Tools of the Trade

Remember in yesterday's post about the extreme weather conditions in North and South Korea during January? Well, winter is still alive and still kicking over there! Here's a nice satellite shot of the area. And no, those aren't just clouds that appear white, that's SNOW!

 Here's the site from where this satellite image is taken and a brief synopsis of the heavy snow and associated impacts: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=49285

Now, back to our neck of the woods. Oh, man! Spring has sprung here at the ole homestead. Just reminds me though that severe weather season is just around the corner. Are you ready? In this post, I wanted to make sure you guys are prepared for the 'not-so-gentle' side of this thing we call weather. I will be updating a severe weather 'toolbox' so keep checking back in often.

First, we should have a plan in place before severe weather strikes. Know what to do and where to go. Our family rehearses a severe weather drill so we do not needlessly waste time during the storm getting to our 'safe place' along with the necessary items we need after the storm.

Speaking of the necessary items, I've prepared a checklist of some essentials we should have as part of our 'toolbox'. We call this a basic emergency kit. Here are the essentials:

• Your basic emergency kit should be stored in a waterproof container
• Flashlights for each person in your family and extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio with weather band and extra batteries
• First Aid kit and manual along with prescription meds
• Work gloves
• Duct tape
• Sleep gear including pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, air mattress, etc...
• Basic hand tools such as hammer, nails, screwdriver, wrench, ratchet and socket set
• Important papers like driver's license, special medical info, insurance policies, SS cards
• List of phone numbers and addresses for emergency services, shelters, doctors, and friends
• Water stored in sealed, unbreakable containers (1 gallon per person per day)
• Non-perishable, packaged, or canned food and a manual can opener
• Extra clothing like rain gear and sturdy shoes/boots
• Special items for infants, the elderly, and disabled
• Soap and hand sanitizer
• Cash/Credit cards

The above are just a few suggestions. If you want more info on a basic emergency kit, consult these sites:
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/epc.pdf
http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html

Again, I'll be posting more updates on preparations for severe weather season. The goal for all of us is to start getting ready NOW.

Also, in a future post, for you weather nuts like me, I'll be providing some 'tools' that we can use to track and predict severe weather. For storm spotters and chasers alike.

We'll talk again. Have a nice day.
MS