Scared About Irene? Here Are Some Hurricane Tips For You

You guys, Hurricane Irene is coming and I live four blocks from a mandatory evacuation zone in NYC. So that’s pretty terrifying, right? I plan to hide out under blankets with a book, a flashlight, and bottle of Xanax. Are you getting worked up about the storm yourself? A blog called Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge posted some good common sense tips to prepare for the winds and rains. Here are some of them, reproduced:

• Ask long time residents which streets flood, which ones flood first, how deep the water gets, which ones stay drier longer, and which streets drain off first. (So you’ll know which way to go when you realize you forgot to get litter, toilet paper, or find that someone ate all the Oreo’s last night even before the storm got here, or that moment of panic when “What do you mean we are out of….!”)

• If you drive down your street and notice everyone is boarding up their windows and loading up their cars, LEAVE. As a Newby, you may not be able to evaluate the danger/risk. Maybe next year you can be brave.

• Line at ATM? Locals know to get cash early before machines run out. Once power goes off, machines won’t work. After the storm, some stores may open but only accept cash. (Can’t process credit cards with no power)

• Use candles sparingly and with caution. Candles create heat and it’s hot enough, already! (also, the fire hazard)

• Potty alert. If the water system goes down/water pressure is low, you can’t flush. Fill bath tub with water to bail for flushing and washing hands/face.(Line tub with plastic sheet before filling. Cover if possible. No splish-splashing in this water. Dogs or kids.)

• Once power goes off, do not open fridge or freezer. Food should be OK for short period.

• Before the storm: freeze water in 2 liter bottles or plastic milk jugs. Stand frozen bottles in the fridge to keep perishable food cold. (Don’t fill the bottle all the way to the top. As water freezes, it expands needs room to “grow”) When bottles of ice melt, use water for pets/washing/cooling down.

Stay safe out there, guys!