Are you more prepared now?

     What a mess in New Jersey/New York! It has been a couple weeks since Superstorm Sandy hit and some places are just now getting help. Many small towns have FEMA and the Red Cross showed up just recently.

      Are you prepared? Forget the 3 days food and water. I think everyone needs to be set up for at least 2 weeks.

     Look at the news! Look at the line-ups for gasoline! People waiting in line for 8 hours, cars running out of gas while waiting in line.

      Keep in perspective that everyone knew Sandy was coming and were warned that this would be the worst storm in recent history, even worse than the one last year. And it still is a complete mess.

      I have nothing but admiration and respect for all the workers and government people who are really working hard to get life back to normal. I don’t want to take anything away from their awesome effort, hard work, and dedication. They are amazing – all the volunteers and good Samaritans stepping up to help their neighbours and to help complete strangers. That is what I hope continues to happen.

      With all the help, work, and preparedness, people are still suffering. It is time to make sure you don’t end up in the same situation.

      What is stopping you? You do not have to purchase a kit – you can put together your own in a clean garbage can that has a lid – Put everything in big garbage bags – garbage bags can make good rain coverings for stuff and for yourself. Put in warm socks and clothes – polar fleece or wool & some wearable shoes (check out thrift stores). Blankets, a tent you know how to set up, some food you/your family will actually eat, medications (spares), spare glasses, first aid stuff, jugs of water, candy, chocolate, pet food, rope, extra tools you are comfortable using, a battery or wind-up radio that actually works, paper/pen/markers.

      Think about it – you need to stay warm and hydrated first. Dry and fed is nice too. Being able to start a nice tiny fire will make you feel better; you can boil water, make coffee, soup… Sleeping is good too; you won’t sleep if you are too cold. Radio will let you know what’s happening. Paper and pen – you can leave a note if you need to leave your home – make sure nobody wastes time looking for you.

There will be no warning if there is a big earthquake, we will not have time to prepare.

Please don’t wait.

You owe it to your friends and family to be prepared and to survive & not to be a burden on an overstretched system.

BTW - animals are aware and get very upset before an earthquake. I think we are okay right now.