Hello Hello Hello!

This hurricane has officially hit a category 5. To give you an idea of the strength of this storm:

Harvey was a category 4.

Katrina and Andrew were a category 5 and Irma is at the moment is stronger than both of them. This hurricane is going to cause absolute destruction when it hits. Puerto Rico (especially this beautiful isla)  Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic and Florida are all in it’s path. Here’s a checklist if you can afford these supplies.

Food

Bottled Water- a week’s supply minimum (One gallon daily per person)

Non perishable items that don’t require cooking ( Tuna, nuts, fruit cups, Cereal bars, peanut butter, crackers, dried fruits, canned vegetables, chili)

Dry pet food 

Packaged juices 

Powdered or canned milk 

Supplies

Manual can opener

Toilet paper 

Baby wipes ( this will make a great alternative for showers)

Batteries ( AAA, AA, 6V, C, and D)

Flash lights (if you have manual ones even better)

Battery powered radio 

Utility knife 

Waterproof matches 

5 gallons of gas

Tampons and pads 

Portable phone charger fully charged)

Sand bags (redirects water and debris flow)

First aid kit

Blankets 

Rain gear - Ponchos, boots. (avoid umbrellas)

Medications 

Portable cooler

Documentation / Legal End

A closed water proof sealed container

Take pictures and send them to yourself in an email of the following: Drivers License, photo ID, social security numbers, medical insurance cards (of each person) 

Take photos of everything! Insurance companies are not your friends. Email everything to yourself. 

If you have young children and they are able to make sure they memorize your name, address, and phone number

Other tips: 

Before the hurricane hits fill up the bath tubs in your house (extra water for flushing the toilet) 

Bring any ornaments from outside inside 

Trim trees

Board your windows

Have a secure room that you an pile everyone ( has to have no windows) 

I just lost my home due to Hurricane Harvey, and I know so many are about to be in the same position because of Hurricane Irma. So, here is a flood victim’s advice on what you need to do before the shit hits the fan. 

1.) If you have pets get ready to move them. If you don’t have a carrier, find one. Make sure they all have identification with an up to date phone number. Pack food for them in air tight containers. You can replace walls and furniture but not furry family. 

2.) Loosing the big shit is gonna hurt but the little things are what really matters. Photos, family heirlooms, your favorite jacket all need to be in something air tight and up high. 

3.) In fact put as much stuff as you can up higher. Anything in your lower cabinets, dresser drawers, under your sink needs to be moved. Clothing will mold and rot even if it isn’t in direct contact with the water. Stuff that shit in garbage bags and put up somewhere. 

4.) Your fridge is doomed. once the power goes out the food will all go bad. throw out as much as you can before to avoid a disgusting mess. I had a whole ice-cream cake and fermented soy beans in my freezer and let me tell you when they mix together and sit for a few days you would rather set the whole thing on fire than clean it

5.) HAVE A GO BAG! A small backpack or something that is big enough for extra clothes, dry socks, flashlight, water, any of your prescription medication, first aid kit, toothbrush, and phone charger. Your phone needs to be charged as often as you can. 

6.) If you can’t evacuate now, you might have to later. Know where the closest shelter is and any phone numbers you need to call if there is an emergency in your area. Find high ground and if water is already on the road don’t drive. 

7.) SHOWER NOW! shower before the storm. I had to sit in the same wet clothes for 2 days without a shower. Be prepared to stink. 

This is going to suck no matter how much you prep, but prepping might save you some heart ache in the end. If I think of anything else I wish I did I’ll add it. Please reblog even if you are not in an affected area.