When Hurricane Sandy hit, it really made me think about preparedness and how I would handle a larger disaster/emergency, or even permanent off-the-grid. Luckily, I like to camp, so I was pretty set for the few weeks of Hurricane Sandy Recovery. But here’s a list of some basics that I would really recommend having on hand at all times for small power outages.
- Water – 1 gallon per person, per day. (If I know that some weather is coming, I fill up gallon jugs and all kinds of containers. Tap water has enough chlorine [& stuff] in it that it will keep for some time so don’t worry about it going bad. I really want to start getting a water purification setup going at some point in the near future for a more sustainable solution.)
- Food – 3 day supply of non perishable. (Use on a first in, first out rotating basis so it never expires and is always fresh. I like to label the expiration date in thick, black, permanent marker so I can see it with a quick glance.)
- Flashlight & batteries for short-term, I also keep a large collection of candles on hand with lighters.
- First aid kit and any prescription medications.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
- Sanitation/personal hygiene items.
- Blankets.
- Important documents in one location, together.
- Cell phone with chargers. (I have a small solar charger that I take camping with me that will charge my cell phone.)
- Extra cash.
And always know where to meet your loved ones in case of an emergency – where to go if the house is on fire, where to meet if you have to leave the area, etc. During Hurricane Sandy the cell phone tower for my area went out and panic ensued! Always try your best to keep in contact!