20 LESS COMMON HURRICANE TIPS

Everyone hears the basics, like 'fill up your gas tank' or 'get cash from the ATM'.  Here are some very effective, yet less conventional ways to prepare for a hurricane:

1. 1. Download Zello: It's the free mobile app that let's you use your phone as a walkie-talkie.  Remember    those? You'll need wifi or 4G service.
2. Hand sanitizer:  If you have no running water, it’s the best way to wash your hands.   Keep one in the kitchen and in every bathroom.
3. Gasoline additive:  When filling up gas cans for generators, be sure to include the necessary additive so the gas doesn’t go bad.   Yes, gas goes bad in gas cans.
4. Shutterbug:  Take lots of photos of the interior and exterior of  your home.  Then upload onto your cloud storage for safe keeping.
5. Crackers:  When the bread aisle is empty, sprint for the Triscuits.
6. Peanut butter & jerky:  Forget the jelly.  Non-perishable proteins are hard to find.  Grab a few, but no need to eat them together.
7. Cold brew coffee:  When the power is out, it’s the easiest way to enjoy a perfect cup of joe in the morning.  Big bottles are usually available at your local grocery store.
8. Baby wipes:  These aren't just for babies.  Imagine no running water, no A/C and 90+ degrees outside.  Need we say more?
9. Frozen jugs:  Fill empty jugs, Tupperware containers or Ziplock bags with tap water to store in freezer.  They can double as ice packs and then become your drinking water.  Be sure to leave space in the containers for expansion in the freezer.
10. Paper plates & cups:  If you lose running water, these are essential to bypass the pile up of dirty dishes.
11. Laundry:  You know those 5 loads of laundry piling up?  Now is the time.
12. Clean bathrooms:  Mold grows quickly when there’s no A/C.  Ewww.
13. Dishwasher:  Be sure to run it before you lose power.
14. Pet food:  Fido won’t forgive you if his food runs out.
15. Veggies:  Easy source of non-perishable veggies are those cute little cans of low-sodium V-8 or equivalent.  
16. Chainsaw:  Make sure you have fuel.  If you don’’t have a chainsaw, quickly make friends with someone who does and keep their phone number handy.
17. Battery-operated candles:  Put these lights in the bathrooms, on nightstands and everywhere else to remove the risk of fire.  
18. External batteries:  Can’t image you’ll forget, but remember to charge all of your external phone batteries.
19. Alerts: Sign up for your county’s & city’s emergency push-alerts to be texted to your phone.  That way when power is out, you’re still in the loop.
20. Be kind:  If you have plenty of something, share with those who were in the back of the water and bread lines.  Kindness always matters.

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