Episode # 93, "Lessons Learned From Ida and Other Hurricanes"

Episode # 93, "Lessons Learned From Hurricanes"For more information on being prepared for hurricanes, you might consider listening to these previous podcast episodes:Episode # 62, "Prepping For Hurricanes And Other Weather Related SHTF."Episode # 34, "Preparing For Hurricanes"Episode #53, "Dealing With Heat Related Illnesses"In a news briefing just ahead of hurricane Ida, a government official said, "the first 72 hours are on you"Another said,  "If you call 911, we can't help you"That's why we've say stay prepped for a minimum of a week on your own, but a month is even better.Lessons:Help Isn't comingNo EMSNo FirefightersNo Law enforcementThe time comes when it is just too dangerous to put personnel in harms wayIf you ignore an evacuation order, do you really have a right to ask someone else to risk their life to come to you when you should have evacuated?When help does come, it will be delayed.They must triage & prioritize Why proficiently in first aid is so importantWhy having a well stocked first aid kit is so importantWhy storing medications is so importantPeople get displacedHave an evac planMotels get filled to the northMay be better to go east or west by 100 milesTake a weeks worth of clothes when evacuating, extra shoes, at least one of which is sturdy work or walking shoes/booksSome people lose everythingPreps should be split to store in several areas, even if it is two areas inside the same house, or in the house and the garageThe power goes outGeneratorHave enough fuel stored for generator to last several weeks.Run generators outdoors onlyCarbon monoxide KILLS !Cannot be used indoors, in the garage, or below open windows.Safest to have a battery operated CO detector nearbyBatteries & inverter for CPAP and life sustaining equipmentKeep a Lights out kitFlash lightsLED lanternsHeadlampsGlow sticksPlan for aux heat & coolPropane heater for cold weatherWindow unit A/C w/ generator for hot weatherFood delivery stops for a whileNo pizza delivery, no Steak Out, no Grub HubBe prepared to either cook food with a non-electric method, or have plenty of no prep needed foods.Food may not be availableGrocery stores are closed due to damageThere are power outagesCash becomes kingCredit/debit cards may not workATMs can go down due to power outage, Internet outage, or being empty.Plan for mosquitoesThere is a lot of standing water after hurricanes. Be prepared with insect repellant. Communications are interruptedCable TV gets interruptedCellular network are quickly overloadedText msg uses less bandwidth and may work when voice doesn't Have a battery operated AM/FM for local information, with extra batteries.It's a good time to have ham radio, if you have the license.Check out episodes #16 & #25If you find value in the podcast, would you consider supporting us by buying us a cup of coffee? You can do that by going to www.buymeacoffee.com/practicalprepYour support helps us keep the podcast up and running, as well as growing.We have a few things in the planning, and your support will really help make these things happen