Hurricane Preparedness Blog

Welcome to hurricane season 2009.    We hope that you have already completed your preparedness plans, but if not, let’s finish those up quickly- it’s not going to be long before you’re plotting the storms on our new hurricane tracking map.

Some exciting things have been happening over here at the OneStorm camp.   Let us update you on our big news:

• We won the Florida Governor’s Public Information Award at the Florida Governor’s Hurricane Conference in May.   This award is given to the organization that has developed an innovative and effective public education tool that has improved hurricane preparedness in the State of Florida.   Charlie Crist even presented us with the award.   (See the pic!)
• ReadyTown has been unveiled.   This is our first commercial product that prepares populations for all disasters.   Your business, local government, or community organization can easily add these unique widgets onto their website and prepare their employees or members for any disaster.   Click here to view why we’re so excited about these one-of-a-kind disaster preparedness tools.
• OneStorm is now tweeting on Twitter and being friended on Facebook.   Follow us to be notified of the latest Hurricane Preparedness Blog posts, OneStorm news, and preparedness information.
• We would love to hear how OneStorm has helped you prepare.   So much so, that with your testimonial, we will enter you into a drawing for a free hurricane supply kit.   This will be in the form of a $100 gift card redeemable at a retailer in your area. Please e-mail heidi@onestorm.org with your testimonial today.
• Last but not least, check out World Emergency Report.   This new site offers the latest on all emergencies and is updated daily.  There’s no better way to stay in the know.

That’s the news for now, but until next time, start, review, or finish your hurricane plans.    Even if you’ve made a plan in the recent past, it may need some polishing off and updating, so be sure to check it out regardless of how prepared you consider yourself to be.

Happy planning!

Preparing emergency food supplies doesn’t have to be difficult; to help, we’ve put together some basic guidelines on what to keep in mind while putting together your non-perishables.   Perhaps you have a  list of what should be in your hurricane food supply kit, but suppose you want to know how many days you should be stocking up for, how to keep the food fresh, or what kinds of foods are best to purchase.   These are important things to consider while compiling what will be one of the most essential components of your hurricane supply kit.   To help build your food stockpile with ease, follow the key points below:

• Make sure that your emergency food supply will last every member of your family for 72 hours- buy special foods for the elderly, babies, and those members of your family with special dietary needs. Take into account the unique tastes of your family, especially those of children. Don’t forget to purchase non-perishables for pets.
• Purchase food that is ready to eat and easy to prepare.  After a hurricane or tropical storm strike, the power will probably be out for some time.   You may not be able to cook, but you’ll still have to eat!
• Stock up on foods that are high in calories and nutrition.
• If possible, purchase food that can be eaten in its container.   Electricity is not the only modern convenience affected by a hurricane, oftentimes water supply is affected as well.  Water for washing dishes may be unsafe or unavailable.
• If you must cook, you may be able to cook outside with a charcoal grill or a camp stove.
• Don’t forget to place a can opener and utensils in your hurricane supplies kit.
• To ensure that your supply is fresh, do not store canned items in the garage, or any other place that the temperature can fluctuate.   It is best to keep your items in a fairly cool environment:  the temperature should be above freezing, but below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Rotate your food supplies:  place new items in the back of your storage location, and older items up front.  Note the item’s “use by” date with a permanent marker, and use items before they go bad, replacing them as necessary.
• If your power goes out, certain food in the refrigerator and freezer will keep longer than other food.  Therefore, don’t rely on refrigerated items to get you and your family through the storm.  For further information, access OneStorm’s free resources regarding preparing your refrigerator and freezer for a hurricane and how to know which foods are safe following a power outage.
• If you have not created one already, OneStorm can help you personalize an emergency food supplies checklist. What better way to make sure that everyone has their food needs and tastes accounted for?