Hurricane Sandy may give Beaufort County one more reason to make Sunday a day of rest. Streets may flood, trees may fall, cable TV or power may be disrupted and storm paths may change.
Before hunkering down for what will hopefully be an uneventful day, take advantage of today to prepare for bad weather.
Pull out your hurricane kit and check the expiration dates on those batteries you stuck in there a dozen hurricanes ago.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but ignore any expiration dates you see on your stockpile of emergency bottled water. The dates are there thanks to a few overzealous lawmakers who, years ago, insisted every food and beverage be stamped.
Stock up on nonperishable food as well as marinades for all of the meat in your freezer that may have to hit the grill if power is off for an extended period of time. If there is any doubt that the contents of your freezer and refrigerator are edible, do not use them.
Charge your cellphones and other portable media devices. Go through your contact lists and add a few numbers that may make life a little easier. For instance, contact numbers for your utilities, your church (in case the weather interferes with services), your child’s teacher and/or school and your favorite pizza-delivery place (you know, the important stuff).
Speaking of children, if you are going to have some stuck indoors with the possibility of interrupted power, start thinking of unplugged family activities that might keep them occupied. Today would be a great day to check a few books out at the library.
Once you think you’re prepared, consider checking on any elderly neighbors you know, especially those who live alone.
For information on how to prepare for a hurricane, visit the following websites:
www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php
www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtm
www.redcross.org