Emergency Preparedness Tips

Since many people on this list live in earthquake zones, I’m sending some tips that I have learned in this particular emergency.

I'm in Northern LA today and will send an update later. I have more scoop on the real story.

Paul

Money – I have always heard that you should have cash in case banks and ATMs are down. I never thought it was possible with all the networks and redundancy that exist. In Baton Rouge, there are many merchants only accepting cash because the local banks or banks who have headquarters in New Orleans are down. People went to buy generators and were turned away. I think $1,000 is a good amount to keep in a safe place. I would also have one bank that is a national bank. Our credit union is down for online bill paying and phone pay. A national bank will have a greater chance of being in business. Fortunately, Rochelle and I did get cash out on Saturday. There are many merchants accepting credit and debit cards now.

Direct Deposit – Believe it or not, I still know people who refuse toget direct deposit. These people are having trouble getting live checks since many were processed in New Orleans. Even with large payroll companies like ADP this has been an issue. All of the direct deposit people are getting their money without trouble. For some people, finding a branch that has power to deposit the money has been an issue.

Gas – we had 2 full tanks and about another 10 gallons in reserve. Now that the power is coming back, it isn’t an issue but Monday and Tuesday gas was an issue for many gas stations. It isn’t safe to store a ton and you need to rotate it out, but gas is needed to get to the hospital, evacuate or run a generator.

Propane – there are some areas where you are being instructed to boil water. Propane is easy and safe to store. You need electricity to fill your containers so planning ahead is a good idea.

Natural Gas – in New Orleans, there are so many gas leaks they have cut natural gas off in many places. I understand why it would be cut off in an earthquake but never figured a hurricane could affect it since most of the lines are underground.

Radio – You need a radio that can receive TV stations as well as AM/FM. A shortwave radio is even better so you can hear the ham frequencies. The best option is to buy a ham radio. You should get a license and know how to use it but in times of emergency the FCC waves the license requirement.

Internet/ISP – This is for both personal and business. There are ISPs in New Orleans that had no redundancy with regards to another geographic location. They all had the standard generator plan with x days of diesel. Multiple diesel contracts with vendors in different locations in case a bridge was out. No one considered that the city would have no access from any direction. There are businesses and individuals that have received email that they are going down in a few days and to make other plans. I evaluated data centers extensively and find this to be appalling. Remember when shopping for something you must rely on that saving a few dollars on the front end may put you out of business on the back end. Offsite backups are a must. Offsite means in another state.

Generator – I have always debated getting one for RV camping, drycamping etc. I always tried to rationalize the purchase by using the“time of emergency” argument. I now own one and couldn’t be happier with the purchase. Fridge, microwave, TV (sometimes TV has better coverage on emergency than radio), medical equipment, etc. If you do get one, spend the money to have an electrician wire a few key circuits. In addition to being safer than having cords running everywhere, it is important to have a cut over switch installed to prevent energizing the line feeding your home and electrocuting the people working on your power lines. Our neighborhood now has a constant hum. Ice only lasts so long and you can’t count on a steady supply of it.