June 29 - Tuesday

Hurricane Season...

Floods, wind damage, power outages. Ah....to live on the Gulf Coast.

Hurricane Alex is somewhere down around our beloved Padre Island, reeking havoc and it's not even made landfall. Vacations and Fourth of July plans will be dampened. And chances are we in the Houston area will see some street flooding.

Like that's an anomally.

I saw on the news that Harris County is cleaning debris out of the bayous. Why isn't that done on a regular schedule? Why is there 6ft grass growing in the Patrick Bayou flood control ditch that runs behind my parents home? Why did no one open the flood gates 2 years ago when my home flooded? Why?

Anyway.

Did you remember to prepare?
Batteries, flashlights, lanterns, grill, charcoal or propane, drinking water, plywood for your windows, tarps (just in case), laundry all caught up?

Keep your freezer not to full, not to empty. Throw a few water bottles in there to keep things cold (just in case). The frozen water bottle will help keep food from thawing faster than you can grill!

Do you have an emergency radio/tv. Usually you can keep your cellphone charged with these as well.

Keep your gas cans filled. You may not have a generator, but a neighbor may. You will want to do your part if you hope to cool off at their house!

Dig out your cards, dominos, board games, volleyball net, horseshoes could be a few weeks before power is back on.

If you enjoy your coffee, better stock up on instant. And don't keep too many parishables in the frig. Make sure you have food for the pets and that your meds have been refilled.

Find your home owners insurance policy and flood policy, put them in a ziplock bag, keep them handy. Same with your health insurance cards, make copies and make sure each family member has a copy. You don't plan on being separated...but neither did those families in New Orleans.

Maybe each family member should have an emergency backback.
Water, snackbar, insurance card (copy), flashlight, waterproof matches, jerky, emergency contact numbers, waterproof disposable camera, pocket radio w/batteries (yes, you can still get these), small firstaid kit, and anything else that gives you comfort. A change of clothes, a blanket...could be anything.

Well, be safe, be prepared...