Get Hurricane Supplies Early

Thinking about hurricane supplies, I did some research and realized one important item had been overlooked. Foster Grant Light Specs are an absolute essential during a power outage. If you use reading glasses and have experienced a power outage, you soon realize how difficult it can be to read by a lantern, candle or flashlight.

The Foster Grant Light Specs provide the solution. The powerful LED lights on the reading glasses will give you hours of focused light. The replaceable batteries last up to 50 hours.

You'll find a great selection of reading glasses with lights online at Amazon. I also found the best prices at Amazon.

These glasses are also fantastic for reading or watching TV when someone else is sleeping. And reading a menu in a dark restaurant is no longer a problem! For yourself or as a gift for someone, these glasses are great.

If you have survived a serious hurricane, hopefully you know how to prepare for hurricane season. On the other hand, if you are new to hurricanes or if you have lived "on the edge" and made it through a hurricane without preparation, it is now time to pay attention. No one is bullet proof or, in this case, hurricane proof. Hurricanes rated Category 1 can cause severe damage, injuries and death. When you make your hurricane supplies list, start by breaking it down by category. For example: Food, Medications, Personal Hygiene Items, Infant Care Items, Pet Care Items, Tools and Miscellaneous.

FOOD

A two week supply of food is recommended and a three day supply as an absolute minimum. Remember that the power will be off so buy food that does not require refrigeration or cooking. Look for canned ready to eat meats, fruits and vegetables. Other good choices are crackers, peanut butter, jelly, cereal bars, dried fruit and cookies. Be sure you have plenty of bottled water. The recommendation is one gallon per person per day.

MEDICATIONS

If anyone takes prescribed medication, be sure you get refills several days in advance of a Hurricane Watch or Warning. Be sure you have contact lens supplies, over the counter headache medication, allergy and cold medications, stomach medications, anti-itch cream, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, insect repellant, and first aid supplies.

INFANT CARE ITEMS

If you're a parent, you know exactly what you need - disposable diapers, baby wipes, formula, baby food, baby powder, and ointment for diaper rash.

PET CARE ITEMS

Pet food, collar, lease, pet carrier and, in some cases, your vet may provide mild tranquilizers for your pet.

NECESSARY EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS

Be sure you have more than one flashlight with batteries, a fire extinguisher, a lantern, battery operated TV and/or radio, portable camping stove or grill with fuel. A large cooler will keep food cool - as long as you have a supply of ice. Depending on your location, you may need a saw for fallen tree limbs.

MISCELLANEOUS NECESSITIES

This category could go on forever, but these ideas should get you started. You need matches, disposable plates, cups and utensils. Be sure you have plastic trash bags, duct tape, gloves, a manual or battery operated can opener. You may need a plastic drop cloth or plastic sheets, paper towels and waterless hand cleanser. Be sure cell phones are fully charged, have some extra cash (banks and ATMs may be closed), and a battery operated fan is a life saver when the power goes off.

SOME HURRICANE FACTS

*On July 26th, 1825, Hurricane Santa Ana was the first recorded hurricane.

*September is the most active month for hurricanes and May is the least active month,

*Hurricanes spin counterclockwise north of the equator and clockwise south of the equator.

*A typical hurricane releases about 600 trillion watts of heat energy.

HURRICANE FICTION

*Only coastal areas are at risk from hurricanes.
Actually the heavy rain and flooding, strong winds and tornadoes can devastate areas hundreds of miles from the coast.

*A safe place to ride out a storm is the upper floor of an apartment.
This is known as "vertical evacuation" and, in fact, can be very risky. Wind speeds increase at higher levels blowing out windows with the potential for injuries.

*Masking tape can keep windows from shattering.
Not true. The tape may prevent small shards of glass from scattering, but it is much easier to simply close the drapes. It is also a major task to scrape the tape off windows after the storm has passed.