The NHC Storm Preparedness Kit*
* We took the official National Hurricane Center's recommended survival kit and added some Insider humor.
Water
- Probably the single most important post hurricane resource and the one
most commonly overlooked. You would think that with all the water in the
streets the last thing you need is more water. However, the extreme
run-off from tropical weather can contaminate city water sources for days
or even weeks. At least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days. Pets
should not be allowed to drink run-off either. Water, everywhere, and
not a drop to drink!
Food (Beer) - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices (beer)
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils
— forget the microwave diners!
Special high energy bars are available from survival outfitters. They store well and last up to 5 years. They are a "heart attack in a cube" however. Made from peanut butter and coconut oils they provide there energy from saturated fats. Don't make a steady diet of them!
Take care if you plan to cook with open flame. Check the area thoroughly for gas or other flammable leaks. The good news is, if you do catch fire there should be ample water about to 'drop and roll' in!
Blankets
/ Pillows, etc. - Bag them in garbage bags and store them safely.
You will be amazed where water can get when driven by 100mph winds. Frogs
can tell you, under those conditions even they aren't water tight!
Clothing
- seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes - Again, bag these items so they will
be dry when you need them. You want to be well dressed for the post
hurricane festivities.
First
Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs - Keep these items at hand. The
last thing you want to be doing is searching through the rubble of your
home looking for grandpa's nitro glycerin tablets!
Special
Items - for babies and the elderly
Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes This is not the time to run
out of Depends.
Dive mask and snorkel
- No, no joke! It's the only way to see and breath in the torrential
downpours of a tropical storm. If you have never experienced this, imagine
it's like stepping outside, into a pool. Your wet down to your skivvies,
instantly!
Flashlight
/ Batteries - Actually check them often, but not too often as then they
will be dead when you need them.
Radio
- Battery operated and NOAA weather radio. Also available for a reasonable
price is a hand crank radio. These compact self powered radios run 20
minutes on a few brisk cranks. Then you never need worry about batteries!
Cash
- Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods. Following Hurricane Juliet La Paz Banks were closed for up to a week.
Credit cards are problematic on good days in Mexico. Imagine how anxious
merchants will be to accept your plastic if they can't call to verify the
transactions.
Keys
- Hopefully you will still have a front door to open with them and your
car will still be in the neighborhood.
Toys,
Books and Games - Keep the kids calm and amused. You will be more calm and
collected during the emergency if you don't have to answer 'Dad, is the
storm over yet?" 300 times.
Important
documents - in a waterproof container
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card,
etc. I put my insurance claims phone number on speed dial.
Keep some form of identification on you at all times. This makes it easier for authorities to inform your family if you do something stupid.
Tools
- keep a set with you during the storm. Bolt cutters and plastic milk
crates can be handy in the post storm looting.
Vehicle
fuel tanks filled. Seriously, this can be a problem in Baja. Following
large storms the roads may be closed for days, prohibiting fuel delivery.
Fortunately, it also will inhibit your ability to USE the gas in your car.
Also, station tanks can flood, providing substandard fuel for weeks.
Pet
care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash
Keep track of your pet, they can be distraught by the
storm and you don't want to risk your life searching for a lost pet or
distracting you at critical moments.
Stay safe and enjoy!
*Source National Hurricane Center's Preparedness Resources. Humor (if you found any) by the BajaInsider