BY SANDY LEONG : Tuesday, September 06, 2011
For the record, I was never really afraid of Hurricane Irene. In fact, up until the Amagansett Fire Department delivered our evacuation notice, I was willing to to "ride her out". But when my calm, cool and collected husband was checking out hotels in Riverhead (about an hour inland)that was when I began to panic. Our friends have a house in East Hampton, further inland with a back up generator and graciously offered to let us stay with them (including our babysitter, and two dogs) during the hurricane.
So now comes the real dilemma. If Irene really did wipe out our beach and beach front rental, what do you take with you? And what do you wear to a hurricane? I told the kids to pack two days worth of clothes, pajamas, a swimsuit (remember I was panicked) and their toothbrushes. In addition to that I bought perishables from the refrigerator and games, and activities. When you're sitting around the house awaiting a natural disaster you want to be comfortable and have something to do, but you also want to have options. It's August in New York, I only have swimsuits, tennis outfits, and sundresses to choose from. Luckily my brave friend went shopping and ran around gathering last minute provisions and had the foresight to buy me a pair of black leggings. They go with everything, are totally comfortable even with the extra bbq and dessert weight I've gained since August 1st and can be used to exercise in, sleep in, or lounge around in.
Here are a few of the items on the Emergency Checklist from the American Red Cross
:o A supply of water (one gallon per
person per day). Store water in
sealed, unbreakable containers.
Identify the storage date and replace
every six months.
o A supply of non-perishable packaged
or canned food and a non-electric
can opener. (Think Spam!)
o A change of clothing, rain gear and
sturdy shoes. (Sturdy is not an adjective used for describing my shoes)
o Blankets or sleeping bags.
o A first aid kit and prescription
medications.
o An extra pair of glasses. (I suggest sunglasses so no one will recognize you if you're wearing sturdy shoes)
o A battery-powered radio, flashlight
and plenty of extra batteries.
o Credit cards and cash.
Why are black leggings not on this list?
They are no less important that sturdy shoes and more important than cash and credit cards because when disaster does strike you can't go shopping. The damage from Hurricane Irene was pretty severe around the Hamptons, with beach erosion, downed trees and power outages. We lost power unitl early Tuesday evening. Our overnight sleepover ending up being three days and three nights and I never needed sturdy shoes, but thank goodness for my leggings
What I've learned from Hurricane Irene:
You're true friends really are there for you.
You can never get too much Rummikub.
Sleepovers are still fun.
Chocolate can save your life.
It really doesn’t matter what you where to a hurricane or any natural disaster, it’s much more important to be with those you love.