Hurricane Season Is Here

Hurricane Season starts on June 1st every year and it always has the possibility of bringing unimaginable devastation to cities in the path of one of these monster storms. Our CH Kadels family is just as concerned about keeping our families safe as you are, so we continue to look for ways to be prepared for any situation. Here are some top items that our employees have given their seal of approval to and we’re sure that they will fit the bill for what FEMA suggests you have in your hurricane emergency supply kit.

One of the first things you have to consider is making sure that you have safe drinking water for your family. After a hurricane, because of flooding, it may seem like, “Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.” That’s why you need to make sure that you have a clean, reliable source of water or either a way to make the water, on-hand, safe to consume. Sometimes power outages can last a few days, and this can be another hindrance to having water to drink. You can find other sources of water like your hot water tank or even a nearby river or lake, as long as you purify it before giving it to your family to drink. We suggest the Rothco Military Water Purification Powder because it will eliminate most bacteria and other harmful micro-organisms that may be found in water. The powder comes in small packets that can be dropped in your pocket and has a three-year shelf life. Also, don’t forget to have just a simple five gallon water container in your home.

The second thing that FEMA recommends you have is a three-day food supply for your household. Now, most of us have quite a stock of canned goods in our homes. So, generally, if the power goes out for a length of time, we can survive on what we’ve got in the pantry. But there are those of you out there who are literally chased from your homes by a hurricane and have to leave it all behind. Then, you either end up in a makeshift shelter or stuck on a congested highway. Wouldn’t it be just a relief to be able to grab something quickly that will sustain you until you get to a more permanent residence or a hotel?

Our employees think that our 12 Pack MREs are really the best solution in a grab and go situation. These are just open and eat entrees that don’t need hot water, which if you are stuck on the road in a vehicle, can come in very, very handy. Just add water and the included heating technology will do the rest for a hot delicious meal. If, however, you know that you will be going to a temporary shelter where you will have access to hot water, I recommend the Wise Grab and Go Gourmet Food Kit because it really is at the top of the food chain when it comes to emergency meals. This kit comes in a convenient to carry container with handle and will feed four adults for a week. But, remember, you do need access to hot water to reconstitute the meal pouches.

The next thing that you need is a good weather radio so that you know where the worst of the storm will be and when it will be there. Having real-time information is important to keep your family safe because you need to know if you need to evacuate and how long you may have before the hurricane hits. We recommend just having a weather radio in your home, regardless of the weather situation, is a good investment. Other weather conditions like tornados and thunderstorms can be just as dangerous. The one radio that all of our staff agree on is the Kaito Voyager Classic Solar Radio. Not only does it have seven pre-programmed NOAA weather stations, but it’s packed with functions like a NOAA alert, built-in wide-range speaker, AM/FM reception, an LED light and it will charge electronic devices through its USB port. One of the most important things about this radio, however, is that it has a built-in rechargeable battery that can be charged with a dynamo hand crank, solar panel or USB cable. It will also run off of three AA batteries. It’s a lot of radio for your money!

FEMA suggests that you have a first aid kit as part of your hurricane preparedness kit, but I really think you should always have a first aid kit in your home, vehicle and camping or hiking gear. Having the supplies that you need, all in one place, when you have a medical emergency, is one sure way to take care of your family. The Elite First Aid Kit 16 has enough supplies to assist a group of 16 people. It has a variety of first aid creams, wipes, scissors, tweezers, ice pack, safety pins, gauzes and bandages, eye wash and a first aid book. This is all neatly stored in a sturdy plastic case that you can take with you anywhere.

Other supplies to have in your hurricane emergency kit that FEMA suggests are an emergency whistle and a good, dependable flashlight, which, honestly, NEBO is the way to go! We have a variety of them to choose from and they are absolutely built for weather emergency use.

Hurricane Season is upon us! Are you ready for it?