Yes, this is one of those informative pieces. I live on an island and teach a science course that’s all about natural hazards, specifically Hurricanes, Volcanoes, Earthquakes & Tsunamis. However, I’m a GA girl…born and raised in the small town forgotten about once the cotton plantations were things of the dirty south’s past. I mean the highlight of the town was the Tour of Homes where people came from all over to view old Southern architecture and plantation homes that were not destroyed during Sherman’s infamous March to the coast. Growing up we pretty much were confined to extra hot & humid Summers while getting the occasional flakes of snow but mostly a combination of sleet and ice in the winter.

I lived for a while in the Midwest. The weather was similar, but it was the first time I was introduced to earthquake awareness. When I walked on the campus of my graduate school, I saw various posters about earthquakes and what to do. Oh and those snow route signs that I knew nothing about until my northern US travel adventures began. However, I think the most profound weather lessons that I learned from the Midwest was about Tornadoes. I was in part of Tornado valley for a couple of years and I believe a tornado touched down somewhere close to where I live at least once or twice every year I was there. However, I never actually prepared an emergency kit…

So, moving to the island has been yet another weather learning experience, but this time I also have to teach these prevention and preparation lessons. We are in the midst of Hurricane season and as I get notifications of tropical disturbances coming off of the coast of African, I can’t help but track the directions to make sure none of those storms are headed my way. But I still need to prepare an emergency kit!! In fact, the information that I’ve read from the preparedness people is that I should have a couple of emergency kits (like one at home & one in my car or work). It may be a great idea for me to have a kit at work including a sleeping bag and blankets because staying at work makes more sense for me since they have generators and I don’t have any! Below is a list from https://www.ready.gov/kit, but do not that I don’t have children so diapers, formula, or games would be examples of extra things if you have children.

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Preparing for Diasters,

Stassi Nicole