Are You Ready For A Tornado?

I didn't think so. First, I want to say God bless all those suffering from the terrible tornados in the Midwest. It made me think "What would I do?" 

I am certainly not prepared for a tornado, however, I am preparing for the most dangerous natural disaster we experience here, an earthquake. Are you prepared for cellular phone, computer failures? Where will you meet loved ones? What would you need the MOST?

Think ahead

I added a couple of links below this post to help you obtain the items discussed here.

‘Safe Up’ your home by addressing these 10 things.

1. Make sure shelves are fastened securely to the walls.
2. Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves or on the floor. They might fall. You can also screw them onto things, such as on desks.
3. Place breakable items (bottles, glass, china, etc.) in closed cabinets that have secure latches.
4. Heavy pictures and mirrors should be hung away from beds, couches, and anywhere that someone might sit.
5. Overhead light fixtures should be braced to prevent falling.
6. Evaluate your electrical wiring and gas connections and repair if needed. During an earthquake these can become potential fire hazards. Additionally, turn off appliances, or better, unplug them when not in use.
7. Secure your water heater by strapping it to wall studs (not just the drywall) and bolting it to the floor.
8. If you have any deep cracks in the ceiling or foundations, repair these immediately. You might need to consult an expert if there are signs of structural weakness.
9. Store flammable products  on the bottom shelf of closed cabinets with latches.
10. Get to know B.O.B.  Who's Bob?

Have you ever watched a spy movie or the TV series? 24 comes to mind.

Every good spy has what is called a "‘Bail Out Bag," or B.O.B. It's a bag you can grab on the run in an emergency. Your B.O.B. should have the following items in it at minimum. If one bag is too heavy have two or put heavy stuff in your car trunk.

Important disaster supplies for you Bail Out Bag

1. Flashlight light with extra batteries (preferably one for each individual) portable, battery operated radio with extra batteries
2. Purchase and use “self powered radios” and “self powered flashlights.” Batteries will be hard to find. Some models will charge cell phones, but the cell phone towers may be damaged, even destroyed.
3. Purchase and use glow sticks. These are SAFER than candles, since you will be dealing with ruptured gas lines and flammable, explosive gas.
4. First aid kit and manual
5. Emergency food, canned food is great, and water—some sources say you should have up to two weeks worth of extra food on hand  in case rescue workers cannot reach your location.
6. Non-electric can opener ( get a Swiss army knife or Gerber tool).
7. Your essential medicines.
8. Cash and credit cards.
9. Sturdy shoes for each family member.

Home Survival kits

Car Earthquake kits

I hope I will see you at the new Safeway picking up some of these needs soon. If you need help with home review  let me know. I am sure I can help get you prepared, too.