Hi Annabel, a tetnus is needed every 7 years?? I last had mine Dec 98, thought it was every 10 years. That is what we used to be told. So I need another tetnus shot Dec. of this year? Thanks.

Oh, one more thing, Decespedes mentioned glasses. Everyone that uses glasses should have two pairs, in case one gets lost or broken. Also...if you need your glasses to see properly when you go to bed at night put them on your nightstand in the same spot every night in case there is an emergency. You do not want to be wandering around in an emergency looking for your glasses so that you can see properly.

And there are radios and, now, flashlights available that don't take batteries to run (you wind them or shake them).

Folks, setting aside the screen name, this post is genuine. We care.
_____________________

Ok, so after donating to my charity of choice, I couldn't sit still. I wanted to go and offer help directly, but that wasn't feasable.

Instead, I have done the only thing I know I can do quickly and effectively...build a website!

I have created a Hurricane Family Help portal located at http://www.hurricanefamilyhelp.org

1st things 1st - we DO NOT accept donations.

Here is the stated purpose:

1) To unite displaced individuals and families of hurricane Katrina with others willing to offer immediate SHORT TERM shelter.

2) To unite displaced individuals and families of hurricane Katrina with others willing to offer LONG TERM shelter.

3) To unite the survivors with family and friends.

4) To find full or part time employment opportunities for hurricane victims.

5) To provide contact information for charities, communities, and churches offering assistance.

Thank you,
Craig

I also agree with keeping a stash of cash at home just for emergencies. We have done so since the Northridge Earthquake when our friends who lived in that part of LA had trouble buying anything due to not being able to pay with a credit card or check. They said they wished they had had more cash. So...we have taken that advice. You just never know....

Great thread.

When a severe thunder storm approaches my area, among other things, I always: put on good socks, good shoes, my wedding ring and have my wallet and cell phone in my pocket. I always make sure I have my glasses on; contacts aren't as practical for an extended period.

elizabeth - something funny in a morbid sort of way about adding wedding ring and cellphone in severe thunderstorm - does that make you a lightening rod?

How long is it safe to keep water? Does bought/sealed water keep longer then water jug filled at home from the city water?

Bought water has an expiration date - I find it is usually about 2 years from date of purchase.

Home bottled water is OK for short-term use, but even water can grow bacteria and other creepy crawlies - especially if it is home bottled since bottle is not sterilized, etc.

I read somewhere (sorry, can't give source) that the newer hard plastic jugs keep water better and longer than the soft cheaper jugs.

Even sterile water in hospitals have expiration dates.

I haven't read all the post (and I'm sure they are great) but have a contact person outside of your area. And have one person act as the contact for the family.

Say you live in Gulfport, MS and has a sister in Phoenix and family in NYC and other places. Have one person act as the contact for the entire family so not everyone is trying to call in and using up limited phone lines. This person should have all personal information so the missing can be listed on the various websites.

I'm surprised these were not mentioned (at least I have not seen it) but another essential is a water filter, such as PUR, with extra filter elements.

These filters clean out metals, protozoa, bacteria and in some cases viruses. In addition iodine is a sterilizer. Coffee filters can help remove particles and the iodine makes the water safe.

Other helpful items would be a magnesium fire starter, extra bottles of propane, anti-itch lotion, and tools like a hatchet, saw, shovel, and the aforementioned shotgun.

mm

I didn't think filters like PUR took care of bacteria and toxic contaminants - if they do, I stand corrected and will run out and buy several.

Having a contact outside the area is definitely important. After the Loma Prieta quake, we could use the phones after about a day, but we could only call long distance.

Here on the Northern California coast where the power can go out for days, we have always had a generator that can supply power to the refrigerator, TV and a couple of lamps.

We also have a reinforced shed bolted to its foundation (as is our house) with enough water and canned food to last several weeks.

Ditto to most of the other suggestions as well. In this remote location, we don't expect rescue from the outside to arrive quickly. We've had many town meetings where an emergency plan has been discussed because we know we'll most likely have to rely on ourselves when the Big One hits.

We usually are well prepared, but today I went and stocked up on more water. We are backpackers, so that gear would be a huge help in an emergency. The only thing that we should do is to keep a stash of cash. I would have to put it somewhere that I would remember, lol!

I have lived most of my life in a hurricane prone are and do nothing different.

All of my important papers are in a bank vault. If the bank vault rolls around due to 175 mile an hour winds, it will eventually stop and I'll find my stuff. If not, oh well.

When we evacuate I take all family jewelry, photographs and negatives, and important prints/art off the wall and that stuff travels with us.

The evil cats have their own emergency rations along with carrying case, litterbox, and other cat essentuals they are the first to get loaded in the SUV.

Mr.GoTravel and I have our own water, batteries, booze, flashlights, food, sterno, etc.

Now since we are CAMPERS (!!!) we will take all camping gear with us which includes three large inflatable mattresses and enough batteries to restart Three Mile Island.

I am SO happy to see a positive thread on this here.

Don't forget that if you boil water, it's good to drink- so even if your gallons are older, it will not go to waste. We have been in some horrendous snowstorms and we have used the charcoal grill outside to heat/sterilize things in boiling water and in boiling the water itself when the electricity was out for days.

I noticed that a lady was doing that in NO and feeding many at the same time from her grill using untreated wood from the mess. But you can do this only if you know that gas lines in the area are intact. In an earthquake, especially I would not assume that fact.

All these ideas are great, especially please don't forget SOME IDENTIFICATION. I've seen kids with things writen right on their arms or clothes. Not a bad idea under huge time restraints and at the last moment if family members have to split up for any injury or transportation reason. I always have an indelible pen in the drawer by my phone within the pack I take that includes many first aid items.

kudos on the shotgun idea. I would NEVER flame you because it has saved our lives in my lifetime.

Thanks to all who responded, I have jotted down many notes. Can't add much but instant coffee, hot chocolate mix, a deck of cards, some books & extra batteries for the game boys. Our most likely emergency would be a blizzard induced power outage. Without the TV & computer, the kids will need entertainment. Also, if you have kids, teach them important phone numbers (memorize) & full names & cities of out of state relatives. Thanks cmcfong!

My daughter just mentioned to me today that everyone should have the important phone numbers in their wallet. Most just have them on their cell phone. If cell phone dies the phone numbers are gone.

When I was a new Marine Corps bride, we were evacuated twice in one summer for hurricanes Bertha & Fran. My dear husband was shepherding the recruits at Parris Island and could not get free to help me pack up either time! Since that fateful summer, I've found it helpful to have a rough list in mind of what to take if given an hour's notice to depart....

Back then, it was:
1. dog and cat
2. computer
3. china and silver
4. his hunting rifle
5. wedding album

Now, its:
1. the child
2. 3 dogs
3. snacks, drinks & portable DVD player for the child
4. laptop with POWER CORD
5. lockbox of impt papers

Reading this makes me realize I need to add food and cash to the list! My husband was also in the Pentagon on 9/11: having an out-of-state phone contact person really works.