Emergency preparedness...

Well, lets just say that I am glad my co-workers told me about having a "winter emergency kit". What a night last night. Apparently we have entered the "winter" season (which they refer to as the rainy season). They told me top prepare for it and have a kit ready. Its basically the same as the Earthquake Kit, but add some warm clothes, blankets and matches. So I listened last week and went to good old Wal-mart. I got a big bin (bright Orange so I can find it in a disaster) and loaded it with the essentials (freeze dried food, cans, matches, water, flashlight (not needing batteries) and a blanket. They had told me that during the winter time they experience power outages due to wind, ice on the power lines, and trees on lines. Last year it was 5 days without power. Well, glad I listened. I was all ready to watch the Season premiere's for Sundays shows when the lights flickered and then...Poof...gone! The whole area was dark. I thought it would come back on, hoping it was a momentary oops and they would re-route the power. Apparently they haven't quite got the hang of power lines here. The lights went out and stayed out. I waited about 2 minutes then decided I needed to see (as it is EXTREMELY dark around here). I remembered my Kit and dug in to get the flashlight. Of course being the smart one I had the flashlight, but forgot one thing (no...not batteries....what do you think of me?)....I forgot to take the hard plastic packaging off it. So in the dark there I am attempting to cut that stuff off the flashlight with sharp scissors. I finally got it done (without hurting myself)and tried calling the power company. Of course as I call my phone beeps that it is almost out of battery. Figures. So I hang up (to conserve) and decide that if its not coming back on, I am taking it as a sign that I should go to bed early. Once I get into bed, the neighbors decide to take this time to have an outdoor party, so they turn on their car radios (complete with subwoofers to knock over breakables) and shine their flashlights in everyone's windows. What fun!!! Anyway it was an interesting time last night. Let's just say if sustained 20 mph winds can do that (as in last night) I cant wait to see a winter "storm" with ice! I learned one valuable lesson, make sure I don't keep my freezer & fridge full, as it will probably go bad from all the power outages that are going to happen. Well, take care...and sorry to anyone who may have tried to find me online for my usual Sunday night chat times. I'll be on most weeknights about 8-9pm your time. Toodles!