Peace, love, and light fam! It’s has been too long but as we are all aware, life always changes. So, my family and I are just finding a bit of normalcy after weathering Hurricane Matthew. The community where I live currently suffered so many losses and so many have lost everything, some even their life. The storm has caused me to seriously take inventory on disaster preparedness, as well as what is truly important in my life. So, I want to take this time to share a few of the things that has been on my mind as well as some disaster survival tips.

1. Purchasing a generator is a good investment. I have had it on my mind for a while but a generator would have saved my family and I a lot of food as well as inconvenience.
2. My father used to say “It’s always better to be over prepared.” Purchasing flood insurance may not be on the top of some people’s agenda but, this hurricane caused so much flooding and many people did not have flood insurance.
3. I always keep an abundance of candles but we could have used more flashlights and of course batteries. (However, if we would have had the generator, none of that would have been necessary)
4. Keep important documents and keepsakes in one box for easy transport if one must evacuate suddenly, as did happen to some people in the hurricane
5. Having an emergency fund is of the utmost importance. It is difficult enough when trying to navigate when disaster strikes, but nearly impossible if you have no money.
6. Having alternate sources of energy is also very important. My family and I have a propane tank that we use for cooking outdoors. We were able heat water for bathing and we also cooked meals using the propane. We cooked on the grill as well, as most people did too.
7. Always have a disaster plan in place and a way to communicate in the event everyone is not at home or unable to get home in times of disaster. I work in healthcare and though I was not working the day of the storm, many of my co-workers were and some had difficulty getting home after their shift because of damage and flooding. Every family member, especially adults or those who drive, need to have a meetup point if you must evacuate and a means of communicating.
8. I mentioned earlier in having a box with necessary documents, but having what I like to call a “breakaway bag” is also a good idea. The backpack will have a few changes of clothes, underclothes, hygiene items, comfort items such a favorite toy for a child, and anything else that you may need if you have to leave home unexpectantly.

These are just a few things I have been thinking on over the past week. The unity and sense of community I have seen has been heartwarming. My heart does ache for all of those who have suffered severe losses. I hurt for the families who have lost loved ones in the flood. But, we must keep in mind that circumstances could have been so much worse. Most of my community has their power back on and the linemen, city workers, and volunteers have done much to repair the community and also make sure that everyone has the necessary items needed such as bottled water, cleaning supplies, clothing, food, etc. Much work is still left to do but I am sure that everything will fall into place. We just have to take it one day at a time.

 

Hetepu,

Ashaki Ma’at Mirembe Ali

 

 

 

Photo Cred: http://beautifulandawesomewallpapers.blogspot.com/2012/11/sunset-beach-wallpapers-and-backgrounds.html