My husband received orders from CA to NC 2 years ago and all the years I’ve been married to my husband and the military, I’ve never experience anything like this. This is the first time my Family and I ever had to experience, Evacuating our home. It was a little stressful, and overwhelming to decide whether or not to stay or go, Then the county in my area issued a mandatory evacuation.

We prepared as best as we could, Heading inland into GA with prayers for everyone’s safety.

And this may sound crazy… But…

Hubby and I have TOTAL PEACE in the midst of this storm… Even if we came back to a destroyed home… We have FULL TRUST in God’s provision, protection and knowing He will guide us accordingly.

We’re heading out! Evacuating to GA!

Hurricane Florence is supposed to be pretty historic with the amount of rain fall & flooding that’s suppose to happen, we’re praying for everyone’s safety.

I LOVE the community we live in and the amount of love and help the people of North Carolina do to help each other is AMAZING. We had neighbors check in on our house, during and after the storm and pulled together to help. 

This is my neighborhood during the storm (I live in a cul-de-sac and this was at the end of the road)

(This the Morning after the storm and the water not Drivable in our neighborhood!)

Here is a list of items to prepare for safety and resources after any storm:

1. Charge any device that provides light. Laptops, tablets, cameras, video cameras, and old phones. Old cell phones can still be used for dialing 911. Charge external battery back ups.

2. Wash all trash cans, big and small, and fill with water for flushing toilets. Line outdoor trash cans with trash bags, fill with water and store in the garage. Add bleach to sterilize.

3. Fill every tub and sink with water. Cover sinks with Saran Wrap to keep it from collecting dust. Fill washing machine and leave lid up to store water.

4. Fill old empty water bottles and other containers with water and keep near sinks for washing hands.

5. Fill every Tupperware with water and store in freezer. These will help keep food cold longer and serve as a back up water supply.

6. Fill drinking cups with water and cover with Saran Wrap. Store as many as possible in fridge. The rest you can store on the counter and use first before any water bottles are opened. Ice is impossible to find after the storm.

7. Reserve fridge space for storing tap water and keep the sealed water bottles on the counter.

8. Cook any meats in advance and other perishable foods. You can freeze cooked food. Hard boil eggs for snacks for first day without power.

9. Be well hydrated before the storm hits and avoid salty foods that make you dehydrated.

10. Wash all dirty clothes and bed sheets. Anything dirty will smell without the A/C, you may need the items, and with no A/C, you’ll be sweating a lot. You’re going to want clean sheets.

11. Toss out any expiring food, clean cat litter boxes, empty all trash cans in the house, including bathrooms. Remove anything that will cause an odor when the A/C is off. If you don’t have a trash day pickup before the storm, find a dumpster.

12. Bring in any yard decor, secure anything that will fly around, secure gates, bring in hoses, potted plants, etc. Bring in patio furniture and grills. Also, draw an “X” with duct tape on ALL windows, in the event of when glass shatters, the tape will help keep the glass together in place.

13. Clean your environment so you have clear, easy escape routes. Even if that means temporarily moving furniture to one area. For example Patio furniture bring inside.

14. Scrub all bathrooms so you are starting with a clean odor free environment. Store water filled trash cans next to each toilet for flushing.

15. Place everything you own that is important and necessary in a backpack or small file box that is easy to grab. Include your wallet with ID, phone, hand sanitizer, snacks, etc. Get plastic sleeves for important documents.

16. Make sure you have cash on hand.

17. Stock up on pet food and fill up bowls of water for pets.

18. Refill any medications. Most insurance companies allow for 2 emergency refills per year.

19. Fill your propane tanks. You can heat soup cans, boil water, make coffee, and other stuff besides just grilling meat. Get an extra, if possible.

20. Drop your A/C in advance and lower temperatures in your fridges.

21. Gather all candles, flashlights, lighters, matches, batteries, and other items and keep them accessible.

22. Clean all counters in advance. Start with a clean surface. Buy Clorox Wipes for cleaning when there is no power. Mop your floors and vacuum. If power is out for 10 days, you’ll have to live in the mess you started with.

23. Pick your emergency safe place such as a closet under the stairs. Store the items you’ll need in that location for the brunt of the storm. Make a hand fan for when the power is out.

24. Shower just before the storm is scheduled to hit.

25. Keep baby wipes next to each toilet. Don’t flush them. It’s not the time to risk clogging your toilet!

26. Run your dishwasher, don’t risk having dirty smelly dishes and you need every container for water! Remember you’ll need clean water for brushing your teeth, washing yourself, and cleaning your hands.

27. Put a small suitcase in your car in case you decide to evacuate. Also put at least one jug of water in your car. It will still be there if you don’t evacuate! You don’t need to store all water in the house. Remember to pack for pets as well.

28. Check on all family members, set up emergency back up plans, and check on elderly neighbors.

29. Remember, pets are family too. Take them with you!

30. Before the storm, unplug all electronics. There will be power surges during and after the storm.

31. Gas up your car and have a spare gas container for your generator or your car when you run out.

32. If you can, take a video/pictures of your house and contents….walk room to room–open cabinets/drawers and closets. This will help if you need to make a claim later. It will show proof of items and help you list all the items (help your memory, so you don’t forget anything)…I highly recommend!!!

Finally, anything that you want to try to preserve, but you can’t take with you–place it in a plastic bin or ziplock bag and put in your dishwasher, lock the door–this should make it water tight in case of any water intrusion into your home (This is a better option then living it out in an open area). But of course, take all the important/irreplaceable items you can!!

(The prediction of the storm)

Here are a list of resources to help after the storm:

1. File with FEMA and get your FEMA number ASAP! You will need it for everything.

2. File a claim with BOTH your homeowner’s and flood insurance. Even though it’s a flood, homeowners will cover some wind damage and most of them will give you money for “loss of use” if you can’t live in your house.

3. File for DSNAP (Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – Disaster food stamps. ANYONE in the affected areas can get them, they are not just for poor people. Do not be proud, you can use the money you save on food to replace, clothes and other necessities.

4. File for Disaster Unemployment. Again, DO NOT BE PROUD! If you can’t live in your house or go to work because your work is closed or flooded, this applies to you.

5. Get rental assistance. FEMA and SBA provide rental assistance to help pay for a place to live until you can get back into your house or find a new one.

6. If you want to buy a house, apply for an SBA loan. The interest rates will be VERY CHEAP. Although it is called the SBA, it is for homeowner too.

7. The Salvation Army will sometimes give away money as well. Just call them and apply.

8. Check local businesses for specials and discounts for people in the affected flood areas. Businesses will offer everything from half price pizza to furniture and clothing specials.

9. If you have evacuated check your local department of Transportation for road closures, curfews and detours. Also you can use the app Waze (for both iPhones and Android users) for detours and updated road closures. This app also helps with roadside assistance if needed.

10. Other Helpful websites:

• National Weather Service
• SafeGNV
• American Red Cross

11. Hurricane Florence evacuees and disaster relief workers can find free temporary lodging through Airbnb.

12. Any property owner or renter who has sustained Hurricane Florence property damages is eligible to apply for FEMA Disaster assistance.  Apply online (www.disaserassistance.gov) or call (800.621.3362).

You need to have the following information handy when you apply: 

Names of Owner(s)/Renter(s), 
Social Security Numbers(s), 
Gross Household Income, 
Property Insurance Types, 
names of dependents living with you.