As hurricane Sandy pummels down on the eastern United States and the lights flicker and go out, one wonders if they are sufficiently prepared. The first thing that comes to mind is flashlights, batteries, candles and dry matches followed quickly by food and water. The news loves to show images of empty store shelves and long lines shortly before a big storm or an impending hurricane.
Anyone that has been through a major storm knows the importance of always having a full gas tank, extra water, easily prepared food and a source of heat and light on hand. The Northeast Blackout of 2003 affected over 50 million people and, while wikipedia states that it was only overnight, those of us that lived through it would beg to differ.
What would happen if you were driving to a window cleaning job site and were caught in a freak storm? Would you be prepared? Would you be one of those people that could survive trapped in your truck for days? Officials often recommend a 72-hour kit – what you need to survive for 72 hours. Keeping one in your vehicle is always smart.
Be sure to include:
- Water (1 gallon per person, per day)
- Food (non-perishable with a can opener)
- Radio and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First Aid Kit, which we’ve talked about before
- Whistle for signaling
- Couple extra garbage bags and plastic ties
- Warm blanket, even in summer as it can help if anyone is in shock
- Tarp
- Seatbelt cutter/windshield breaker – handy tools
- Duct Tape (if for no other reason than duct tape rocks)