NYC Quakes and Hurricanes

We live in Edgewater, NJ, which is situated on the Hudson river over looking NYC. 

This week I

A. ...felt my building sway while sitting in my 23rd floor Manhattan office and thought I was going crazy until I saw my blinds moving and my water bottle dancing like it was in the movie Jurassic Park.  Not a subway, not construction, or terrorism (thank heavens) but an earth quake... really!?

B. ...am looking up ways to prepare for a hurricane... yes hurricane,  possibly a category 2... headed right to NYC where I work (hey at least it's on the weekend) and across the river where I live. 

And to think I was going to do a tutorial on how to make fresh ricotta cheese this weekend!

Here's some tips for my fellow natural disaster buddies.

1. Secure your windows and brace outside doors - we rent so we can't do that.  To make sure the window's don't shatter if broken put tape in the shape of an asterisk * on the windows.

2. Make sure you've got flashlights with extra batteries... better yet a rechargeable flash light.  Invest in some Yahrzeit candles (pronounced y-uh-t-zite), it's a 24hr candle used in the Jewish religion to honor a person that has passed.

3. Plug in that landline phone.  A phone that doesn't rely on electricity is key if the power goes out.

4. An AM/FM radio will keep you tuned into the latest news on weather and conditions.

5. Pay attention to evacuate orders, especially if you live in a high rise above the 10th floor.

6. Get organized.  Keep the family's IDs, medications, contact lists and a change in clothes in water tight or Ziploc bags.  Don't forget personal effects, like feminine hygiene products, toothbrushes and diapers.
Keep it in a bag, preferably a backpack, and get ready to grab it if you have to evacuate.

7. Make sure you have things like hoodies, blankets, and rain ponchos.

  

8. Bring inside loose, lightweight objects, such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools and toys.

9. Anchor gas grills and propane tanks, close up and secure patio umbrellas and retractable awnings. 

10. If you're stocking up on canned goods, don't forget to pack a can-opener.  Throw some granola bars or non-perishable food items in your bag too.

11. Remember fresh water. A recommended gallon of water, per person, per day

12. First aid kit complete with a utility knife, such as a leather man.

13.  If you have kids, I would recommend one toy packed away to help soothe them in the event of an evacuation.