NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS WEEK - By State

 Hi everyone!

I'm trying to get back to business. My studio still isn't in shape but I'm getting there a little every day.

As I look around at all the stuff I have, I wonder if it's really worth keeping everything to potentially lose it at some point.

Memorial Day weekend of 2024 brought a realization, that just because I don't live in 'tornado alley' doesn't mean this part of the country can't be affected. In fact, I question whether or not that alley is widening. 

If you watch THIS video from Jordan Hall, you'll see just how close the tornado came to my house. In fact, at the 8:42 point you'll see the cyclone begin to hover over my house for several minutes before moving on, as if it were deciding whether or not to drop a tail and have some fun. 

I know I can't live with the 'what if' necessarily, but I can do everything possible to be prepared - all of us can AND SHOULD.

In a couple of weeks, I'll be back to regular posts. I have an editorial calendar set up but I don't work well in chaos. I should have this mess reigned in in that length of time. I have to. My grandgirls will be visiting this summer and we need space to play with artsy stuff. 

I'm also going to be talking Pantry, Menu Planning, Garden, Emergency Preparedness and back to my Fly Lady cleaning system so I hope you'll stay tuned. 

In the mean time, check out THIS PAGE from the NWS Preparedness Week by state. Missouri is this week so I'll hope to have something to share on Friday as to what I've been working on. 

Be safe, Be prepared, Be Blessed

~ Kelly

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS - Tornado Season Approaches!

I was planning to kick this feature back in this week. With the approach of severe weather for us tonight, I'm more inclined to ask everyone to pay attention. 

We have overcast skies, a decent but non-threatening wind and pleasant temperatures at the moment. Like most severe weather striking at in cloak of darkness, our storms are not to arrive until after 8 p.m. But there's no time to relax.

First, I'd like to remind you of THIS post I originally did on Emergency Preparedness Week. The BASICS supply list in preparing for inclement weather can be found there.

Being Prepared for a storm is important, but you also need to think about what you'll need after the air has cleared. When it comes to having supplies on hand for following a Disaster, read THIS POST

COMMUNICATION

To you have Weather Radio or a Weather Alert App on your cell?

You'll find a good selection on AMAZON  Consumer Reports recommends THESE

When it comes to Weather Alert Apps, often times your local News/ Weather channel will provide these. Nothing beats having local eyes on your location. For me, I use KY3 Weather. I love their app. Not only can I tell the weather here but where my girls live out west or my in-laws in south Texas. Whichever location I choose as 'HOME' will give me the weather alerts for that area... making it the perfect weather option for where ever I am. 

I've listed some FREE apps below with good ratings. Most offer an in-app purchase. My KY3 app does not.

NOAA Weather

     Note: NOAA does have a Weather Alerts app for $1.99

Weather Bug 

AccuWeather

WeatherBundle - Forecasts, Alerts

IMPORTANT!

If you are depending on your phone REMEMBER to charge BEFORE BEDTIME. You don't want your battery today at a crucial time. Know where your charger for both your home and your car are located. Consider purchasing a separate charger for your Emergency surplus bag. Also consider a back-up charger such as THIS one, allowing you to recharge your phone even when the power is down. Make sure you have this device charged as well. I know these seem like simple points, but often the easiest things are left undone. 

Do you have Preparedness Tips to share? Please do so in the comments.

Please no long list of post links. My blog is to share and be informative but this is NOT instagram. Thank you for understanding.

Be safe!

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WEEK - Missouri

While I am doing Prepper posts on Friday, I wanted to do this one today. Today begins Missouri Emergency Preparedness Week.

Living on the edge of Tornado Alley, ear marks us for a bit of earlier preparation than most other states. The National Emergency Preparedness Week comes up in May and we'll be talking about this again then in some other capacities.

If you, someone you know, or you've seen the devastation a tornado can leave in its path on TV, then you know how important being prepared is. Spring brings unsettling weather patterns. Like our systems battle the seasonal change, so do the elements. We just can't give the elements Nyquil and tuck them in to bed (where I spent a good portion of last week).

Instead, there are definitive things we can do to at the very least, come out on top.
National Weather Service  has a great breakdown of what you need to look for ahead of time, how to prepare for a storm and what to do following a storm.

Here are the basics:

Knowing your risk, taking action and being an example by sharing your knowledge and actions with your social network are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared and save your life and others.

Know Your Risk: Hurricanes, tornadoes, storms - every state in the United States experiences severe weather. Visit weather.gov to get the latest on weather threats. THIS LINK will take you to great information about the difference between a WATCH and a WARNING as well as other key information. THIS LINK from Missouri.gov is another great source.

Take Action: Take the next step in severe weather preparedness by creating a family communications plan, putting an emergency kit together, keeping important papers and valuables in a safe place, and learning about Wireless Emergency Alerts. 

A 72 Hour Emergency Kit should contain: (but not limited to the following items)

Information from Ready.gov

   WATER - one gallon per person per day

    FOOD - a 3-day supply of non- perishable food per person. 

   BATTERY -POWERED (or crank) radio

   FLASHLIGHT & extra batteries

   FIRST AID KIT

   WHISTLE - to signal for help

   DUST MASK

   BABY WIPES

   MANUAL CAN OPENER

   CELL PHONE w/ charger/ inverter/ solar charger

A Complete list can be found HERE as well as links to separate items, such as the First Aid Kit

Be an Example: Once you have taken action to prepare for severe weather, share your story with family and friends on Facebook or Twitter. Your preparedness story will inspire others to do the same.

Don't be caught un-prepared. A few minutes now will save you pain and suffering later.