Hurricane Ida Now Category 2 - Get Ready, Here She Comes

A hurricane watch was declared in the Florida Panhandle as Ida moved into the Gulf of Mexico and strengthened to a Category 2 storm Saturday. The north eastern tip of the Yucatan peninsula remains under a Hurricane Warning as Ida tore through Cancun Sunday with heavy rain and winds approaching 100 mph. Along the coast of the U.S from south eastern Louisiana to Mexico Beach in Florida. As of 3pm CST Sunday, Ida was located at 22.2°N 86.3°W moving north-northwest at 10 mph with sustained winds at 100 mph. Ida is expected to make landfall sometime between Monday afternoon and Tuesday.

Preparations for a Hurricane

Go Get Gas Now. Get there now and fill up the tank in your car. If you are driving a bit, make sure to top off the tank every day. The last place you want to be if you have to evacuate is waiting in a long line to get gas or being stranded on an evacuation route.

Stay close to a television or radio. Make sure you pay close attention to all broadcasts concerning the approaching storm. Keep an eye on radars and listen to official newscasts and warning from NOAA. Don't trust what your neighbor may be saying, don't trust rumors. Remember that gas pumps do not function without electricity and may be inoperable for days or weeks after a storm.

Get to the Grocery Store Today. You will be surprised how quickly supplies disappear in local stores. Most stores will already be experiencing dwindling stock or a shortage of supplies. Don't be a statistic! Get to the store now and get the necessary supplies.

List of Essential Supplies:

• Water. Figure on one gallon of water per person, per day. Plan for at least three days supply, it would be better if you have enough to last two weeks. As a last resort, fill your bathtub with water to use in case of emergency.

• Make a Plan. Check to see if you are in an evacuation zone. If you are, pre-plan where you will need to go if you have to evacuate. Make plans to get to a friend's house, relative's house or even a hotel.

• Make a List. What are you going to need to take with you if you are evacuated. Make a list of supplies needed in case of evacuation and a list of supplies needed if you plan to stay in your house.

• Get Your Cash Quickly. You know that banks will be closed and ATM's won't function without power. Get your cash out now in small bills. It's doubtful anyone will have change for a twenty and nobody is going to take a check.

• Special Dietary Foods. Have someone who needs special foods at your house? Be sure to stock up on these.

• Prescription Medication. Get these refilled if necessary. Minimum two week supply on hand.

• Ready-To-Eat, Non-perishable foods. Canned meats, fruits, vegetables, peanut butter, canned juices, juice boxes, crackers, granola bars, trail mix - even comfort foods like cookies, hard candy, instant tea and coffee. If you can get them, Military MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) are a great option here.

• Place all important documents in waterproof plastic bags or containers. Marriage license, birth certificates, homeowners insurance documents, social security cards, etc.

• Home preparation. Make sure you trim all trees and shrubs, especially those close to any structure. Using secure screws or bolts, fasten plywood over windows and glass doors. Brace garage doors at the top and bottom. Be sure to Pick up any loose branches, tie down or secure any lawn furniture, potted plants, bikes, and trash cans. Super-chlorinate your pool and leave it full.

• Disaster Supplies Kit. Along with everything listed previously, your Kit should contain the following:

First Aid Kit - bandages, antiseptic, tape, compresses, aspirin, anti-diarrhea medicine, antacid.
Portable radio and batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries for each family member
Non-electric can opener
Baby/Infant supplies
Mosquito/Insect repellent
Distress flag and whistle
Camera and film
Coolers - one for ice, one for food
Toilet paper and paper towels
Pre-moistened towelettes
Plastic Trash Bags
CleanUp supplies
Water purification kit

• If you are evacuated, also take the following items:

Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, personal hygiene items
Extra clothing, shoes, eyeglasses
Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, cots, air mattresses, folding or lawn chairs

Also, be sure to turn off water, electricity and gas. Lock all windows and doors. Let relatives know where you're going, preferably relatives who are not affected by the storm, or in another part of the country. It's always better to be prepared and ready for anything. Follow all law enforcement direction, be continually aware of the storm's location and direction, and make sure to take proper precautions for your family and home. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
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Sources: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/