Water, water everywhere

"Water, water, everywhere, And all the boards did shrink;
Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink."


Home preparedness. It's not just for those folks wearing their tin foil hats! Here in the Tri-state we have some very big reasons to have basic supplies on hand at all times. Over the last week, we have had 3 semi-serious situations that called for the average person to use their wits.

The first of the inconvenience tri-fecta was that nice icy Tuesday morning. We expected snow but we did not expect it to be so slick! Winter storms are best weathered at home. Yes, I know you know how to drive in the ice and the snow but "BillyJoRayBob" obviously does not. A person can do without a gallon of milk for a few days but how about electricity? Do you have an alternate source of heat? A simple solution is closing off all but one room and using a small portable device like this Coleman Blackcat Propane Heater. Remember, this heater requires supervision at all times.




Number two was a real eye opener to many in our area. An enormous water main broke and forced a county wide boil water advisory for days. Some were completely without water for some time. Interviews with local "victims" reflected how lost people were with the slightest discomfort. The schools were closed for 2 days as far away as Cabell Midland High School! That's almost 14 miles away for those of you who aren't local. This is such an easy thing to be prepared for. Find a spot in your house where you can set back a few jugs of drinking water for each person in your house. You will also want to store some "grey water" for things like flushing toilets. We also have a few Tide liquid dispenser containers that we did not wash out full of water. Those are a welcomed when it comes time to wash your hands in an emergency. This is something that is practically free and everyone can accomplish.

The last problem we've had this week was the gas leak from the John Amos Power Plant in St. Albans. It didn't effect us directly here in Huntington. We were outside of the range of the "blue cloud" but it's an excellent reminder that we could be called to "shelter in place" at any time. Do you have enough provisions to be comfortable? Pick up a few extra things at the store next time.







Here is a brief list of things that should be in your emergency kit.

Flashlight (check often if the batteries are good. The ones you "shake" are excellent)

Batteries

wind up radio (these are very reasonably priced and invaluable in a black out)

1 gallon of water for every person per day

vital medication

first aid kit

sanitary needs

items for the young and the infirmed

Blankets and sleeping bags

extra glasses

a NON ELECTRIC can opener

exam gloves or some other kind of protection for your hands (I have non-latex ones for me!)

Remember, It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark!