As everyone continues the long process of recovering from Hurricane Michael, we want you all to know that our family is praying for yours.
As of today we’re still without power, but we’re making the most of it. We are spending our days rebuilding, replanting, clearing, cleaning, and recovering. Our nights are quiet, but spent with family. We have been enjoying grilling and figuring out how to maneuver in the dark.
We’re thankful to be safe and that we have our home. So many people cannot say these words and so we will not complain! We ask that you continue to pray for all the people who have lost so much. If there is something you can do to help the hurricane victims, please do. Whether you can go into that area and provide a skill, make a donation, or maybe you can simply assist someone in your own area.
Any small acts of kindness, goes a long way!
This Hurricane has taught us how important it is to have a plan not only to evacuate, but also for your animals, those inside and out. For us it was a little difficult because not only do we have our usual chickens, 2 dogs, and our cat, Oscar, but we also have 6 puppies as well.
Our goal was to make sure that we were safe and also that all of our animals were too! We want to share with you what works for us and also what we have on the ready at all times.
Outside Plan: This is a basic list for our outdoor animals and items.
1. Bring in all tools, food bins, outside furniture, anything loose to prevent damages
2. Lock up all chickens in their coops and secure
3. Bring out extra feeders and waterers and fill in case of extended absence
4. Secure outside trash bin (we actually forgot to do this)
5. If needed board up windows
6. Harvest what you can
Inside Plan: We have pets so it’s important we have something ready for them. We also use the buddy system. Everyone is assigned a person and they are responsible for them.
1. Pack animals, food (already bagged), water, bowls, and their leashes.
2. Buddy check! Do they have everything?
3. Cell phones and chargers packed
4. Important documents like insurance policies, passports, bank account numbers, etc.
Ready Bags: Having a bag already packed saves time. You simply grab and go because you’re already ready.
1. Two pairs of pants
2. Two shirts
3. One pair of shorts
4. Jacket or sweater
5. Undergarments
6. Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, washcloth, wet wipes, sanitary napkins
7. Medicine(s) including vitamins or supplements
8. Water (we try to keep some in the trunk, but 8 bottles in the bag)
9. Cash (ATM’s may not work)
10. Flashlight
11. Non-perishable foods
12. First aid kit
13. Battery operated radio with extra batteries
14. Extra chargers or a charger station as needed
15. Napkins
16. Map (Cellphones may not work)
This is a basic list assuming that you’re just evacuating and have a safe place to go. You could add more things like a whistle, can opener, fire starter, cast iron pot/pan, plastic silverware, matches, bowls, cups, sleeping bags, blankets, etc. in the event of a severe emergency.
Everyone is different and has their own unique set of circumstances. So please do what works for you! This list can be used as a starting point.
We found a great resource here that will give you more ideas on what you need. If anyone knows of another resource or has something to add, please do!
Above all the main goal is to keep yourself and your family safe. Hopefully this helps!