ice storm – 1800PrepareBlog

The topic of emergency preparedness can seem overwhelming to some. So much so, that they’re afraid to even get started. I hope that’s not you. Look at what happened to more than one million households due to last year’s ice storms in New England. The Times Argus reports:

The federal government says it distributed nearly $80 million in disaster relief funds to four New England states following a devastating ice storm a year ago.

The Dec. 11-12, 2008, storm knocked out power to an estimated 1.4 million electric customers in the region. Some were without power for almost two weeks.

Can you imagine going without power for almost two weeks in the winter? Take an inventory of what you have in your home right now, including water, food and medical supplies. Do you have what you need to sustain and protect every member of your household? If not, start by purchasing home and car survival kits. All of the experts, including the American Red Cross and other organizations that are prepared to aid people during a time of disaster, are advising individuals to have their own kits. Help may not be able to arrive at your doorstep when there’s a natural disaster or other emergency. Once you have your basic kits, expand your supplies to last you 2, 4 and then 6 weeks, and eventually more.

Source:
http://www.timesargus.com/article/RH/20091212/THISJUSTIN/912120336/1003/NEWS02

Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray of Massachusetts announced the release of $5.5 million toward the state’s share of reimbursements for expenses incurred by 165 communities across the state:

“When we woke up on Dec. 12, we were facing an unprecedented challenge,” Mr. Murray said. “In the days and weeks that followed, 350,000 households were without power.” Including, he noted, his own home — for five days.

According to the state, the ice storm of 2008 was Massachusetts’ most expensive disaster. Mr. Murray said the state continues to learn the total costs of the storm, as some repairs are unfinished. He said the total cost of what the 1,500 responding Army and Air National Guard members nicknamed “Big Ice” is expected to be $75 million.

As you can see, ice storms should not be taken lightly. It should be considered a part of your emergency preparedness plans, whether you live in the Northeast or another part of the country. One of the major ways to prepare for ice storms is to have supplies on hand for when the power goes out.

Even the lieutenant governor didn’t have power for 5 days. Could you survive for that long, or even longer, with what you have right now? Do you have the right survival kits to withstand an ice storm?

Source:
http://www.telegram.com/article/20091211/NEWS/912110428/1116