17 Continued from previous page Prepare the entire family intellectually, psychologically and emotionally for what all of you might face during the passage of a major hurricane. (Photo by Fr. Bowe) appliances before the power is turned off at the mains by your electricity provider. Create plans for emergency toilet arrangements (I will spare your sensitivities here) but know what your plan A, plan B and plan C will be. Remember in the aftermath of a major hurricane strike you might not have pipe-borne water for weeks. Potable water should be kept for drinking in such situations. Comply with the advice health experts give. If you live in a hurricane-prone zone, invest incrementally each season in supplies and tools such as shovels, hoes, spades, yard brooms, tarpaulins and large sheets of durable plastic. Store these items carefully. If you can, put them in an appropriate storage location that does not hamper everyday life and living. Pay close attention to personal care products and supplies such as diapers for children and adults (if needed), feminine hygiene supplies, baby and adult wipes, garbage bags, toilet paper and paper towels. Try to keep adequate supplies for the numbers in your family based on your spending power. They can be used in rotation after the end of the season. Protect your large electronic appliances such as TVs, microwaves, entertainment centres, stereos and desktop computers. If you protect them with secure water-proof coverings most of them survive hurricane conditions well provided that they are covered and then not left sitting in water. Remember that you should unplug such The list of items that I have provided and described above might seem imposing, expensive and even esoteric to some people. You might also wonder about storage space and if you will remember all that you have acquired for hurricane preparations and how to use them. My advice is the following: Develop an actual checklist of these items that the family can review in June and December of each year. Be prudent in your purchases by identifying the products that save life or promote health and security. Always purchase those items first. Maintain your tools and equipment. Proper maintenance extends their useful life for many years. Put a premium on quality – always look for authentic and genuinely well-known brands. Hurricane preparedness is not the time to experiment with products of questionable quality. When retrofitting your home, for example with storm shutters or hurricane straps, get expert advice. Plan the work in phases, in that way you will be able spend money in phases according to your financial capacity. Consider informal agreements with close neighbours or relatives who live close by. In that way, not everyone might need to purchase a wheelbarrow. If you are a good carpenter, assist someone who is a good plumber on the basis of reciprocity.
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