Angel Jake at the RBC (Rainbow Broadcasting Corporation)

Angel Jake at the RBC (Rainbow Broadcasting Corporation)

Friday, August 26, 2011

Things we've learned in past hurricanes

Jake the Weatherdog's Mom here.

This feels really strange. Usually we are in the "cone of uncertainty" -- not to be confoosed with the "cone of shame" our poor pups sometimes have to wear --and getting ready for a hurricane that may or may not happen. Instead, we are seeing our hero, Brian Norcross on the Weather Channel, spread the word that something really dangerous is about to happen to millions of people who may not have seen a hurricane in decades -- if ever.

Friends, listen to Brian and to the others. Mr. Norcross is a hero to us because when Hurricane Andrew hit Miami in 1992, he stayed up through the whole event and kept everyone informed and hopeful. I remember, huddling in my downstairs bathroom as the roof lifted off over half of the upstairs, that his words --"just another 15 minutes, folks!" -- kept lots of people sane.

Here are a few things we've learned. First, if you prepare and it is less than you thought, be happy not mad. Lots of people get upset because they say, we did all this and nothing happened. That's a good thing! Be prepared!

Before the storm hits, we always make sure we have foodables and snacks that don't need cooking for humans and canines. And a manual can opener. As Asta said, peanut butter and treats and toys are essential!!! Most of this is in anticipation of the power going out and stayng out for a longer-than-usual time.

Lots (at least a gallon per day per person and dogs for several days) of bottled water -- including, in case the pumping system goes out, extra water in a bathtub for varied uses, including flushing. We fill large empty water bottles with water and freeze them for ice to be used in a cooler or two with food from the fridge if the power stays out for a long while. Some folks have a small sterno stove for cooking once the storm has passed. -- We have an outside grill, so that works for us.

Flashlights with extra batteries. Portable radio or TV with extra batteries.

Paper plates and cups to avoid using dishes that have to be washed.

Big plastic bags, both to cover valuables pre-storm and then use to pick up junk if necessary after.

Since I hate being in the dark, and since regular candles can be dangerous in case of wind, I stock up on the 24-hour memorial candles that come in little glass containers and can be stood in a sink or pot for extra safety. Medicines, of course.

I often make coffee and put it into a thermos or two to have later, after the power has gone out.

Then, during the storm, stay away from windows! Get into an inside room if at all possible, Humans, dogs, cats -- everyone -- with flashlights and either a battery-powered radio or TV, water, and whatever else to be comfortable.

We've never had flooding,and that's a whole other concern that requires even more preparation, if you're somewhere that may flood. And we have pull-close and roll-down shutters, but since most folks don't -- stay away from the windows and protect valuables that may be affected if windows break. Also,we have a landline phone because, in the past, it worked when cell phones didn't.

And cash -- lots of cash! And gas in your cars!

I get really anxious, but I've learned that knowing where everything is and doing whatever makes sense helps us all stay calm.

Please stay safe dear friends!!!! We'll be with you all in our thoughts as the weekend unrolls.

Joan and the Barkalots


15 comments:

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

This is great advice. Our thoughts and prayers are with our friends and furiends who are in areas that might be hit.

XOXO
The Rocky Creek Scotties and Ivy

2Terriers said...

Also - make sure any prescriptions you and yours have to take are protected and you that you aren't about to run out in a couple of days...

The Black and Tans. said...

We are so lucky we never have to prepare for such a force of nature.
Hoping Irene becomes weaker as she travels northwards.
Can you get wind up torches in US? We have them here and it saves worrying about having enough batteries.

Molly, Taffy, Monty and Winnie

Gus said...

Dear Dog Mama....you read my mind! Thank you for the refresher course - I remembered a lot of those things from the days before Katrina, but had never considered the memorial candles as a light source. Great idea.

I would add that you should probably pack a small suitcase with stuff like clean underwear and a change of clothes, because if you MUST evacuate with little warning it will make your life a lot less hectic.

It is better to have and not need than to need and not have...right?

Gussie's muzzer

Two French Bulldogs said...

Very scary!! All our relatives are there on the east coast. All paws crossed for every buddy so Hurry Cane Irene goes way
Benny & Lily

rottrover said...

Great disaster tips. Those of us in So Cal need to remember to have much of that stuff on hand all the time in case of earthquake! Paws are crossed for our furiends on the east coast...

-Gizmo, Bart and Ruby

Molly the Airedale said...

Thank you, thank you! Mom is jotting them all down! This morning she cleared the garden of all the pretties and put them away for the year. Gotta be safe and not sorry!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Great advice. We hope those who need to be listening are listening and acting upon your suggestions. Even though this storm is down to a grade 2, it is still capable of causing terrible times for so very many humans and furries.

Paws crossed for all to be safe.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

Princess Patches said...

I think you pretty much covered it! I can't even think of anything to add! I've been in 2 hurricanes and don't care to see another one! Hugo was the worst! We lived inland in Columbia, S. Carolina and didn't think we would get anything but some rain. We lost 11 trees, had no water or electricity for over a week and it blew both front doors open that were locked with a steel rod into the floor! Sure glad it will miss us, but we hope everyone else stays safe!

Aire-hugs,
Penny & Patches

How Sam Sees It said...

We won't be affected by Irene, but your list is a good idea to have on standby for any emergency!

Sam

Angus said...

Stay safe .

The Thuglets said...

Please stay safe!

We have all our pawscrossed here for everyone during Irene.

Big Nose Pokes
The Thugletsx

KEY WEST COLLIES said...

We agree. Be prepared because herricanes are no fun.

Essex & Sherman

Dewey Dewster said...

Gee it seems like yer really on top of the storm preparations....yer right that ya can never be TOO prepared. Of course nothin' can really prepare ya fer the floods that are happenin' in New England right now.....we sure hope that everyone there is safe and that things can get back to normal sometime soon....although that does not look likely. We can always hope....

'N we're prayin' that Florida doesn't see any hurricanes this year either.

Dewey Dewster here.....

Pippa said...

First up, thanks to you and your mom for helping Misery out last week when her fax was playing up. It was sooooo much appreciated and she was getting very stressed and about to pull her hair out. Not just the grey ones either. All the brown ones too.

Next, what excellent advice - I hope we don't get any hurricanes - we shouldn't where we live, but if we do, we know where to come to check on what we need. Maybe Misery should pay more attention to that list, because we do get power outages though.

So thank you for that public information service. What with that and the weather service, you are two invaluable Barkalots. And your mom is a star.

Pippa (and K)