Are you prepared?

We are preparing for Hurricane Sandy as I wrote this blog.

This past summer, a violent storm hit South Jersey so bad where we lost power for 3 days on the hot summer days.
It was the most difficult thing to handle as we have our 3 months old baby with a temperature exceeded 95 degree for those 3 days.

We bought at least over 200 lbs of ice to keep our refrigerator and also our baby bed area cool.

The NOAA predicted that Hurricane Sandy will be a direct hit to the East Coast area.

Image from NOAA/National Weather Service

Please prepare yourself for the Hurricane Sandy as it is approaching us within hours. 
Here are some of the list you can get you ready for it (cited from FEMA):

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food

More information about on additional emergency supplies you might need: http://www.ready.gov/basic-disaster-supplies-kit

If you may have generator for your house, please consider the following pre-caution on using it by the U. S. Fire Administration (USFA).

* To avoid carbon monoxide hazards:

• Always use generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents.
• Never use generators in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
• Install battery-operated or plugin (with battery backup) carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home, following manufacturer’s instructions.
• Test CO alarms often and replace batteries when needed.

* To avoid electrical hazards:

• Keep the generator dry. Operate on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure.
• Dry your hands before touching the generator.
• Plug appliances directly into generator or use a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord.
• Make sure entire extension cord is free of cuts or tears and the plug has all 3 prongs, especially a grounding pin.
• NEVER plug the generator into a wall outlet. This practice, known as backfeeding, can cause an electrocution risk to utility workers and others served by the same utility transformer.
• If necessary to connect generator to house wiring to power appliances, have a qualified electrician install appropriate equipment. Or, your utility company may be able to install an appropriate transfer switch.

* To avoid fire hazards:

• Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
• Always store fuel outside of living areas in properly labeled, nonglass containers.
• Store fuel away from any fuelburning appliance.

Images from last storm in June 2012 that knocked out some power lines and hit homes around the area.

We keep you all in our prayers and be safe everyone!

The Aftermath of Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Irene drew a lot of attention for the people in the East Coast.
People have to evacuate to a safer location, stocked up food and water in case they are stranded after the storm hits, be frantic of the where/how big it is, and closed major highways.

I am so glad that it had passed by from where we live. We only got a bit of winds and heavy rain. We are keeping pray for those who lost their homes, belongings, and their loved one because of Hurricane Irene.

The aftermath of the Hurricane, utilities companies have to scramble to restore electricity, gas, water and telecommunication. People are anxious to go back to their homes trying to find out if anything bad happened to their property.

Check out tips how to deal with the storm aftermath (excerpted from nj.com):
1. Road conditions may be treacherous the day after and travel bans may still be in effect, so check before leaving.

2. If you live in New Jersey, there is a Help line that help you accessing basic needs like emergency food, shelter, clothing and emotional support. Call 211 or visit nj211.org.

3. Be cautious when re-entering after an evacuation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers detailed tips to avoid hazards and damage after a flood.

4. Do not eat anything that may have touched flood waters. If you’ve lost power, keep refrigerators and freezers closed. Dispose of any perishable item that may have been above 40 degrees for longer than two hours. Detailed food safety information is available at nj.gov/health/er/natural.shtml

5. Dry basements slowly. FEMA recommends pumping out about one-third of the water each day. If the ground outside is saturated, removing water quickly can damage walls and floors.

6. Document your clean-up. Contact your insurance company right away. Document any damage with photos and videos. Save all receipts associated with clean up and repair.

Lastly...
7. Avoid the beach. Crews are still assessing damage to roads and beaches so Shore trips are inadvisable today. Check NJ.com and with municipalities for information on local conditions.


Here are some of the snapshot I took during and the aftermath of the Hurricane Irene around Atlantic and Cape May County.

Stores are boarded their windows preparing for the Hurricane Irene.









Access ramp to the Garden State Parkway Southbound is closed.









Another road block at Garden State Parkway Southbound





No Big Macs for you today!




Fallen Tree on the roadway








Debris still on the roadway




Wish you all are safe!!!