The wind is howling outside, the rain is pouring down in sheets, trees are whipping around, and during this brief time when the power has been restored, I wanted to reach out to everyone who may be in the path of this “Frankenstorm,” as it is being called.
We too are in its path, and have prepared as well as we could. Whether you have to evacuate or shelter in place, it is important to keep your health and safety in mind. I’ve witnessed some who prioritize comfort and entertainment over health and safety, and this is never a good idea.
Hopefully, if you are in the path of Sandy, you have already made your preparations to secure a safe place to shelter, either at home or at an evacuation center. During the worst of this record breaking storm, you want to be especially vigilant, such as hunkering down in the safest part of your home. Under no circumstances should you be out on the roads, where major flooding can be life threatening. Following the advice and mandates of local authorities can go a long way to keeping you safe.
Whether you will be evacuating or sheltering in place, make sure to have all of your medications handy and available, along with basic sanitary supplies, such as baby wipes and first aid supplies, such as bandages. In the event of an emergency, maxi pads may be used as sanitary dressing for wounds.
It is also important to have a source of water, not only for drinking, but also for sanitary reasons. If you are at home, haven’t done so already, and are still able to do so, fill up your bathtub with water. Make sure to keep children and pets away from a filled bathtub, as it could pose a drowning hazard. In desperation, your water heater may be a source of clean water.
In the event that you lose power, keep in mind that your refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. For a freezer, it is 48 hours. When in doubt, throw it out.
I pray that everyone experiencing Hurricane Sandy will stay safe and healthy.
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