Amazing what can be in store when a storm is coming your way and is terrifying but we do have some tips to help you prepare and a list to go through that in a panic may not think about.

Being prepared is key. If you are in an area that has tropical storms, this post will give you some important tips to follow

Preparation is key before a storm. Here is a list of things to remember. Via @Whats Cookin Italian Style Cuisine.comPhoto byClaudia Lamascolo

• Storm Preparedness List:
• Rain gear (plastic ponchos)
• Electronic Candles (Real Candles are very dangerous and can cause fires and not recommended to use them)
• Paper towels
• Plastic sheeting, tarps
• Rope
• Duct Tape
• Garbage bags
• Aluminum foil
• Mosquito repellent
• Grill
• Charcoal
• Lighter
• Propane gas for gas grills
• cast iron skillets
• old fashioned camping coffee pot
• Lighter fluid
• Sterno for warming dishes
• Cash
• Manual can opener
• Large sealable bags to store important documents
• At least ONE fully-charged cellular phone and an extra charge battery
• Strike anywhere matches (they will work even if they get wet)
• Resealable sandwich bags
• Hand sanitizer
• Dish soap
• Paper plates and cups
• Plastic utensils
• Pet leash, collar, food bowls and carrier
• Store jewelry in ziplock bags and keep all valuables together
• Video Tape every room including closets
• radio with batteries
• Fill containers with water and freeze them to keep whatever is in the freezer frozen longer
• If you have a generator check the spark plugs and oil get it ready
• cut all trees and things that can fall on the house down
• brace the garage doors and plywood your windows
• If you need to leave and evacuate:
• Place everything in ziplock bags for insurance, passwords should be written in a book, all important documents should be in one place in a plastic-covered container
• Again, VIDEOTAPE EVERYTHING!
• pack a suitcase in case you need changes of clothes
• cover furniture if you leave your home
• lower the water temperature in the water heater if you leave
• unplug everything in the house before you leave except the refrigerator bring perishables with you (including outdoor equipment like hot tubs and pool pumps)
• Water – 1-gallon per person
• For a family of 4 for 5 days, you need 20 gallons.
• Fill the bathtub for basic washing needs
• dishwashing, but do not drink this water.
• First Aid Kit – Band-Aids, bandages,
• antibiotic ointment,
• homemade disinfectant (6 drops of bleach for every 1 gallon of water)
• , hand sanitizer,
• any necessary medications, hygiene products, and baby products
• Flashlight – 1 flashlight per family
• member and the correct size of extra
• batteries.
• Tool Kit – A basic set of tools: hammer,
• nails, screws, screwdriver, pliers, and knife.
• Sanitation Products – Toilet paper,
• moist towelettes, and plastic garbage bags in
• gallons of bleach on hand
• don't forget if you have a pool drain around 4 to 5 inches it will fill up
• add sandbags around the house to keep water from seeping in
• if you have a septic tank get it cleaned before the storm
• boil water for at least 3 to 4 days after the storm passes and listen for alerts
• Put all things that can melt in plastic bags or containers in your freezer if you lose power it will prevent a huge mess!
• make sure you have a list of all local phone numbers ready for local services
• Every food you can eat that is ready-made and nonperishable: such as peanut butter, jam, bread, snacks, soda, tuna, dried meats, dried milk, coffee dry creamer, instant coffee, and drinks
• Stay safe, and prepare ahead of time do not wait until the last minute.

Tuna Salad No Mayo during storms via @Whats Cookin Italian Style Cusiine.comPhoto byClaudia Lamascolo

Tuna Salad No Mayo Recipe During a Storm:

• 1 loaf of sliced bread
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon celery seed
• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna packed in olive oil, well-drained
• salt and pepper is optional
• Optional: 1/4 cup diced chives 1-1/2 cups cucumber 1 medium ripe avocado, diced
• Mix all ingredients in a bowl, and spread on sandwiches.

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