Go Away Isaac

OK... Please Go away Isaac! 

You are approaching our coast WAY to close to the 7th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina (Aug 29, 2005)!

I know they are not predicting Isaac as an extremely bad storm, only a Cat 2, but . . . on the anniversary of the worst storm ever . . .
No way!

Those of you in the cone, take a deep breath with me and lets focus.
 For the peace-of-mind of my son, I will remain calm!
Nerves are raw and stores are packed but, first things first, fill your gas tanks. Below is a "Be Prepared List" that I always use. Remember, take into consideration your families specific needs!

 Also, form some kind of plan with extended members of your family. After Katrina, it was days before we could contact family to check on them and let them know we were alright. Most of my family lives along the MS Gulf Coast so you can imagine our worry and frustration. 

DEEP BREATH!

For those of you that may wonder, Why all this stress and anxiety, check out the pictures below. This was my world after Katrina came for a visit in 2005.

Be Prepared List:

• Flashlight with plenty of extra batteries
• Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
• First aid kit (bandages, aspirin, disinfectant swabs) 
• Candles and matches 
• Prescription medications (at least a 2 weeks supply) in their original bottle, plus copies of the prescriptions.
• Water (at least one gallon per person per day is recommended; more is better)
• Foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking
• Coolers for food storage 
• Charcoal to cook on the grill 
• Items that infants and elderly household members may require
• Change of clothes for each household member
• Sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member
• Checkbook, cash in large and small bills and credit cards
• Cell phone charger and car charger if you have one
• Charge your laptop computer batteries
• Digital camera, camera with film or disposable camera for before/after pictures of property
• Books, games, toys for children
• Disposable plates and utensils
• Manual can opener
• Scissors and Tools
• Toilet Paper
• Insect repellent, sunscreen
• Baby wipes and Anti-bacteria hand cleaner

Examples of non-perishable food:

• Powdered milk or evaporated milk
• Canned meats/fish
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Jello and pudding cups
• Canned soups
• Dry fruit and nuts
• Cereal Bars
• Crackers
• Kool-Aid packets
• Peanut Butter
• Bread

Important papers to take if you evacuate:

• Driver's license or personal identification
• Social Security card
• Proof of residence (deed or lease)
• Insurance policies
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Stocks, bonds, and other negotiable certificates
• Wills, deeds, and copies of recent tax returns
• PHOTO ALBUMS and keepsakes 

Bring things indoors. Lawn furniture, trash cans, children's toys, garden equipment, clotheslines, hanging plants, and any other objects that may fly around and damage property should be brought indoors.

Move valuables and breakable things away from windows.

Fill tubes, sinks and large vessels (like pots, buckets, etc.) with water to flush with.

A few days after Hurricane Katrina - MS Gulf Coast