Here we go. It's that time again in Oklahoma, or at least the peak time. Severe storms and tornadoes!
Do you have your own routine that you do before bad weather sets in? You're here, so you can't possibly wait until the last minute to prepare your home and family. Do you have a plan that everyone knows, or is it just a big chore list the day before? Us, everyone is involved. We start to get weather ready two to three days in advance. One is because between work and school and normal home life, it just gets too busy to do it all at once. Also, here in Oklahoma, you never know when the weather will change unexpectedly. During tornado season last year I gave a small class of how to be more weather ready. It benefited me in having to actually make a list out of the things we do naturally. Normally we do the same things, but do tend to forget a task or two. We don't want to ever just survive, we want to luxurious. :) After I made the list, I couldn't help but post it up in each bedroom. In both rooms we have one wall dedicated to placing posters and whatnot permanently. So it was very easy to just mod podge it at eye level.
Anyways, making more people weather ready and aware is what I love to do. I love talking prepping for just about anything, and hearing about what other clever ideas are out there. So I thought that I would share our To Do Before A Storm checklist with you. Feel free to ask any questions on why I had something on the list.
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2-3 DAYS BEFORE:
1. Fuel up vehicles and clean interior. Check oil, tires, wiper blades.
2. Check cellar. Bug bomb if needed.
3. Fill or check water jugs.
4. Fill or check oil lamps. Find places for them.
5. Check batteries in radio, tune in station.
6. Check BOBs. Set by door.
7. Find flashlights, check batteries, and make easy to find in each room.
8. Freeze gallon jugs of water for freezer and fridge. This helps keep your food cold longer when the power goes out.
9. Buy bottled water, quick foods, pet food, baby items, paper plates and utensils, toilet paper, paper towels, etc... Anything that will make life easier when power or water goes out.
10. How are we heating or cooling our home. Firewood, pellets, fans, ice, etc...
11. Are we restricting half of the house.
12. Check windows for drafts and so they open smoothly. Make sure they are locked.
DAY BEFORE:
10. Clean entire house. Trash, laundry, dishes, bathroom, fridge, bedding.
11. Everyone bathed.
12. Charge all electronic devices.
13. Cook big meal and refrigerate the rest for tomorrow.
14. Secure all outside items. This includes trampolines. Trampolines are a very big threat in high winds. Normally 3 anchors will keep them down.
JUST BEFORE or DURING THE STORM:
Fill up the fridge. Make extra tea and koolaid.
Make sure highly used electronics are at full charge.
Turn off unused lights, unplug any items rarely used.
Turn up the cool settings on fridge and freezers. Remember to turn back down after storm has passed.
Turn off the home computer and surge protector.
USE THE BATHROOM!!!
WHEN THE POWER GOES OUT:
Find the flashlight. Give everyone a flashlight.
Wait 30 minutes before calling the electric company.
Try to avoid opening the fridge as much as possible. Grab the tea and koolaid, and set on the counter. (This is to keep everyone from having to continuously opening and closing for a drink)
Turn off all light switches that were being used, except for one.
If you weren't watching or listening to the news, turn on a Weather radio to wait for news. If you were close to a tornado when the power went out, seek shelter. Take your BOB and portable radio.
If it's easily accessible, turn off gas valves and unused circuit breakers.
Lock the doors.
Turn off the hot water heater breaker. This keeps the heater from burning up if it empties when water is out.
DON'T run in to use the bathroom! Remember that the toilet has to be
filled again for the next person. Use it wisely. Throw toilet paper in
the trash can. Go outside if you can. Take the top lid off if you need a reminder to not flush.
Put snacks and drinks on the counter where everyone can find them.
Only light and place lamps and candles in rooms that will be heavily used. Don't overdue it and burn the place down.
Have a designated area in the house where everyone can gather and spend
their time being bored. Keep everyone on the same page of what's going
on. Get comfortable.
If you have phone or internet connection, let friends know that your power went out and how everyone is doing.
OTHER things to know:
Turn vehicles around for easy loading and escape. Cover windows with a blanket to keep from hail damage.
Think about what to eat first, and how to cook meals.
Know, or program phone, your electric company outage number.
Have cash on hand in small bills.
Have personal documents and medical info handy.
Know how to wash your hands with minimal water. Trickling a water bottle over vigorously rubbing hands together. No need to use half a gallon of water for a rinse.
Get a state map.
Have a weapon handy if possible. I would advise to keep it on you at all times, or at least if you have to go outside. Looters are getting very popular now during storms.
Darken windows so not to draw attention if you live in a well populated area.
Dust off the board games, or something to keep you from boredom.
Make sure fire alarms work.
Don't forget a long lighter for candles and lamps.
Take pictures of items if you have home insurance. Or if strapped for time, walk through the house taking video of rooms.
Make sure your first aid kit is stocked.
A headlight is very handy when cooking.
Put a BOB in your vehicle. Food, water, blankets, cash and coins.
Use mirrors to move candle lights. Unless you plan on going to sleep until power returns, know the sweet spots of the house on how to get the most from your temporary lighting.
Generators are noisy, and require fuel to run. On that same note: their like flashing signs to looters. Normally not necessary if
plans are in place. Usually when used, they are only connected to a
light and a tv. Make sure you have extension cords to reach. Chain them to something secure if possible.
A box of vinyl or latex gloves is very handy when handling items that
get your hands dirty. When there's no running water, it's worth the $5
at Harbor Freight.
SHOPPING LIST OF FOOD IDEAS:
Crackers, goldfish or animal crackers, chips, rice cakes, granola or
protein bars, mixed nuts, canned soups or pasta meals (heat and eat),
canned or fresh fruits, juice, cookies, hard candy, bread, eggs, regular
or boxed milk, Vienna sausages or other canned meats, fruit snacks,
ramen noodles in the cups, water flavor packets, pop tarts, soda pop
(but only as a treat).
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I hoped you picked up some info you could use. Thanks for reading!
originally published 11/11/14
modified 4/3/15
