How to Handle Earl

A few years back I was living in downtown Halifax when Hurricane Juan hit as a category 1. I was NOT prepared and learned the hard way what I should have done to make the aftermath a little easier. While we might make out perfectly fine it's better to be prepared and only takes a little bit of effort but could REALLY make things easier if Earle does have a serious impact.

• Have lots of non-parishable food on hand... With power outages, your fridge doesnt work or your freezer! I was without power for over a week and mooched off of my neighbours once my frozen and fresh food couldnt be kept.
• Have lots of water on hand. Have bottled water for consumption but also fill your bathtub for flushing the toilet and washing.
• Get lit! Have flashlights, candles, matches and extra batteries on hand. It seems obvious but you don't want to be fumbling around in the dark trying to figure out where you left those batteries!
• Have extra cash on hand. ATM's won't be working in case of a power outage.
  
• Get gas. Both for your vehicle and fuel for your BBQ. We had to BBQ all of our frozen food before it spoiled so fill that tank!
• Clean up the yard. You would not believe the distance that things can fly with winds as strong as they are in tropical storms/hurricanes. During Juan there were roofs taken off of homes, GIANT trees displaced and power poles snapped like twigs so your lawn chairs don't stand a chance!
  
• Charge it. Have your cell phones charged up and have a car charger on hand. This may be your only way to communicate as your house phone may not have power or service.
• Listen to K100! Be sure to have a battery powered radio on hand and be listening for updates weather-wise and also for Emergency Measures Alerts which will be broadcasted through K100. Our news team is watching Earl 24hrs a day and we will be broadcasting live through the storm to keep you informed.