As I’ve read articles about the recent ice storms in Kentucky (and other areas from Texas to Maine), Govenor Steve Beshear has called it “the biggest natural disaster that this state has ever experienced in modern history.” Troops from the National Guard are going door to door in the entire Graves County area to determine how residents are doing. Even though this disaster is far from my doorstep, it is interesting what one can learn. Could I live without power for as much as two months, which is predicted in some areas? Do I have a relative willing to house us if we could get out?
And do we have equipment, fuel, clothing, and blankets to handle the cold? Some of the deaths that have occurred were because of an “improperly vented generator, and another person died after using a charcoal grill as a heater for the house.”
We need to remember that it is dangerous to take generators and grills inside a home. More information on generator safety can be found in my January 5 post. Ten of the deaths were from carbon monoxide poisoning and at least nine others from hypothermia.
If you live in this area, please send me an email and share what lessons you have learned about disaster preparedness.
Love your blog! I have searched many preparedness blogs and yours is my favorite. Keep all the good stuff comin’!! I’ve given you an award… http://bakinglikebetty.blogspot.com/2009/02/oreo-cheesecake-pops-my-first-ever-blog.html All my other awards are baking/cooking… you are the only preparedness recipient… ohhhh special jk!!