With news headlines of evacuations and impending flooding and
snow storms in the not too distant future, I am rethinking my emergency plan.
I have had several gallons of water stored in the basement
for several years. Is it still safe to
drink?
According to a quick google search, the water, if unopened,
is safe to drink even beyond the expiration date. But don’t take my word, google it yourself
because there are trade-offs and you have to do what’s best for you.
Here are some other tips from Consumer Reports if you have
to evacuate:
-Pre-Pack a “go bag” – meds, food, water, plastic
bags including size appropriate sized bags for electronics, flashlight, phone/
charger, laptop or tablet/ charger, battery-powered or hand cranked powered
radio, car charger, power strip, cash in small bills, and a flask drive with copies
of insurance policies and other financial information.
. -Charge your electronics before you leave and of
course, remember to pack both the device and the charger.
3 -Conserve electronic power- decrease brightness
on the screen, go into a battery-saver mode, turn off WiFi on the road.
4 -Back up your files to the cloud or to a physical
hard drive before you leave.
5 - Establish a social media plan as a meet up place
for the family. For example, Facebook or
Twitter. GroupMe or What’s App.
6 -Set up an ICE function on the phone for
emergency contacts. (I’ve talked about
this in a previous blog.)
7 -911 continues to be a viable emergency service
though it can get overwhelmed. If you
are on hold, continue to wait because once you hang up and call back, you “go
to the back of the line”, so to speak.
. -If you have time, take photos or videos of the
rooms in your house- open drawers and closets, too. Come insurance claim time, this documentation
will come in handy.
9 -Take the time to move outdoor furniture, plants
and toys to a protected area. Think
about what items on your property could become a missile with high winds and
then store these things appropriately.
. -Brace every opening- not just sand bags to
prevent water from getting in, find something to brace the garage door. When the calm air inside meets the whirlwind
outside, a depressurization can occur and the house can collapse.
1 -Close all interior doors to reduce the overall
pressure on the roof.
. -Elevate all appliances
1 -Roll area rugs and stand them vertically,
otherwise they act as sponges.
. - If you can safely do it, turn off the water and
electric power to your home if you have to evacuate.
The Department of Homeland Security‘s web page has more
information about handling evacuations: go to https://www.dhs.gov/how-do-i/prepare-my-family-disaster,
and click on Start Here.
