Tips

So here in South Western Ontario we're waiting on Hurricane Sandy and the wind and rain that we've been told is coming with it. The East Coast of the US already has evacuations taking place and people are hunkering down and preparing for some nasty and dangerous weather.

I keep seeing people talking about how the media is over hyping Hurricane Sandy by dubbing it "Frankenstorm" and creating unnecessary fear for the public. To those people I say, "Better safe than sorry". Really, is it going to kill you to have a flashlight and some bottled water on hand? Some spare blankets? I mean c'mon. If the Red Cross is advising us to be prepared, than I'm listening. For information on what the Red Cross recommends in terms of preparing for severe weather click HERE.

Having survived Hurricane Jeanne in the Dominican Republic in 2004 and missing being crushed in a hotel in Florida by a tropical storm by only a few hours, I've thought a lot about preparedness. I've put together some of my own tips to help you through, but ALWAYS follow the recommendations of your local emergency services. These are simply my tips, emergency services save lives.

• Keep your electronics charged. Laptops running on battery can be used to charge cell phones via USB in case of prolonged power outages. 
• Don't park your vehicles under or around trees. High winds means downed branches.
• Move breakables away from windows. Should a branch or a neighbours unsecured garden gnome end up through your window you want to keep the damage to a minimum.
• Leave a few battery operated votives or a battery operated lantern (can be bought at dollarama) in the bathroom. Its easier than taking a flash light, especially if you have kids.
• Know where your kids favourite toy is at all times. The last thing you want to be doing when you have no power and an already scared kid is trying to hunt down Mr. Sprinkles.
• If you are in a zone that is expected to be hard hit, have a friend in a safe place that knows what's going on and can keep people up to date and tell people who that is. This way you arn't trying to keep everyone updated and can concentrate on yourself and your family. 
• Take pictures of your ID. Front and back, in case it is lost. Upload it to a service like Dropbox so that even if your phone is lost or you have no power you can (or a trusted friend) can access it.
• Put a few days of needed medications, a list of medical conditions, spare keys and an emergency contact number in a ziplock bag in your purse or bag. If you need to make a quick exit you only need to grab one thing.
• Have a "Powerless Fun" bag if you have kids. Fill it with books, games, crafts etc so you're not having to figure out things to do after the lights go out.

Again, these are AFTER you complete what is recommended in your area by emergency services. Don't make a powerless fun bag before you make sure you have enough food and water. Above all take all warnings seriously. This is your life and the life of your family, there is nothing more important than that. 

Have any of your own tips? Add them to the comments below. Lets help keep each other safe!