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M$1 December 30, 2008 02:31 PM

Hurricane & Other Emergency List Items?

Living in hurricane alley we have decided to put together a list of emergency items. We already own the typical flashlight, food, etc but searching for thing that make life more "liveable". For example, recently found a portable hot water on demand unit that is powered by a propane tank...after days without electricity a hot shower goes a long way toward improving an attitude. Also found a solar oven which works great when there is no power and all wood is wet - supplements regular propane stove. Any other great items you folks can add to the list?
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December 30, 2008 05:14 PM
Preparedness for emergencies is the specialty of the Red Cross. At their website they have a quick module that takes you through the steps to plan what you would need for any emergency. You can find that module at:

http://www.redcross.org/flash/brr/English-flash/default.asp

And here is another flyer specifically for hurricanes:

http://www.redcross.org/static/file_cont207_lang0_94.pdf

And last of all the National Huricane Center has their list too...

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/supply_kit.shtml

Source(s):
American Red Cross
National Hurricane Center



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December 30, 2008 02:33 PM
Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash



----

You could also look into solar-powered laptop battery chargers so that if you happen to be in the middle of nowhere you could at least watch a movie or listen to music. If you've got your car with you, you can get an adapter to allow your laptop to run off the car battery as well.
Source(s):
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/supply_kit.shtml


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December 30, 2008 02:44 PM
I was reading about a really neat gadget the other day, and thought it would be something to have on your list. It may not even be available until after the CES Show on January 11th, yet it's definitely something to check out. It's an Energizer Solar Charger. Check out the pictures, it's not just a concept, it works!

Source(s):
http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/12/23/energizer-solar-recharger-to-debut-at-...
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/12/energizer-solar-battery-charger.php


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December 30, 2008 03:06 PM
As a long time resident of New Orleans, I can tell you that there is one and only one item needed for a hurricane. There are variations; but mine is a Jeep Liberty diesel (over 600 mile range) with four wheel drive. The only rational and safe way to deal with a hurricane is to hit the road and get out of the evacuation area. The further inland the better
http://image.automobilemag.com/f/reviews/6677269+w440/0409_01h+2005_Jeep_Liberty_Diesel+Front_Passenger_Side_View.jpg

Source(s):
http://image.automobilemag.com/f/reviews/6677269+w440/0409_01h+2005_Jeep_Li...


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December 30, 2008 06:02 PM
One thing that can make it more livable is a good way to sleep! Camping stores sell foam mats that roll up tight but insulate you from damp, cold ground. They are surprisingly comfortable. And when you've had a good night's sleep, it's a lot easier to deal with any physical pain, and all the stress of the disaster.

Other items:

There are phones, flashlights and radios originally made for third-world countries that are charged by winding. We have an all-in-one that you wind for 20 minutes and will run for about 5 hours from that.

I didn't grow up in an area with hurricanes, but with ice storms, tornadoes, flooding and blizzards--sometimes all at once! We had a gas-powered generator big enough to let us heat our house, cook, and have some lights on; we also had an in-ground gas tank of about 500 gallons to power it. And a wood stove to cook on, and a number of kerosene lamps with real silver trays to put behind them to spread the light around. There are several years where we had such bad blizzards that we were using this system for a week at a time, several weeks a year. We ended up hosting a number of neighbors who hadn't thought ahead.

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December 30, 2008 06:36 PM
You can buy pre-packaged self-heating meals that are designed for emergency workers and heat themselves using a chemical reaction in the packaging. A hot meal definately helps when you're cold, wet and dirty.
http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/003275.php

The "Lifesaver Bottle" is a water bottle with a filtration system in it that decontaminates water so you can drink it. It comes with a $230 USD price tag, but if you find yourself without running water after a hurricane it would be well worth the investment.
http://www.lifesaversystems.com/index.html

In my search I found the portable water heater you mentioned. It runs using a propane tank and 2 D-cell batteries for the ignitor.
http://www.lifesaversystems.com/index.html
Source(s):
Cool Tools RSS Feed


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December 30, 2008 09:48 PM
Um, sports? Assumed you would be talking about the Miami Hurricanes.

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