Hurricane Sandy appears to be headed right for Baltimore. Are you ready?

Hurricane Sandy, Frankenstorm…both could cause some trouble for us in the Mid-Atlantic region.

What can you do to prepare?

Last year, I wrote a post on how to prepare for Hurricane Irene. Unfortunately our power was out for a week, and the preparedness was only good for so long.

That being said, there are still some great tips.

1) Turn your fridge and freezer to the coolest settings.

2) I learned this last year, and have done it already for the Frankenstorm — fill large ziploc bags halfway with water and place in your freezer. Voila — blocks of ice to put in a cooler with your food if you lose power!

3) If you are on well or septic, and need electricity to get water or flush toilets, fill bathtubs and other large containers with water.

4) Clean out your gutters! Leaves have started to fall and clog gutters. You will want them as open as possible with the large amount of rain we may get over a long period of time with this storm!

5) Check your batteries in your flashlights. Well, first, find your flashlights. 🙂

MEMA, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency also had additional good ideas:

6) Make sure all of your electronics are fully charged.

7) Temperatures are supposed to be about 20 degrees cooler after the storm. Make sure to have extra blankets on hand, easily accessible.

8) Secure loose items outside like chairs, grills, etc. Bring inside if they can’t be secured! You don’t want them breaking through a window!

9) Have an emergency kit ready with clothes, non-perishable foods and water on hand in case you need to leave quickly.

10) Be safe!

I am hoping this Frankenstorm, Hurricane Sandy is not going to hit us as hard as right now it appears. It does not hurt to be prepared, no matter what! Good luck, Baltimore! Hang in there!