How to Prepare for Hurricane Earl

With 38 years of experience of living in Florida I can share many stories and lots of helpful tidbits on how to prepare for Hurricane Earl. Although I moved from Florida to Georgia last year, the memories of hurricane seasons 2004 & 2005 are etched in my memory. There are many things you can do to prepare for Hurricane Earl.

Food for Hurricane Earl

When you prepare for Hurricane Earl, stock up on foods like pre-cooked canned meat or canned fruits that can be eaten the same day. Canned meat like tuna can be eaten right out of the can without needing to cook. Protein from meat fills you up for a longer period of time. Pre-packaged fruit will give you a boost in energy.

Also, when preparing for Hurricane Earl, realizing that starches like canned or bagged chips or crackers can help fill that hunger when there is no electricity. Packing peanut butter, nuts, cereal bars and trail mixes are also great when you prepare for Hurricane Earl.

Water for Hurricane Earl

When you prepare for Hurricane Earl you can never have enough water. We need water to drink, to cook with, to brush our teeth etc., and to help flush the toilet. When you prepare for Hurricane Earl and you assume you have enough water-double the amount. One gallon per day per person is a fairly good estimate to prepare for Earl.

This does not include water you will need to wash with or flush the toilet. Store water ahead of time in your bathtub, sink, washing machine, and any buckets you may have to help you prepare for Earl. When you prepare for Hurricane Earl Keep in mind that if it gets bad and the power goes out, so will sanitation devices like toilets that need water. Place a gallon of water in your freezer without the lid, well before Hurricane Earl approaches.

Supplies for Hurricane Earl

When you prepare for Hurricane Earl always remember a manual can opener. If power goes out I promise you will need one. Make sure you have extra batteries for at least one flash light for each family member and a battery powered radio. Buy batteries well in advance because this item runs out quick when a storm like Hurricane Earl approaches.

When you prepare for Hurricane Earl stock up on medications you may need whether prescription or over the counter medications. You don't want to run out of life saving medication because you didn't prepare for Hurricane Earl.

Always have a lantern, preferably with lamp oil, because flash light batteries burn out quickly when you rely on them as your only source for light. When you prepare for Hurricane Earl have plenty of matches and lighters on hand.

Key Things to Remember for Hurricane Earl

When you prepare for Hurricane Earl purchase a car cell phone charger well in advance. Staying in touch with family and friends during Hurricane Earl will be critical and you may need the phone for an emergency.

When you prepare for Hurricane Earl bag all important papers such as titles, birth certificates and insurance information in plastic bags or water proof containers.

When you prepare for Hurricane Earl don't forget the kids and pets. Kids will need games such as cards or puzzle type books to play with. Plan ahead with your pets because most shelters will not take pets during Hurricane Earl. If you bring your pet with you, don't forget their bed, favorite toy and dry food.

When you prepare for Hurricane Earl buy bug spray. If the power goes out and you need to open doors and windows or sit outside a lot after the storm passes, you'll notice a lot more biting insects. Citronella candles will be useless during Hurricane Earl.

Last but not least, when you prepare for Hurricane Earl don't forget the cash and gas.If power goes out in a large area so do banks and gas stations. Carry several hundred dollars cash if you can and fill up your gas tank and any extra gas containers you may have before Earl arrives.

When you prepare for Hurricane Earl plan ahead. Using these suggestions may bring you more comfort and less aggravation. Prepare for the worst but hope for the best with Earl.

For related articles see:

"Hurricane Earl Tracks North"
"Hurricane Earl Threatens U.S. Coast from N. Carolina to Maine"
"Hurricane Earl Picking Up Speed: Store Your Food & Water Now"

For other topics by this contributor please see http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/743371/teresa_erwin.html

Authors' Disclaimer: While every caution has been taken to provide my readers with the most accurate information, please use your discretion before making any decisions based on the information in this article.

Resources
Personal experience