How to prepare for a Storm or Power Outage

I think we're all a little shook up on the east coast from a 5.8 earthquake and then Hurricane Irene that affected millions of people. As I write this, many are still without electricity. It has been an ordeal, especially to those who waited until the last minute to buy supplies to ride out the storm and came to find out most stores were already sold out of batteries, water, flashlights, bread and candles. I work at a popular "dollar" store and witnessed for myself how utterly helpless and unprepared much of the public was and how frustration reached it's peak with irritable, anxiety-ridden people. I for one am going to be ready for the next power outage and try to get a generator if I can but even if I cannot, I am already starting to stock up and have everything possible I can to be ready for next time.

What you will want to stock up on and have in your emergency kit:

Ok, here's a list of things you will want to start shopping for if you don't already have.

1. Bottled Water or jugs of water in gallon size.
2. Size D, C, AA, and AAA batteries, depending on what you need for flashlights and radios
3. Radio. I'm going to be looking for the hand-crank ones that don't even need batteries.
4. Flashlights. Get several if you can.
5. Blankets.
6. First Aid kit
7. Candles. * Remember to never leave candles unattended for one minute and don't burn them during the night while you're sleeping. I like to put a votive candle down in a jar to ensure the flame will be more unlikely to catch onto to something.
8. Matches and lighters
9. Canned food that requires no cooking
10. Games and toys for the kids. I sold alot of toys right before the storm. Great thinking.
11. Pet food. Also make sure your pet is wearing their I.D. tags on their collar in case they get separated from you.
12. Ice, Ice, Ice.... The more the better. I would stock up and fill several coolers to keep some foods and drinks cold. If you know you're going to be stuck with alot of food in your freezer that might go bad, pack it with ice and keep the freezer door shut until after the storm, that way you may be able to save some of your meat.
13. Cordless saw
14. Trash bags
15. Books. Now is the time to catch up on your reading by candlelight, flashlight or daylight.
16. Of course, your cell phone or smart phone and a car charger.
17. Cash. Many places that will be open may be operating with no power and will only take cash.
18. Disposable camera if your phone doesn't have a camera so you can take pictures of any damage.
19. . Water proof and fireproof lock box for important papers etc.
20. Paperplates, plastic utensils.
21. A land-line phone.
22. Plywood to board up windows
23. Duct tape or any strong tape to prevent windows from shattering

Make sure you have all your meds called in at the pharmacy ahead of time and try to get a months supply in advance.

Another thing, good idea to do as much laundry as possible beforehand so you'll have clean clothes throughout the storm, hopefully enough to last a while.

If possible when the storm has blown over, you may have to go on foot to check on your neighbors or get in the car and check on family if phone lines are down.