrigerated food from spoiling. I have the ice chests, ice and some ice packs ready for this.

 

12. Decide where you'll go in case of a storm/tornado. A basement is best but, if like me you don't have one, choose an interior room with no windows. For me, that's the bathroom.

 

13. Store your stuff. Make sure your car is in the garage, not the driveway. Don't leave lawn chairs on the deck.You saw The Wizard of Oz. You know what can happen. If your basement frequently floods, make sure nothing of value sits directly on the floor.

How about you? Are you ready for a sudden summer storm?

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