Hurricane Irene

Well, I missed one earthquake while I was gone on vacation and made it back just in time for Hurricane Irene. We were extremely blessed that the hurricane slowed down and passed without any damage. We pray for those who have been affected by the hurricane.

We prepared for the worst. I never take chances with the lives of my kids and husband. I prepared the best I could.

There are 3 things that I ALWAYS have ready to go for whatever emergency may arise. I want to share with you what these 3 things are. This made my preparation a lot easier.

1) Flee Bag. This bag is a plastic shopping bag that contains an old pair of tennis shoes, a pair of clothes (light-weight, pajama pants and t-shirt sort of thing just in case you're not fully clothes when emergency strikes), and a flashlight. This stays at the foot of the bed in case of an unplanned emergency and you have no time to do anything but just go.

2) Emergency Backpacks. Each family member has a backpack loaded with toiletries, flashlight, whistles, a pair of clothes, some activities, and snacks. It gets complicated when you have a baby. This is a 72-hour kit for each member of the family. I usually keep these in the car (if you have the room) or by the front door. Make sure the backpacks are updated every 6 months or so. Food expires, kids grow out of clothes and diaper sizes, etc.

Here's a list of things and other suggested items that I keep in my backpacks:

For Adult or Older Children

• WATER
• Soap (hand sanitizer and bar)
• Acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen
• Pepto Bismol
• Wipes
• Feminine hygiene supplies
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Sunscreen
• Chapstick
• Hand lotion
• Socks
• Clothes
• Flashlight
• Whistle
• Tissues
• Trash bag
• Rain poncho
• Deck of playing cards
• Pen and paper (small notebook)
• Scissors
• Important phone numbers and info. (in notebook)
• Cash
• Snacks
• Vienna Sausages
• Tuna salad and crackers (ready to eat)
• Hard candy for quick energy
• Applesauce
• Fruit cup or dried fruit
• Beef Jerky
• Peanuts
• Fruit snacks
• Gum
• Granola bars or protein bars
• Plastic spoons

For Infants and Toddlers

• WATER
• Soap (hand sanitizer and body wash)
• Infant and/or child’s acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen
• Shampoo
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Sunscreen
• Hand lotion
• Chapstick or Aquafore
• Socks
• Clothes
• Flashlight
• Wipes
• Diapers
• Baby formula
• Bottle
• Baby Food
• Spoon
• Pacifier
• Toys
• Stuffed animal*
• Coloring books and crayons
• Easy card games
• Blanket (extra hospital blankets work great so don’t throw those away)
• Snacks
• Granola bars
• Applesauce
• Fruit snacks
• Fruit cup or dried fruit
• Peanuts (toddlers that are old enough)
• Handi-Snacks (Cheese dip and crackers)
• Hard candy
• Vienna Sausages (for toddlers)
• Spaghetti-O’s (single serving size)
• Plastic spoons

*I have a back-up favorite stuffed animal for my daughter. She has grown attached to it and loves it more than anything. I went online and bought a back-up to put in our emergency kit. It will be a great comfort if we have to leave home.

Other things to have on hand in the car: blankets, water, emergency car kit (jumper cables, etc.)

3) First-Aid Kit. Make sure it is loaded and ready to go.

Some suggested items to have in your kits:

• Band-Aids
• Adhesive tape
• Neosporin or other antibiotic ointment
• Instant ice pack
• Cotton balls or cotton-tipped swabs
• Ibuprofen
• Acetaminophen
• Scissors
• Latex gloves
• Gauze
• Tape
• Alcohol wipes
• Tweezers
• Thermometer
• Safety pins
• Ace bandage
• Hand sanitizer

You can never be too ready for an emergency.