Hurricane Preparedness Tips
Make copies of your valauable computer files.. keep 1 copy with your important papers (insurance policies ,etc) and exchange copies with a friend or relative, so there is an alternate copy/backup in at least 2 places.
Businesses need to do this particularly...... remember you may have to return t o by hand paper recordkeeping. You need all the pertinent business info and all your "monthly reports" etc. for future city, state and federal filings.
If you have a laptop, take it with you..... handy to have.
besides everyday clothes, take at least a couple of of better sets in case you lose all at home, and need to attend a business meeting, etc..... same goes for work clothes..... you will need them when you get home if you have damages..... and remember to make the work clothes, the coolest possible..... there will be no air conditioning for days most likely. We get used to wearing "spring weight" clothes in a/c in the summer, but they are too warm for outdoor work; take those sleeveless and tank tops. (I like to keep 1 suitcase of items I don't need until I get back home..... it can be let in the vehicle and not even unloaded at the motel or wherever you are staying.
Only once... Hilda in 1964, did we have a "cold snap" right after (October 6th, I believe) and needed long pants over shorts and sweaters.
Before you leave, stock up on batteries you may need, as well as items to salvage any food items that may need to be cooked.... Charcoal, items to make basting sauce, seasonings, plastic containers to store cooked food.... (labeled and dated of course) DO PLAN your food needs around the types of meats, etc you have in your freezer which may need to be cooked to save it.
spaghetti, rice for stew, bread for sandwiches and or/garlic bread..... breakfast items that need no bowls or cookign (pb&j for ex.) Remember dishwasher will probablybe out of commission w/no power.
Have plenty of paper towels, etc on hand. Anything you can pick up before the storm, will make your like so much easier if you don't need to do that when you return......... picture shopping in an un-airconditioned store, with clerks who suddenly have to add up your tickets by hand.......and add with no calculator at that. Forethought keeps the frustration down.
Course, you men may want to get some basic supplies on hand for emmergency home repair...... a few tarps, or other quick repair items so you too don't have to deal with the hassel of "we're out of that," and other problems like in the grocery. Not to mention the overcrowding.
Bungie cords are great to have to help secure items that may otherwise, blow or cause damage... for ex lawn furniture and garbage cans can be secured tightly to hurricane fencing to prevent them causing damage, for those who dont have room to store them indoors.