I thought it would be helpful to give a few pointers heading into the storm.  These are based on my real life, disclaimer, I’m just trying to help!

2. ✔ Take pictures and video your house inside and out!  If there is any rain or wind damage, being able to produce before and after pictures for insurance is very helpful.

 ✔Pre-cook some food and freeze it.  Having food already cooked you can pull out and thaw is convenient and after all, who hasn’t eaten cold chicken or pizza?!  If we don’t lose power, it will save you a few nights of cooking dinner!

✔Freeze Zip Lock bags with water.  You can lay them flat or even sit them in plastic containers for shape.  Blocks of ice last much longer than cubes.  Another option, freeze your water bottles, open and pour out about ½ inch of water, so it has room to expand.  It will keep the freezer and even the fridge cool and as they melt, fresh cold water to drink.

✔Charge everything!  Make sure your phones and laptops are fully charged.  Even if it’s an old laptop you never use, you could possibly use it as a charger for your phone if power is out and you don’t want to get wet going to car!

✔Put your phone or tablet in airplane mode or turn off when not in use to save power.  You can always give the family a designated time to call.

✔Make sure you have at least a week’s worth of outfits that are ready for work.  You may have to go to work while still out of power, make sure you have wrinkle-free clothes ready!

✔Oh, and you should probably wash some clothes if you are behind!  It may be another week before you can do that again! Cold showers and dirty underwear, not fun at all!

✔If you know a restaurant was without power for at least 24 hours, be suspicious of refrigerated food.  Have they had a new delivery or are they trying to get rid of what thawed or Walk-In foods that went above 41 degrees for more than 2 hours.  See this link for when to throw out foods.  Do you think the restaurant threw it all away or gambled your meal on saving money?

https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/food-safety-during-power-outage

Hope one of these ideas help. They aren't brain surgery, but after Isabel, I was without power six days!  You never know!

Thanks!

Robin

 

Robin Grace

Mid-Atlantic Realty & Associates, LLC

regrace@cox.net