Anyway, onto the actual post!
So I moved into the dorms roughly a week ago, and I've had a complete blast during the past week! Orientation went somewhat smoothly... but of course, as you know...
(And right after the earthquake too! All these natural disasters remind me of home...)
So yeah... first day of class is canceled. So much for me blogging about THAT experience today.
But I will NOT let this get me down!!! D:< Instead, I will talk about how to handle a hurricane when you are on your own for the first time. I don't have
First, do not panic, but don't keep calm completely. Be cautious and take the warnings seriously. I've noticed a lot of people here (in particular, students) act like they know everything, and they KNOW that the hurricane won't cause much damage. YOU DON'T KNOW UNTIL IT HITS. Maybe the damage will be minimal, maybe it won't. But it's better to prepare just in case. If you think it seems "dorky" to be so cautious, it's not. Just get everything ready quietly and follow the instructions your school gives you.
One of the first things you should do if you know a hurricane/storm/similar disaster is heading your way, is find websites with up to date information on the situation and check them regularly. This includes you college's website if they have up to date alerts. Also, if your college offers weather alert text messages like mine does, sign up for those too. Check these when you get up and before you go to bed, and maybe some times in between there too.
Next, gather your supplies. Find a grocery store in your area, and buy anything you don't have early, just in case the store runs out or the hurricane hits sooner than expected. Some of this stuff is heavy, so maybe go with your roommate and borrow a cart from somewhere.
Here is a list of everything you should have:
- canned food (at least 6 cans, try to pick a mixture of vegetables and meats, and go for the ones that you don't need a can opener to open. I prefer green beans and Chef Boyardee)
- dry food (stuff that you don't have to cook that will keep for a while, like granola bars or crackers or cereal, just so you have some snacks)
- bottled water (1 case of 24 bottles per person, at least)
- flashlight (2 preferably)
- extra batteries (at least 2 sets)
- umbrella and/or rain poncho (rain poncho is the best in case there's high winds because then the umbrella can break)
- mini first aid kit (premade, or make your own by filling a ziploc with antibiotic wipes, anti-itch stick or wipes, some band-aids, and painkillers)
- swiss army knife*
- battery-powered radio*
* = awesome if you can find one, but if not that's okay
I know you think "but what if it's not that bad?!". Then oh no! You've got food and water in your dorm room that you can eat later anyway and batteries that can be used for a variety of electronic devices! Whatever can you do with THOSE? /sarcasm
So now you've got your supplies. Make a "go-bag" if it's anything above tropical storm level and/or either the school or city says that there is a chance you will need to evacuate. Get a duffle bag or backpack and fill it with the stuff you'll need in case you have to evacuate. It should have a change of clothes, one or two pairs of underwear, a rain poncho, a blanket, food (maybe one can of something plus small dry food snacks, like a couple granola bars), a fork and spoon, two bottles of water, any medication you take regularly, your mini first aid kit, a flashlight, one change of batteries, a roll of toilet paper, and your wallet (with money and an ID). If you can manage it, stick a pack of playing cards in too. That should be just about everything the average person would need if they had to evacuate.
Make sure there's somewhere you can lock your valuables if you need to leave suddenly, like a trunk or something.
The day before or a few hours before it's supposed to hit, fill up any empty bottles, pots, or basins you have with tap water. If you lose power, you will also lose water pressure. And even after power comes back on, the water pressure may not come on just yet. This water is for flushing the toilet, should this happen. Leave these in your bathroom if you have a private bathroom that you share. Make sure your roommates know why you did this so they don't pour out the water or use it for something else. If you have a communal bathroom, empty bottles/covered containers will work best for this since you can take them back to your dorm room.
The last thing you need is to call your family. They will most likely be very worried about you. Keep them up-to-date on the situation and call so that they know you're okay. Call, not text or email, so that they can hear your voice and hear that you're alright.
Do all of that and you're set! : ) I know it seems like a lot, but it's better to be prepared, especially when you're on your own for the first time.
