Be Prepared

Hurricane season is always in the news this time of year in Florida. When a tropical disturbance develops near Africa, we start getting updates on the developing storm. There are never-ending public service announcements and billboards about being prepared. There’s a list of things to have on hand including bottled water, flashlights, cash, medicines and such. No doubt, in the last 5 years there have been some devastating storms. However, the constant news coverage of even the smallest disturbance tends to desensitize me to the seriousness of the bigger storms.

I’ve had the thought recently, “what would I take if we had to leave in one vehicle – quickly?” (Not likely to happen as we are about 25 miles inland. Tell that to the people hit by Charlie – they were at least 45 miles inland) It makes me laugh to remember my son’s idea of getting prepared while he was away at college. I called him at one point when there was a serious storm headed our way (I believe that was Katrina!) with instructions to use the credit card and go stock some nonperishable food, bottled water and basics. He reported back that he’d been to Sam’s and bought a case of hot fries, a case of boiled peanuts and water. Basics? I laughed.

I pretty much keep the basics covered, but if you could take a few comfort items, what would they be?

Here’s my short list:
1. My pillow. I’m very picky about my pillow.
2. My Gardenia lotion from Bath & Body Works that they’ve discontinued! (The nerve!!) It makes me happy.
3. My laptop. You know why.
4. My iPod. Music can help my mood a lot.
5. My vitamins and herbs. When I mentioned mood, I immediately remembered these.

What would you take? Remember, it’s got to fit in the car. ONE car!