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Hurricane Bouquets & Making the Best of a Stormy Situation: Hurricane Preparedness Tips

Jasmine Keefe 2 Comments

Still world-changing, despite the storm

Here we would like to give you some ideas about how we as WorldChangers go about facing the storm while still trying to make the world a better place – person by person, heart by heart. Plus we’ll offer you some hurricane preparedness tips to make sure you have all of your bases covered. 

Hurricane season is upon us and it appears that Hurricane Dorian is ramping up to a Category 4 storm. Change the World of One’s headquarters are right in its path so we are battening down the hatches and preparing. As gas, bread and water are in high demand and short supply and sometimes it feels like panic is reining, we are still trying to change the world of one person at a time, especially in our own homes and neighborhoods.  

The Silver Lining…

In a world where we often feel we are in control of our time and destiny, it is humbling to witness Mother Nature rearing her head and taking control once in a while. The intensity of these storms is astonishing. Despite the tragic loss of life and destruction that can be incurred, there is also a silver lining. 

When we band together to fight a common enemy, a renewed sense of togetherness and camaraderie can be forged. During a time when we all face the same imminent threat, we often think to check in on our friends, family, loved ones and neighbors who might be affected. Though we’re not fans of hurricanes, we at Change the World of One encourage you to take this opportunity to make the best of this situation and connect with others. Here’s a nice way to start.

The Power of Hurricane Bouquets

Whipping hurricane-force winds often destroy the delicate petals and composition of flowers. So why not bring the flowers inside to weather the storm? Better yet, make it a tradition, and use it to brighten others’ lives during this time. On the day before a hurricane go outside (and bring kids if you have them – they love “rescuing the flowers”) and pick all the flowers you can find. Flowers from your garden, blooms on trees, wildflowers, pretty weeds, colorful leaves, fanciful sticks – anything goes. 

Bring your botanical treasures inside and tie them into simple posies then go visit your neighbors and friends to hand out your hurricane bouquets while checking up on them, making sure everyone is ready for the storm. A lady once said that receiving a hurricane bouquet was the best part of her hurricane experience, because it brought a bit of beauty and life into her dark, shuttered home during the storm, reminding her that she was loved. There you have it – the power of the hurricane bouquet.

Hurricane Preparedness Tips

During the upcoming storm and any other storms this season, please make sure that you, your family, friends, pets and neighbors are all safe. Change the world of one person at a time by showing them you care during this critical time. We have compiled a list of tips for you to make sure you are prepared.

  • Sign up for your community’s warning system

    The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

  • Prepare your home

    Put up all storm shutters. If you don't have permanent ones, a second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Clear out drains and gutters. Remove anything from around your home that could be moved by winds. Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building. Install check valves in plumbing to prevent backups. Review your insurance plan. Inspect your home to confirm that there is no damage that a hurricane could increase. Any issues with the overall structure should be repaired, including loose shingles or damaged roofs.

  • Find the safest indoor location

    Find a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not subject to flooding that can serve as a hurricane room. Find out about local shelters if you need to evacuate your home

  • Stock your supplies

    Make sure you have enough water, food and medication for everyone in your home, including your pets, for at least 3 days. Have a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and batteries, a fully-stocked first aid kit, and cash on hand.

  • Plan for electrical outages

    Have a generator ready and know how to use it. Check it and make sure that when you use it it is in an outside, well-ventilated area away from windows. Too many people have died due to fumes from generators being used improperly. Have flashlights, lanterns, headlamps, and candles ready, as well as their specific batteries and matches/lighters. Charge your phone and other electrical devices such as tablets and computers so you will have a full battery in case you lose power. Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings and open them only when necessary so that if you lose power, food will last longer. Also store bottled water in the freezer. This will keep the contents cold longer.

  • Plan for water outages

    Fill your bathtubs and containers with water so that you can use it to flush toilets. Stock up on drinking water beforehand.

  • Protect your important documents and electronics

    Take photos of important documents and upload them to your phone or computer. Back everything up to a cloud system - these photos and all of your family photos, medical documents, deeds, titles, etc. Put important documents and valuables in water-tight containers and have a go-bag ready if you need to evacuate your home.

  • Prepare for potential evacuation

    Become familiar with your evacuation zone, the evacuation route, and shelter locations. Have your go-bag ready with survival essentials, ID, cash, medications, important documents and a few valuables. Keep your gas tank filled and your vehicle in working order.

  • Stay Informed

    Tune in to your television, radio or online sources so you know what is going on and what to expect.

  • Beware of flood waters

    In the case of flooding, do not walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. You don't know what dangerous objects, animals, electrical currents or other pitfalls might be harbored within them.

  • Be careful, not afraid

    Do not panic! That will make everything worse.

  • Help your neighbors

    This WILL make things better for everyone. The beauty of Mother Nature rearing her head is that despite the destruction that can be incurred, silver linings such as a renewed sense of togetherness and camaraderie can be forged.

  • Make the best of it

    Pick all of the flowers you can and bring "hurricane bouquets" to your neighbors and friends. The flowers might be damaged during the storm anyway, and having a bright and cheerful bit of life inside the shuttered-up homes will bring comfort and let people know they are loved. Make a special occasion out of staying indoors - have a hurricane party! Have hurricane sundaes! Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with your loved ones by playing board games. Teach children that instead of a time to panic, this should be regarded as an adventure and will be a time they will probably always remember later in life.

What are some other ways to make the best of a stormy situation?

  • Host a hurricane party! Eat, drink and be merry with friends and family while stuck inside.
  • Have a hurricane sundae night!
  • Have a game night with your family/friends/neighbors. Board games, charades, cards. Have each person tell one part of a made-up story.
  • Take photos of the storm (from a safe location)
  • Teach your children what it's like to live without electricity, and make it a fun learning experience. Explain to them that there are countless people in the world today living without electricity, and that is how everyone used to live. Have them think about all of the implications, but also make it into an adventure
  • Sink your teeth into a good book!
  • Organize your home - when else will you get the chance?
  • Write your life's bucket list
  • Ponder ways to change the world. Changing the world of one person at a time is a good way to start. If you think of an idea, share it with us and maybe we can help you make it a reality!
  • Take some time to think about your life. What is most important to you? If you had your ideal life, what would it look like? What are the steps you need to take to make that ideal life happen?

Together we can change the world. Today, let's change the world of our friends, family and neighbors during stormy times.

2 Comments

  1. Kathy Giordano
    Reply

    Beautifully written. Love, love the idea of picking flowers and sharing with neighbors before storm hits and they are destroyed.

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