I moved to Florida in 2004 to live with my daughter and son-in-law. It’s a place surrounded by beautiful beaches, lush palm trees, resorts, and the home of Disneyland and many entertaining places for vacation. You have the monumental cities of Miami, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, and the Florida Keys. They even have their rainy and drought seasons. But nestled in this tropical sweltering state is their season for hurricanes which goes to from June 1st through the end of November. I arrived on June 30th and August 4; Charley ripped through several places, causing devastating results. Reports say it was the strongest hurricane ever to hit the United States. It remained from August 9 to 15, and at its peak intensity, it attained 150 mph. By the time it arrived in Fort Myers on @ August 13th or the 15th, it was a strong category 3 that went to a category 4 within minutes. Charley was one of four crucial storms that swept the territory that year. And the strongest to strike southwest Florida in recorded history.
The Floridians were not prepared for this because it had been over twenty years since Andrew, a horrific storm in 1992, had stroke them. They expected Charley to hit Tampa, but the hurricane changed directions. There, my family and I were amidst this massive and dangerous storm. It left thousands, including us, without electricity for days. It ripped up enormous trees, power lines, tore shingles from the roof. I even noticed where a gigantic tree fell through somebody’s house and you could see into the home the damage it did. My heart ached for that family. Many businesses required cash transactions because they didn’t have a backup generator, and nobody could use the ATMs.
My son-in-law opened the door to video the event. I watched in amazement as I saw objects flying in the air. And I wasn’t afraid because I knew God had us covered in His blanket of protection. But I was saying to myself; don’t you think it’s a good idea to close the door. I had gone outside a few days before the storm and walked around the house and prayed for God’s divine covering over the neighborhood and the state. Though we didn’t have to evacuate as we did when Irma hit in 2017, it taught me a great lesson. Having survived this ordeal, I want to share what I learned from the importance of being prepared for any crisis that could occur. Though the meteorologist tracks these ahead of time, some do come with no warnings.
As we endure the coronavirus, one thing is for sure many aren’t ready for an emergency before it happens. So, here is a list to help you and your family prepare for a crisis ahead of time. You may know what to do, but for those who don’t, I hope this list helps you consider how vital it is for being fully prepared before such a time. You never know when something unexpected may occur. We must live as though the Lord is coming back any day.
I pray the song, Not Today by Hillsong ministers to you.
Neat’s Emergency Supply List
1. Instruct your children what to do in an emergency. Make sure they know their address, phone number and pictures of their parents and family to contact. Give them a whistle to signal for help. You need one too. If they get separated from you, they can give the rescue workers this information in hopes of not being misplaced.
2. Have money (cash) available, including coins in case electric is out, and the ATMs aren't working.
3. First aid kit, along with your medicine and a thermometer.
4. Stay stocked up in food, even those that don't require cooking, baby formula, and water. This includes disposable products, diapers, wipes, hand sanitizer, Clorox disinfecting towelettes, even Petroleum jelly. They could say pack for a few days, but add a little extra because you don't know how long they will conduct the quarantine, or you’re away from your home.
5. Have seasonal clothes with a sturdy pair of shoes and gloves packed because you may need to leave the state.
6. Keep important papers such as birth certificates, insurance policies, pet health records, bank account, emergency contact information in a waterproof container, or a plastic file.
7. Keep your vehicles filled with gas at all times. Prepare more canisters because of long lines during the time of an emergency.
8. Memorize important phone numbers because in this hi-tech world, too often we store these in our contact without thinking what happens if they’re damaged or there’s no electricity to charge them. You need to have extra batteries and flashlights. Keep the cell phones charged and have extra chargers available.
9. Check out shelters for your pets if you can't bring them with you. Keep a pet crate or kennel for your animals. Some places may not offer these.
10. Electric can opener, garbage bags to dispose of trash, and matches in a plastic container, paper, pens, pencils, games, puzzles, small play items for children.
I pray this story has stirred your heart. Please leave an encouraging comment.
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