happy hurricane season.

so today kick's off the first day of hurricane season. now i consider myself a pretty strong, independent person who can handle just about anything, but i have to admit that i'm terrified of hurricanes. my only thought when considering the move to miami was the hurricanes. so far so good. only a few semi-bad storms. but now its officially hurricane season and i heard the first tropical storm is already on its way over the yucatan peninsula. people tell me i'm crazy for being so scared, but tell me this isn't intimidating.

looks like the eye is heading right for miami. anyway, in light of the opening of the season here's a checklist for hurricane survival:

FOOD SUPPLIES
Get enough nonperishable foods now for two weeks. Then put them in a box and leave them alone Don't buy foods that are salty or dry or high in fat or protein; they'll make you thirsty.

Water: 2 quarts to 1 gallon per person (get a week's supply)
Ice
Shelf-package juice and milk boxes
Canned and powdered milk
Beverages (powdered or canned, fruit juices, instant coffee, tea)
Prepared foods (canned soups, beef, spaghetti, tuna, chicken, ham, corned beef hash, packaged pudding)
Canned vegetables and fruits
Dried fruits
Snacks (crackers, cookies, hard candy, nuts)
Snack spreads (peanut butter, cheese spreads, jelly)
Cereals
Raw vegetables
Sugar, salt, pepper
Bread
Dry and canned pet food
Extra formula, baby food

HARDWARE
Hand tools - hammer, screwdrivers to use now, shovel and pickax for after the storm
Power screwdriver
4-by 8-foot sheets of plywood 3/8-inch to 1/2-inch thick to put over your windows. Make sure you ask for exterior plywood.
1/4-inch machine screw sockets and screws
Plastic sheeting to cover furniture
Rope
Sturdy working gloves
Duct tape to waterproof items. Masking tape isn't strong enough
Canvas tarps
Nails. There are many kinds, so look over your home now and determine what you will need. A nail too small, the wrong shape or hammered in wrong will fail, and that will give the storm the breach it needs to get into your home.

EMERGENCY TOILET
Small can or garbage can with tight lid
Plastic bags for liners
Disinfectant or bleach
Deodorizer

HURRICANE KIT
Assemble this now. Put aside in a special box in garage. Keep heat-sensitive items inside home and rotate stock throughout season. Batteries can go in refrigerator.
Flashlights and extra bulbs
Battery-operated TV or Radio
Fully charged battery-operated lanterns. Don't get candles and kerosene lanterns. They are fire hazards.
Extra batteries
Matches
Clock (wind-up or battery- operated)
Plastic garbage bags
Working fire extinguishers
Scissors
Toilet paper
Clean change of clothes, rain gear, sturdy swamp boots you won't mind throwing away later
An inexpensive rabbit-ears television antenna to use when cable goes out
Map of the area
List of phone numbers
Copy of insurance policy

KITCHEN SUPPLIES
Manual can opener
Bottle opener
Matches in a plastic bag
Pocket knife - preferably Swiss Army-style
Camp stove or other cooking device and plenty of fuel. Use canned fuel, not charcoal or gas
Ice chests or coolers
Paper plates, napkins
Plastic cups, knives, forks, spoons

so there you have it kids. my apologies to morgan now for the stock pile of supplies that will soon be appearing in the living room. i intend on completing this list. twice over.