We hope that you and your family are safe from the aftermath of Sandy. We hope that you had minimal inconveiences and no damage to your property. Six days without power, got me to thinking about ways to survive better. If you or someone you know were among those affected by the storm, we are here for you. Please feel free to contact us for assistance with any of your home repairs,replacement, reconstruction or rethinking of your lifestyle.
Ways to Improve Our Survival
In the after math of Sandy a few things come to mind about survival. First and foremost we need to be Thankful for the safety of our friends and family. In the first couple of days I am sure like most, fear sets in. You wonder how we will survive days without power. What about food, heat and gas? That is if you were among the lucky ones who did not have to evacuate your homes or have any water damage.
Of course if money was no object we would all have natural gas powered whole house generators. Another alternative would be a free standing gas powered generator. This time around this option meant long lines and rations of gas to keep it going. As we do renovations on our homes, we should think about ways to take advantage of options that do not rely on all one source. It's like the old saying " Don't put all your eggs in one basket".
Listed below is my checklist for surviving better and my list of improvements for our homes. Whether we do them now because circumstances has created a situation or for future plans.
Everyone needs to Document your home , inside and out ,every time you do a home improvement or update of furniture, fixtures and equipment. Have both photos and video of your home. Document every item and possible value/ receipts. Download one copy to the "cloud" and another copy in another location outside of your home. Such as a safe deposit box or family/ friends safe.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
· NATURAL GAS OR WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE- This would be your heat source, most new gas fireplaces have enough output to heat an area of your home. If you add features to a wood burning fireplace you can boost heat output.
· NATURAL GAS STOVE- you can light the cooktop to make simple meals and hot water for washing dishes, tea, coffee, etc.
· OUTDOOR PROPANE GRILL- cook easy meals & make hot water
· ELECTRIC COOK SURFACE- in case natural gas goes out
· SITUATE NEW HOME ON PLOT OF LAND TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SUN- during the hours that the Sun is out- it can heat your home, provide light and energy.
· SOLAR POWERED ITEMS
· PORTABLE GAS POWERED GENERATOR- make sure you have enough gas and extra gas cans
· WHOLE HOUSE NATURAL GAS GENERATOR
READY TO GO BAG ( in case you need to grab and go or packed in your car)
- Medicine
- couple days of change of clothes, warm layers
- children food / formula, diapers, couple of toys
- toiletries
- pet food, Leash and toy
- insurance and important phone number, account numbers
- cash- wallets & purses
- small valuables, photos, non-replacement items
- cell phone, lab top, i-pod touch
ON HAND FOR IN THE HOME
- cash
- batteries
- non electric radio = crank, battery driven or MP3
- non perishable food= cans of tuna, cans of chicken, soup, sauce, dry cereal, pasta, bread, fruit, vegetables, crackers, chips. ( at least two weeks worth)
- fill your car and all extra gas cans ahead of time
- make sure you have car chargers for your laptop, cell phone, universal plug for outlet style equipment- charge Prior to outage
- One phone in your home needs to be the "old Style" non electric- land line
- water, water, water
- filled two propane tanks
- battery operated Candles & Flashlights- do not use real candles
- Long reach Lighter
- cooler with ice- to store perishable food
Stay safe and remember we are all in this together.
S. Sexton Design Associates