Added Observations Regarding Hurricane Sandy

by Amie Ostmann

1. Store a lot of ‘mix-ins’ to help flavor your stored water.  
2. Being without running water was more inconvenient than having no power.  
3. Before-hand we stored milk jugs filled with water, ¾ full, and put in the freezer.  When we had no power, we put the jugs, a couple at a time, into the fridge to keep food cold.  When they melted, we used for drinking.  
4. I wished I had more candles.
5. 10-hour candles were awesome.  
6. Candles give a broader light than a flashlight.  
7. We had one lantern; it was better than the candles.  I wished for more.
8. I was thankful for Clorox wipes because nothing felt clean w/o running hot water.
9. Paper plates and plastic utensils helped my sanity.  
10. I was grateful for many long extension cords to reach our generator.  
11. When a few stores did open, some things were difficult to acquire:  bottled water, gasoline, batteries, and gas cans.  
12. Conserve auto fuel.  No one’s selling it for miles and miles.  Have enough to drive from the area.  
13. A small battery powered radio will let you know about the weather and what is going on. Otherwise, you need to run your car to listen to a radio.  
14. The only phone that worked was the kitchen wall phone.  My smart phone could pick up internet when power was on from our generator.  
15. We went to bed early when it got dark and woke up early.  
16. You need lots and lots of blankets.  
17. We cooked everything on the BBQ and boiled water and even baked cookies.