Hurricane Idalia has forced many to evacuate the Gulf Coast. This is a category 3 hurricane, with winds of around 80mph. The storm has the potential of destroying property, injuring people, and drowning documentation. We at 200 GFS. advise our clients and readers to protect their important documents from the following weather to avoid legal or financial trouble.
Some ways to protect your files is physically. Get lockable plastic bags large enough to put your papers in, and then seal them. Additionally, you can invest in either a waterproof safe or rent a safe deposit box. Uploading your files into cloud storage will serve to replace the files that were destroyed by the actual clouds. And finally, you can always send your files to someone you trust that lives outside of the threatened area. All of this advise serve to protect your documentation from permanent destruction by the elements.
However, protecting yourself from destruction is even more important. Make sure you keep up to date on the weather for updates regarding the hurricane. Know where your nearest storm shelter is. Make sure you are ready to evacuate and make sure to evacuate before the storm reaches your area. You may need at least 1 gallon of water and non-perishable food for at least 3 days. Electricity will likely be disconnected so have a battery powered or hand-crank radio so you do not become isolated from the world. This will also mean you might need flashlights and other light sources. No electricity means no heating so have blankets and sleeping bags for the whole family. This also applies if you are dislocated from your home and have no bed available.
Medicine and a first-aid kit are self-explanatory, having basic first-aid training might be the difference between life and death. Cleaning supplies such as soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, really anything and everything you might need to keep yourself and your stuff clean. This also includes items such as contact lens solution, tampons or pads, and a myriad of other things. Be sure you have what you specifically need to keep yourself and your loved ones sanitary. Utensils are a less obvious category, but still needed. You may clean utensils with a solution of 9 parts chlorine bleach and 1 parts water.
Recreation may seem like luxuries in an emergency situation; however if there is anything worse than been stuck inside a shelter with dozens of strangers with no way of knowing when you will be able to leave and what may even be left for you to return to, it is being stuck in a shelter and being bored. And finally, we suggest to keep physical cash. Fiscal institutions or electronic payment devices may not be operational during or after the storm, so having cash around will let you buy necessities you might not be able to get otherwise
We at 200 GFS are dedicated to the well-being of our clients in their lives. During these times we understand that most people will be facing uncertainty and may feel like they cannot control their own lives. Through this we aim to empower you to, perhaps not avoid any harm, but be able to avoid that which can be avoided and feel like you will be okay after all is said and done. It is our sincere hope that you will be able to come through this in full health and spirits. We wish you all luck and hope for the best.
This article is informed by John Perritano's article 10 Must-haves in a Storm Survival Kit.
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