When a derecho blows through your state in the middle of a worldwide pandemic what do you do?
A derecho is a widespread, long-lived, straight-line wind storm that is associated with a fast-moving group of severe thunderstorms which can cause hurricane-force winds, tornadoes, heavy rains, and flash floods. Our city sustained winds of 87 miles an hour. In Iowa winds as high as 140 mph ripped through destroying crops, trees, and people’s lives.
Power was lost to thousands and thousands of people. We had little warning of this disaster. If anyone would have told me I would live through a “land hurricane” during a worldwide pandemic while in a drought, I would have thought they were writing a script to a cheesy disaster movie.
None of this could have been foreseen but we had a plan for emergencies in place.No, we don’t have a secret bunker buried in our backyard nor even a generator (but we are seriously thinking about buying the second one) but we have thought through many “disasters” and what we would need to be ready. This not only includes our BOB (Bug Out Bag) containing water, canned food, snacks, a hand crank can opener, and a simple first aid kit but also our emergency fund.
Emergencies can take many forms and planning by thinking about what you need to get by for a couple of days is smart. We had no power for 4 days and had to drive 20 minutes to get ice and food since all the power was out at the surrounding grocery stores as well.
We threw out all the food in our refrigerator, freezer, and chest freezer. Once power began to be restored we ate out more than usual as our food was limited and we got tired of eating food that didn’t need to be cooked.
The relief for us was knowing it would not be a financial burden to restock once the power was restored but most importantly we had the money to GIVE. Many Iowans are suffering and as of this writing, Cedar Rapids is still without power 10 days later. We are able to give money to charities and personal contacts there to get people much needed help.
We don’t want to think about bad things happening, but in order to be prepared and in a position to help we need to have a plan and resources.
Kommentare