Weather | My Mama Drama

You see the picture above? Yeah…I’m pretty pissed. Looks like we are going to have ourselves another hurricane to prepare for, just when we were starting to get things back to normal. The kids haven’t even gone back to school yet. That will be tomorrow.

They are saying that Hurricane Ike is expected to make landfall some time next weekend. This is not good, because not only are we just now recovering from the last one, Steven was supposed to start the processing for his new job, which has already been pushed back a week due to Hurricane Gustav.

All I can say is, north Mississippi is starting to look a whole lot better to us. There are several casinos in northwest Mississippi, and this weekend he put in several applications up there. About 30 miles Northeast of there is where we plan to live if he gets a job offer. Good schools and very close to the big city of Memphis, TN which has tons of amenities. We actually lived there for 2 years before we had the kids and pretty much hated living there, but circumstances were different. We were burgularized within the first month we were there. So that put a bad taste in our mouths. We actually lived in Memphis then, so this time we will just be living outside.

I know we only have two months left of hurricane season, but I just don’t think I want to go through this anymore. It was tough us, especially the kids. They don’t understand why it’s so hot in their house. And Christopher was really affected by it. He was so distracted by it all, we could hardly get him to eat anything. So this possible move should be good for us, I’m just praying that he gets an interview next week. So keep your fingers crossed.

Thanks for stopping by My Mama Drama!

Technorati Tags: hurricane gustav, Hurricane Ike, Moving, preparing for a hurricane

Just yesterday marked the 3 year anniversary of Katrina. Now we are once again preparing for another hurricane to likely hit our Gulf Coast including New Orleans. We, of course, do not live on the coast, but we are about 170 miles north of New Orleans. So we did feel Katrina, and Rita for that matter, when they hit. We experience a power outage for 3 days. Three VERY long days during the hottest part of the summer. It was no picnic, but of course, nothing compared to what others experienced. We were the lucky ones.

Last time, we were very unprepared. Unlike many others, we did not rush to the grocery store to buy water and batteries for our flashlights. We didn’t worry about filling up our vehicle with gas. Little did we know, that there would be a gas shortage, due to panic and also people coming from other towns needing gas too. I’ll never forget the lines at the gas stations. We would be in line for an hour, and finally get to the pump, only to find it out of gas again. It was very frustrating. So, needless to say, we are preparing this time. The van has been filled, and Steven is on his way to the store to buy some things to stock up on. Can goods, batteries, water, etc.

Gustav has now been upgraded to a category 3 hurricane. New Orleans has been given a mandatory evacuation. This time, there will be no shelters opened within the city of New Orleans. People are being told to GET OUT. And if they don’t, they will have to suffer the consequences. And from what I understand, they will be busing the homeless or just anyone that does not have transportation to leave. And just keep in mind, there will be those that refuse to go, there always are. People that choose to ride the storm out. All we can do is pray for them and pray that this storm isn’t what it is believed to become.

Here is a list of things you need to prepare for a hurricane. Just thought I would share it.

Disaster Supply Kit

Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days
• non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
• foods for infants or the elderly
• snack foods
• non-electric can opener
• cooking tools / fuel
• paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing – seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items – for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Cash (with some small bills) – Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents – in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
• insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools – keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items
• proper identification / immunization records / medications
• ample supply of food and water
• a carrier or cage
• muzzle and leash

If you have one, ensure your generator is functional.

Also having several extra gas cans for your generator will be helpful. And if you are able, you might want to stockpile some fuel in advance, but be aware that long term storage of gas requires specific fuel additives and some very serious safety issues.

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