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I’m changing all the recommendation for our General Store today  aware that the east coast should be preparing for hurricane Earl to make landfall, just in case. Right now Earl is a CAT 3 hurricane and by the time most of you read this I am sure it will be a 4. I remember living through a hurricane as a child in New Jersey.  Hurricanes are not as frequent in that area but I remember hunkering down in the basement for hours as the storm passed and then going out to see trees down and a huge mess of branches, debris and neighbors’ belongings in our yard. At present weather forecasters are still concerned that all east coast residents, especially those further north than North Carolina review their evacuation and other emergency plans. The storm may turn east and the worst may go out to sea but even a nor’easter will leave plenty of damage. What should you be doing right now to prepare?

1. Review your evacuation plan. If you are near the coast and the storm does pass over you evacuation will be necessary to avoid the tidal waves and damage from flooding as well as winds. You may also be ordered to leave if the eye will pass over your area. Prepare to leave.Get out those maps now and mark several routes out of town so when the order comes to evacuate you are ready to pack up and go. Your GPS should not be counted on for guidance.

2. Remove everything from your yard that may blow away. A category 3 hurricane can lift heavy tables, flower pots, swing sets, out door lighting, just about everything, be aggressive and remove anything that may become air-born and fly through a window. Outdoor solar lightning is a great light source during a power outage. Gather them into one place and leave them in the sun to charge as long as possible, just don’t forget to  bring them in before the blowing begins.

3. If you have trees with limbs that could potentially reach a window if blown hard, trim them now.

4. Move your cars into the garage.

5. Collect flashlights, glow sticks, and candles. Get out your solar, crank or battery radio. Be sure you have enough fresh batteries to last several days.

6. Gather your important papers (mortgage, insurance, birth certificates, pink slips, etc.), family photos, heirlooms, 72 hour kits, clothing and hygiene supplies so they can be quickly moved to your car.

7. Backup your computer files to a disk or off site.

8. Fill your gas tank.

9. Wash all the laundry so you start out with clean clothing and bedding in case the power is out for an extended period of time.

10. Cook. Make a few meals such as soups and stews that will be easy to reheat on an improvised cooker or camp stove. Freeze them so they will last longer. A well stocked freezer will keep foods frozen for up to three days. If you have room in the freezer add plastic containers of water to keep the temperature colder longer. These can then be used for drinking or cooking as they defrost. There are directions in past newsletters and on the blog for making paint can cookers and tuna can heaters. If you have not done that and do not have a camp stove with plenty of propane look up those directions and get busy.

11. Get some cash in small denominations. When the power is out so are ATM and credit card machines.

12. Discuss your plans with your family and prepare them. Be sure they understand what to do if they are at school or work when an evacuation is ordered.

13. Notify your out of state contact and inform them of your plans to evacuate to their home. This will give them time to stock up on a few extra supplies.

14. Renew any prescriptions that may run out in the next two weeks.

15. Gather your cleaning supplies and fill in any gaps. We will add a few to our General Store this week but you will need more so check your supplies carefully.

16. Fill everything in your home that will hold water with water. Wait until just before the storm hits to fill your bath tub. You can use this water to clean and bathe but not drink. Purchase bottled water if your water storage is low.

17. Check your pantry and make sure you have plenty of easily prepared canned foods. Remember dehydrated and freeze dried foods need water to be reconstituted and you may not have water. You will also not want foods that don’t need to be cooked but rather store those that just need heating. You will want to conserve your fuel sources. Sandwiches, canned soups and stews are good. Don’t forget snack foods, especially if your have children. They will help keep the peace. Never, Never use your barbecue inside your home! If you must use a barbecue only use it in the garage with the door open and the cars pulled out.

18. Plan for sanitation. How will you handle bathroom needs if you have no water to flush. If you have a camping port-a-potty or a potty seat and a bucket get them out and set up an area in the garage. If you are in an apartment then set it up in a bathroom but the garage will keep the odors at bay.

19. Pull out that old plug in telephone. Portable phones will not work when the power is out. Cell phones will be jammed and are often taken over for emergency purposes.

20. Check with elderly and disabled neighbors and friends and make sure they have a plan.

If you have never thought about some of these things don’t you wish you had? You still have a few days to prepare so take that time to ask questions and learn. Ask friends. Ask our yahoo group. Ask me (carolyn@TotallyReady.com). As the storm gets closer store shelves will empty very quickly so please don’t wait.

This week we will be adding work gloves, at least one pair per family member, and disinfectant cleaners to our General Store. After a storm water will be contaminated and everything that has been touched by storm water will need to be disinfected before use.

For those working on the food shelves of their General Store we were going to add condiments this week since they are on sale for Labor Day picnics but I noticed we have not added gains yet and those who may get caught in this storm will need those more than condiments.  This week add six pounds of grains per family member. If you are on the east coast make some of them bread and crackers that can be eaten without cooking. For others add oats, rice, wheat, barley, pasta, any grain your family likes to eat. Variety is important to avoid appetite fatigue so don’t purchase just one variety.

Please tweet, facebook, email or share this post in any way possible with your family and friends on the east coast. They may think you are a little nuts but they will be grateful later or they will be ready to listen next time! We will hope and pray the storm turns out to sea, but just in case…

Eight Days until my new radio show!! Don’t forget to let me know what you’d like to hear! Would you like to be a guest on the show?

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Back issues: Totally Ready Newsletters July 2009- June 2010