KA]
Now the reason I am writing is to hopefully share with others
how important it is to "prepare." I must admit I didn't start
stocking up until about 4 months ago. When I started, I had
both my husband's family and mine laughing at me. I got the
usual "You're crazy... you worry too much." "It's not a big
deal, you're wasting time." I have also had some people
actually laugh in my face when I told them I was stocking up.
But I am here now to say I am EXTREMELY glad I have been, and
will continue to do so.
I live in Florida. A few days ago we were hit with the news
that a major hurricane was headed our way. The original path
was to come very close to the coast of Florida. This could have
meant power outages, no water, etc. Everyone in my town
panicked. The night before the hurricane my husband and I went
to the grocery store to pick up diapers for my daughter. There
was literally almost NOTHING left in the store. Everyone had
panicked and bought everything in site. Luckily all I needed
was diapers because I have been stocking up on everything for
Y2K. So we were prepared for this hurricane way before it even
came near Florida.
To make a long story short, I would just like to get the point
across that if everyone in your town panics and buys everything
in sight over a hurricane... what do you think it will be like
a few weeks before Y2K comes upon us? Does everyone really want
to risk waiting until the last minute only to find no food or
water left in the stores... and no gas left at any gas station?
That is what is was like here... and people were only
stockpiling for a few days worth of needs. My advice to anyone
who is getting ridiculed by their friends and family for
wanting to prepare is: nod and smile. Meanwhile follow your
heart and do what is best for you and your family and be
prepared.
All my love and Best Wishes!
Starla
Karen,
I live in Florida and just got through the "Floyd" scare. We
were very lucky and just got some rain and wind, nothing that
bad, but our power went out. Just in our area 80,000 lost their
electricity, a lot of them are still out, and Florida Power and
Light is so confused I don't think they know what they are
doing. When we called, they kept telling us we had power, it
just came on a few hours ago. We tracked down a truck and had
them come, even though they didn't have a work order, but they
are assuring everyone that they are Y2K compliant. Fortunately
I had all my Y2K supplies handy and was able to share with
condo neighbors - some of them are at least beginning to think
about it now! We had water but it was contaminated because of
the power being out and we couldn't boil it without electricy.
All the gas stations were empty around here and you couldn't
find ice anywhere! I hope people think about supplies after
this!
Dear Karen,
Hurricane Floyd was a great test for my Y2K preparedness. I
have a well but when electricity goes so does my water supply.
I was able to store over 100 gallons of usable water in
bathtubs, plastic lined garbage cans, etc. I had stored more
than enough drinkable water in 2 liter soda bottles. Our town
was without electricity for over 56 hours so the stores have
had to throw away all their meats, milk, frozen foods etc.
Fresh supplies cannot reach us because all access roads are
flooded and we are under a 24-hour curfew.
We have electricity back now. I filled my freezer compartment
with 2 liter bottles of water and newspapers prior to the
electricity going off. I have managed to hold my refrigerator
and did not lose any food items. I found that Pine-Sol in the
washing machine that was pre-filled with water kept any dirty
or wet items from mildewing until we had electricity. We just
left everything to soak. I did find that I needed to store more
plastic bags, canned vegetables and fruits, disinfectant spray,
and update my first aid kit. I was lucky that my prescription
medicines will last until the drug store reopens. A two month
supply on hand at all times is a necessity! A local TV station
had a doctor to talk about updating your first aid kit. He
suggested that in addition to bandages and antibiotic ointments
that we have a good supply of acetaminophen, ibuprofen,
Benedryl, Emetrol, and Imodium AD. Insect bite kits were
another suggestion as well as ACE bandages for sprains and
splinting.
Many people could not get to the Emergency Room because of high
water and most things can be self-treated at home temporarily.
Extra reading glasses should be placed in the first aid kit
too. We each packed a bag with clothing, medicine, toiletries,
canned food, and water and placed it in the trunk of the car. I
bagged up our family photo albums in plastic garbage bags and
placed those with important papers in the car also. This was
done in case we had to evacuate. I filled a plastic laundry
basket with pillows, towels, and blankets and left this by the
door. These are all items needed if you go to a shelter. Games
for teenagers are a must. Mine nearly went stir crazy without
the TV and their radios. I limited battery use because of the
severity of the storm.
One idea my teen came up with - we knew that we would be inside
for at least 48 hours. She suggested that we bring a 35-gallon
plastic garbage can inside. We lined it with a plastic bag and
placed all wet nasty garbage in it. We covered it with a lid
and it kept everything clean, smelling fresh, and tidy. After
the storm we sealed the bag and removed it to our dumpster
outside. Because I had made my Y2K preparations I had very
little to do before the storm. Now if anyone has any
suggestions on cleaning up the yard after the waters recede...
Sincerely,
Paula (North Carolina)
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