Dear Friends,

WE DO NOT HAVE ANY HURRICANE THREATS RIGHT NOW! BE PREPARED!

Here we are again with another huge storm threatening millions of people in the Caribbean, South Florida, and other areas. Hurricane Irma reminds me of Hurricane Andrew from 1992. It is already a category 5 storm. Andrew destroyed parts of southern Florida. My father died on his way to help people who were impacted by Hurricane Andrew. It is hard to believe that he has been gone for twenty-five years.

This morning I was watching the news and people are being evacuation in Oregon because of forest fires. One person being interviewed said that they were used to this sort of thing. They had their “Go Bag” ready and they could leave at a moment’s notice.

We never know when we could be affected by fire, flood, train crash, explosions of chemical plants, or other disaster. People in Houston were not expecting 50-60 inches of rain. The eye of that storm hit 200 miles away from them. I did my best to warn my FlyBabies of the impending disaster in Houston and Louisiana. No one could believe the forecast. Please be aware of what is happening with this storm. Be ready with your “Go Bag”!

Let’s think about what goes in your “Go Bag”.  The Red Cross has a great page with the essentials for your “Go Bag”. There are two types of emergencies; Get the heck out of Dodge or Hunker Down.

I keep my list in my Control Journal which is in my office in a bag. My important papers are in this my office in a bag too. I also have a back pack in my car with essentials. We have a shelf in the basement that is for our Hunker Down Emergency. On this shelf we have tarps to repair a damaged roof, water to drink, crank radio, duct tape, and food.

Here is a link to my list. FlyLady’s 11 Points of Preparedness. Here are some things to think about. Full list is above.

1. People
2. Pets
3. Pictures
4. Papers
5. Prescriptions
6. Purses and Petrol(fuel)
7. Proper clothing
8. Planner, Calendar, Control Journal
9. Personal Protection; Feminine
10. Phones, Radios, and Fuel
11. Patience

Start pulling these items together even if you are not in harm’s way! We never know when will will be called upon to “Get the Heck out of Dodge” or “Hunker Down”! Be prepared for what ever comes your way! You will be calm as a cucumber when you are ready!

FlyLady

Here are two great testimonials about being prepared.

Dear FlyLady,

During four stressful, scary days I was able to keep the atmosphere in my home calm. My family had food and we stuck with our normal routines as much as possible. My kids even helped me do a mini home blessing hour on Monday. Since the water receded I have been able to have friends in my home at a moment’s notice. Everyone I know is chipping in to help with recovery.

Seeing the community come together is truly amazing. With two young children at home I can’t get out and rip out drywall but I am able to watch friends’ children and deliver the water and food that we didn’t end up needing to others who now have nothing.

Flylady, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have changed my family tree. You have taught me to be kind to myself and to stop the perfectionism. You have taught me to be proud of my home and to take care of it. I am able to help others because you have helped me.

With love and gratitude,
Clarissa

Dear FlyLady,

I want to thank you for advice I read on your website years ago. It suggested not to store pictures and other important items under beds or on low shelves in case of rising water. I was guilty of doing both of those things at the time. I heeded your advice back then even though we’re on high ground and had never had rising water in our house before–until last Saturday, that is.

I live in Mont Belvieu, Texas in Chambers County. Our little town received 61.27 inches of rain over the five day period Harvey was here, and my house flooded with four inches of water. It’s only because of your advice that I still have my photographs and other items that would’ve broken my heart to lose, and I’ll be forever grateful to you.

Kim

Now is the time for you to take advantage of this great sale!