Lessons Learned

As I get all wrapped up in the terror of Gustav and the extreme unfairness of nature to the people of New Orleans,  I found a series of articles on the Times-Picayune website of "lessons learned" from Katrina by these extremely resilient people.  Quite a few of them were "NSS" (no s?*t, Sherlock!) but some of the others were really clever or insightful:

Pack any favorite photographs or documents that you can't justify taking along into ziplock bags and pack them into the dishwasher with the door locked.  It's the largest waterproof chamber in most houses.

Scan all your important documents into your computer,  save to a CD,  and send it to a yankee relative that you trust.  All your records will be safe, can be reprinted,  and can even be emailed to you no matter where you end up.

Thousands of refrigerators and freezers were ruined after Katrina because power was out and putrid food rendered them worthless.  Before evacuating,  purchase plastic rubbermaid bins with tight fitting lids that fit within the shelves.  Place all the food in the bins,  and fill one bin with ice cubes.  This one is important!  Upon return (even if power has been restored before your return) you can look at the ice cubes to tell if your food has defrosted and refrozen.  If the ice cubes have deformed or refrozen into a sold block,  throw everything out and restock.  If you come home to a power failure,  remove all the bins and throw them away without opening.  Your appliance will be clean and usable when power is restored.

Put your computer CPU in the trunk of your car and take it with you.  There's more important stuff on there than you think!

Prepare for long periods of time without showers or baths.  Take along waterless washcloths,  available in the adult diaper section of the drugstore.  They use them to bathe patients without water and can be a lifesaver!

Work out a "contact person" in a northern place who can take calls from friends and family to keep track of where eveyone lands.  Be sure all your friends have this important number.

If you shelter in place:

Have an "old fashioned" phone- you can get them cheap at Walgreens. If the power is out, sometimes these still work,  but cordless phones won't, and cell phones can't be charged.

If you don't have  gas or charcoal stove,  get a small camp stove that runs on disposable propane canisters,  and make sure you have plenty of fuel.  Don't use it in the house,  but keep it in the house when you are not using it so it won't be stolen. If you're counting on a outdoor gasgrill,  chain it down.

Be sure you have a manual crank typre can opener!

Be sure you have plenty of paper plates, cups, and aluminum pans  etc. If the water supply is compromised you don't want to waste drinking water to wash dishes.

Rechargable solar garden lights work great during long power outtages.  Out them outside during the day and you'll have light all night!

If you have kids:

Never let them see you sweat!  Don't watch the news in front of them.  Find a many diversions as you can and keep them moving when you can so they'll sleep when they are supposed to!

Kinda makes you realize what a nightmare these things really are.  Even if no damage is done,  the evacuation itself is extrememly disrupting!

Please pray for the Crescent City!  They really, really, really, need our thoughts and prayers!

 

 

Tags: hurricane preparedness, New Orleans, evacuation, Gustav