AUTUMN IS BEAUTIFUL IN THE SHENANDOAH AREA.   Sure, but what follows?

Driving through the countryside today, I was reminded that winter is coming.  Got to get some nuts stored.

SHENANDOAH AREA AT HARPERS FERRY, WEST VIRGINIA

PLANNING FOR WINTER

The recent fires in the San Diego area of California reminded me that we are sometimes challenged to help our families and each other in the face of natural disasters.  I believe that Americans dramatically changed their attitudes about community and helping each other since September 11, 2001.  That fateful day reminded us that we are together in this wonderful adventure known as the United States of America.  9/11 seemed to give us an awareness of how fragile and vulnerable we are.  Since then, we've had the disaster of Karina and a number of other hurricanes that devastated Florida, the fires in California over the years, heat waves that so tortured the very young and the very old in large cities and the cold waves and snow storms that paralyze ares of the country every winter. 

With the coming of winter, I seem to develop the instincts of a squirrel.  I store supplies for winter.  Since I moved to the country, I anticipate the electricity going out and since I have a heat pump, I store fire wood.  Since I have a well, I store huge amount of water.  I have an emergency battery back-up on my sump-pump.  I have a battery back-up / surge protector for my computer.  I have food stored that doesn't have to be cooked enough to feed my family and all of the neighbors, if needed.  I hardly use any of my "emergency stores".  But, I feel comfortable being prepared.  Now that winter is close, I'm reviewing my emergency plans. 

The purpose of this post is to provide folks with guidelines of items to collect in case the need arises.  Different parts of the country will have different needs and priorities change with the types of emergencies we experience.  In my area, we may have electrical outages for a few days.  Wind damage causes downed trees in older neighborhoods.  Having a generator would surely be wonderful, but with me, like many folks, it would be one more thing that I might not be able to operate.  I need automation and unless I could manage a giant battery, I'm not likely to have a whole house electrical back-up.  But, I'll manage, like a squirrel.

FAMILY DISASTER PREPARATION KIT

BE PREPARED WITH A DISASTER KIT DESIGNED FOR YOUR AREA.

We suggest purchasing a large plastic trash can or bin and stock it with the following:

FOOD FOR THE FAMILY
* Water stored in plastic containers. A three day supply is recommended.

* Cans of food that can be eaten without cooking, beans, fruits, vegetables, meats, juices, milk, formula. Yes, you can buy bottled coffee today. Tea will seep into cold water with time. Don't forget to include a can opener.
* Quick snacks for the children and hard working adults; peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, trail mixes and/or raisins and nuts.
* Baby food if needed, special diet food for folks who require it in their diets.

FIRST AID KIT
* Rather than stock a first aid kit with supplies, these can be purchased at your local Pharmacy, ready to go with sterile supplies.
* Miscellaneous items: safety pins, latex gloves, sunscreen, toothbrushes and tooth paste.
* Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, antacid, anti-diarrhea medication, Ipecac, activated charcoal (can be purchased at pharmacies) prescription medication.

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES
* Paper dishes, utensils, paper cup, paper towels, disposable baby bottles.
* Flashlight(s), batteries, batteries, batteries and more batteries, matches.
* Battery operated radio/TV
* Favorite toys for the little ones.
* Tools: pliers, duct tape, compass, signal flare, pencil paper, wrench, plastic sheeting, toilet paper, towelettes, soap, feminine supplies, plastic bags, bucket with tight lid, disinfectant, bleach.

CLOTHING AND SLEEPING SUPPLIES
* Boots, rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags, caps, gloves, extra underwear, diapers.

*DON'T FORGET YOUR PETS.  If your pet is lost in a disaster, you might help recovery if you have pictures.  Include your pet's medical records with those of your family (suggested by Kathy McGraw).

IMPORTANT FINANCIAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS
It is recommended that home owners use a watertight container to store the following important document. * Wills, insurance policies, stocks and bonds, passports, immunization records, credit card account numbers/vendors, important telephone numbers, birth certificates, death certificates. The deed to your home can be included, but is seldom used because there is a records at the county land records if needed and will be found by an abstractor if you sell real estate or borrow equity.  Don't forget treasured photos of family and friends, suggested by Lisa Heindel.

KEEP ALL OF THE ABOVE IN A LARGE, EASY TO CARRY CONTAINER.  We recommend storing in a large container in case of EVACUATION.  With items already stored, you can be ready to evacuate in minutes. 

Stay safe and comfy and enjoy the nuts stored for winter.

Courtesy:  Homefinders.com