While I was busy surviving without electricity just like the rest of Houston after Hurricane Ike went through, KRBE radio station asked a question one day that I thought about a lot and am still thinking about for being prepared for the next hurricane:
What supplies would I buy differently for next time after surviving through Hurricane Ike and knowing the reality of what may or could happen? Before Hurricane Ike, I bought my hurricane supplies thinking that it would probably turn and not come anywhere near us. Next time – I will not shop that way – I will shop for food supplies to last me for at least 2 to 3 weeks that do not require electricity to keep them edible, including more water. I plan to buy a freezer for my garage before the start of next year’s hurricane season and I am going to also save throw-away plastic containers to use to make blocks of ice – ice cubes from an ice maker do not last as long in a cooler as larger ice blocks.
1. I still have boxes of crackers from the last one since I did not use them all up – never buy only one kind of crackers – get a variety to alleviate the boredom of eating the same thing over and over – a few boxes of saltine crackers and a variety of specialty crackers. Make sure you have either plenty of plastic baggies or plastic containers for cracker storage for the opened packages when the entire package cannot be eaten right after opening to keep out bugs in the heat and humidity.
2. I want to get oil lamps – they give out much more light and are safer than lit candles. I cannot forget the lamp oil for refilling them. As a kid, we had kerosene lamps at my Grandmother’s house – oil lamps are a lot less smelly and do not irritate my lungs or nose with the heavy petroleum fumes.
3. Individual packets of mayo – a whole box full that would last for forever … ok … until gone – an opened jar of mayo does not stay good with no refrigeration but mayo packets would be perfect – canned chicken, ham, tuna, salmon – those would be perfect mixed with mayo packets and eaten on or with crackers.
4. Plywood or shutters for the windows. I saw an advertisement on TV for Plylox hurricane plywood clips – I had not heard of them before – they look simple to use and my daughter said one of her neighbors uses them. BUT … plywood is heavy and with arthritis issues … I’m not sure I could put sheets of 1/2″ plywood in and out of my windows by myself. I am thinking maybe I could buy some shutters for my windows that I could attach and leave open but close if a hurricane is bearing down on us. I plan to have a plan in place by the start of next year’s hurricane season. Hopefully we won’t get another storm this year.
5. Canned meats …. chicken, ham, tuna, salmon, potted meat, Spam, etc. For me, the smallest can/bag available is best because it is just me. Large cans from wholesale shopping can be cheaper than buying small cans … but with no electricity, storage of opened uneaten portions of canned meat may not be possible or if put into an ice chest on ice … maybe it will be good later and maybe it will not. And leaving foods in those opened cans for storage is not a good idea either. Safety first!
6. Battery operated TV … it was very frustrating not being able to see the damage everywhere … hearing about it was VERY different from seeing the pictures … the radio station did a great job and were a true blessing to those without TV and dependent on finding help after the storm on what the radio station told us … but seeing the destruction was an eye opening experience for me. KHOU did and is still doing a great job of reporting and helping the community.