I’m a Hurricane Betsy survivor.
In 1963, my family didn’t evacuate, even though it was a Category 4 storm. Where would we go? One grandmother lived in the other half of our shotgun double, the other grandmother lived across the street, and my aunt was around the corner. No one evacuated—leaving the city was an expensive and unheard-of proposition.
After the hurricane had finally passed, I remember my mother standing in the kitchen, submerged in two feet of water. She used the rotary dial phone mounted on the wall to call a friend across town to arrange a pick-up for my sisters and me. The following day, my parents threw out what was unsalvageable and cleaned the floors and walls with bleach and a garden hose. Two days later, my sisters and I returned home, my dad turned on the TV, sat in his chair, and we resumed our lives. Business as usual.
Since that time, I’ve survived many hurricanes in many cities along the Gulf Coast. I’ve stayed at home and toughed it out. And, I’ve evacuated several times—as far as Baltimore, Md., and as close as the New Orleans Hilton Riverside—12th floor. Each time I learned something new about life and how to get along when things don’t go as planned.
The other thing I’ve learned is that life goes on everywhere else, and after the storm, everyone just wants to get back to normal.
In that light, I’ve compiled a list of lessons learned from my family at home and my family at Peter Mayer. These tips will help you get ready for the next time. After all, being prepared is half the battle.
Power solutions
– Car phone chargers: Park your car in an open, safe area near your house—escape to the car for a little radio, A.C. and to charge your phone.
– SuperLite 9 lite LED flashlights: AWESOME (and cheap). Get some.
– Duracell Power pack 600: This will run your TV for five hours and can also be used for phone charging—and tailgating.
– Last minute batteries: Toys ‘R Us will have them long after Home Depot and drug stores are dry.
– AA or AAA batteries: A type batteries are easier to find than D, so minimize devices that need D.
– Battery powered fan and TV: Buy them now (don’t forget the antenna).
Other items and tips you might find useful
– Buckets: They are great for leaks and can also hold ice and drinks (okay, beer).
– Contractor Bags: Sturdier than regular trash bags and great for cleanup after the storm, for clothes that need to go to the laundromat, for food in the freezer and for all year long.
– Old Towels: For wiping shoes when coming in from the rain and general cleanup that happens during and after the storm.
– Broomsticks/Shovels: Prop up delicate plants that might snap in the wind by sticking the ends of brooms or shovels in the ground and then using duct tape or painters tape to tape the plant it.
– Icemakers: Empty it and turn it off. Without power, the ice in your freezer will melt all over your floor.
– Freezer items: Put them in a heavy-duty trash bag so that if food defrosts, it won’t stink up your fridge.