16 Continued from previous page to garbage bags. These are handy for storing papers and other documents. It is also wise to have insulated containers of various sizes. Those will be useful for storage as well. Take and keep in electronic form photographs of your home and contents. Note the date on which the photos were taken. That could prove very helpful to you if you have to make a claim for insurance. Pay particular attention to appliances. Organisations should consider the use of Cloud Technology as part their business continuity plans. The use of Cloud Technology would allow for easy retrieval of original documents and restoration of system information and data depending on the extent and sophistication of the cloud technology in use. Similarly, individuals should consider where practicable, storage of important documents and pictures in a secure Cloud arrangement. The COVID-19 realities that are still emerging, suggest that a wider group of responders will be required to deal with the twin challenges of COVID-19 and the threat of hurricanes during 2021. Responders might even be required for new activities and tasks. Additional and alternative or supplementary personnel should be identified and trained appropriately. Our current circumstances indicate that such contingency arrangements may now be even more critical than at the start of the COVID-19 crisis in 2020. Ensure that each member of the family has at least one pair of good-fitting, comfortable work shoes. Check the shoes periodically because “dry rot” can set it and cause the soles to separate Take and keep in electronic form photographs of your home and contents; note the date on which the photos were taken. (Photo by Fr. Bowe) from the shoes if they are not worn often. Replace or repair them if that happens. Put on those shoes with a good pair of thick socks if you get to a Hurricane Warning event and a strike is considered imminent. Keep a good, water-proof toolkit and high-quality tools from reputable manufacturers. Good quality tools are always worth the investment. Make sure you have a hammer, different types of pliers and vice grips, various sizes and types of screwdrivers, wrenches and saws. Keep nails, screws and bolts of various sizes. Keep twine and water-resistant tape and rope of various sizes. You might have to use and replace those every few years. It usually takes longer to prepare the yard, especially the backyard, than most of us think. Securing loose and very light-weight items is a big task. Start the job early if it is necessary to do it. Continues on next page
17 Publizr Home