Be Prepared

We were prepared for Hurricane Irene.

We turned our laundry room into our Hurricane Irene bunker shelter and stocked it with food, water, flashlights, first aid kit, sleeping gear, board games, stools, batteries, radio, and more.  Fortunately, we didn't really need it.  We weathered the storm quite well.  In fact, except for a neighbor's tree in the back yard that damaged our fence and a broken branch in the front, we really didn't have any damage - just lots of small branches and leaves everywhere.  We were without power for three days, but since we were prepared for about 15-20 days, I'd say we did quite well.  

And thanks to the recommendation of a friend and Eagle Scout, we popped several packs of Boy Scout popcorn beforehand and stored it in the decorative tin.  This came in especially handy during the next few powerless, er, microwave free days.

At night we played board games via our many super duper handy dandy camping gear reflective lanterns.  BTW, I highly recommend investing some money in at least one if not two of these for your emergency preparedness kit.  Anyway, the board games, family time, and popcorn were great fun.  In fact, I was a little sad to see the power return today and see us quickly scatter to our internet and videogame connections.

Not really much to complain about from Irene - at least at our house.  I know many were devastatingly affected and my heart goes out to them.

 

But the day after the storm, the Saugatuck River and the Long Island Sound show no signs of fury.  In fact, it's been perfectly gorgeous weather ever since Irene left.  The clean-up continues and a third of my town is still without power.  School's opening has already been delayed two days - and perhaps more.  

But what remains is that we're all safe and sound.  I felt better knowing we were prepared.  

 

Comments

[Lynn]

Good for you for being prepared!!! Coming from FL, it amazes me how ppl will just ignore a storm coming their way, regardless of what it is. You don't have to freak out to be prepared. Glad you didn't have any major damage.

[Barbara-Kay]

So glad to hear all is well. My kids are grown, so for our last big hurricane it was a poker tournament. Good times!

[Carolyn in NC]

Before each storm I have to remember to grind the coffee beans, but next time I'm adding "pop the popcorn" to the list. Thanks for the idea.

[Ellen]

I felt better knowing you were prepared too! You Boy Scout Leader/Marine/Mom!!! I can't wait to see you and hug your neck soon!