Before the Storm: 4 Tasks to Finish in 1 Hour

Storytime:
During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Smith family survived for 3 days using a case of water bottles and a flashlight stored in their attic. Now, Mrs. Smith is a community disaster prep advocate. Here’s her advice:

1. Build a "3-Layer Emergency Kit"
(Total budget: $200, available via Amazon Prime Next-Day Delivery)

• ​Layer 1: Go-Bag (by the front door)
  • Amazon search term: "Emergency Go Bag"
  • Essentials: Waterproof flashlight (Energizer Vision HD), $20 in small bills, paper map, extra phone charger
• ​Layer 2: 48-Hour Basics (garage storage)
  • Amazon search term: "4-Person Survival Kit"
  • Budget pick: ​Ready America 4-Person Emergency Kit (includes water, food, first aid)
• ​Layer 3: Upgrades (add over time)
  • Pre-rainy season: ​Duck Brand Heavy-Duty Tarps (for leaky roofs)
  • Holiday sales: ​Coleman Camp Stove (cook hot meals during outages)

2. Rehearse a "5-Minute Escape Plan"

• ​Family roles:
  • Mom: Shut off gas valve, secure pets in carriers
  • Dad: Grab emergency kit, carry kids downstairs
  • Kids: Fill toilet tanks with water (for flushing/drinking)
• ​Drill: Blindfolded walk from bedrooms to exit (simulate pitch-black conditions)

3. Set Up "Idiot-Proof Alerts"

• Download the ​FEMA App (free, shows local shelters)
• Enable government alerts on iPhones: Settings > Notifications > Government Alerts

4. Make a "Neighbor Pact"

• Swap spare keys (for post-disaster property checks)
• Secret signal: Hang a red towel on the door = "Need help"

​When the Hurricane Warning Hits: Skip the Store Crowds

The Smiths’ Lesson:
“We wasted 3 hours lining up for water, only to realize we already had 6 Costco water cases in the garage!”

1. Lazy Ways to Fortify Your Home

• ​Windows: Crisscross ​3M Heavy-Duty Duct Tape on glass (prevents shattering)
• ​Flooding: Block basement doors with ​Quick Dam Flood Barriers (self-inflating)
• ​Amazon Same-Day Savior: ​Lowe’s e-Gift Cards (use instantly for post-storm repairs)

2. Keep Your Fridge Alive Longer

• Freeze 2L soda bottles as ice packs (thaw to drink later)
• Set fridge to coldest temp + seal gaps with ​rubber door gaskets

3. Snap "Proof Photos"

• Photograph: Roof, valuables, cars (for insurance claims)
• Upload to ​Google Photos Free Storage

​First 3 Days Post-Disaster: Surviving Without Power

Real-World Fixes:
Problem: No cell service? How to contact family?
Fix: Everyone texts the same message: “Meet at Walmart parking lot” (texts get through faster).

1. 3-Step Safe Water Hack

• Step 1: Filter muddy water through ​coffee filters
• Step 2: Add 2 drops of ​unscented bleach (like Clorox) per liter
• Step 3: Long-term use: ​Brita Water Filter Pitcher

2. Hot Meals Without Power

• Heat cans on ​car hoods (engine heat lasts 30+ minutes after turning off)
• Best canned meal: ​Hormel Compleats Microwave Meals (heat in the can)

3. Prevent Extra Damage

• Patch roof holes: ​Flex Seal Liquid Rubber Spray
• Wet floors: ​DampRid Moisture Absorbers (stop mold)

​Rebuilding Smarter: How to Maximize Government Aid

The Smiths’ Win:
They got $3,200 from FEMA for repairs by:

1. 3 Steps to Claim Disaster Funds

• Step 1: Include a dated newspaper in damage photos (proof of timing)
• Step 2: Tell FEMA hotline: “I need rental assistance” (priority processing)
• Step 3: Buy supplies via ​Amazon Business Account (tax-deductible)

2. Free Supplies Cheat Sheet

• Churches: Go early for water, late for tools (leftovers at dusk)
• Red Cross: Mention “pregnant/chronically ill family member” (priority for generators)

Printable Shopping List:

Final Thought:
“Prepping isn’t about living in fear—it’s about saying calmly to your kids when disaster news breaks: Don’t worry, Mom’s got this.”