by S. Easton

August 22, 2020

Hurricane season begins June 1st and ends November 1st of each year. Hurricanes don’t often play by the rules, though, and sometimes we experience them earlier or later depending on atmospheric conditions. Hurricane Season 2020 is shaping up to be a doozy.

The National Weather Service tells us that the Atlantic ocean is extremely warm this year which is a recipe for a very active hurricane season. We have just finished with the devastation of Isaias and there are already other storms churning their way across the Atlantic headed our direction. Probably the only good thing about hurricanes is that, unlike earthquakes, we know they are coming and can take necessary precautions to protect our loved ones and property.

However, no matter how well prepared we think we are, hurricanes can also spin off many tornadoes, which form quickly, give no warning and do additional damage. Tornadoes are responsible for uprooting trees, causing power outages and demolishing buildings, over which we have no control.

So, it looks like ‘rough sledding’ ahead for 2020… the year that seems like it will never end. The hurricane season predictions for 2020 forecast another 15 named storms after Isaias. Ten of those storms are forecast to become hurricanes, and 5 of those hurricanes may reach at least Category 3 intensity. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, already busy through August, could be one of the most active on record, according to the outlook released by Colorado State University.

Emergency Preparedness Tips for Hurricane Season

While there is absolutely nothing we can do about the impending storms, we can make prudent and necessary emergency preparations now. Having the proper equipment and supplies on hand and available, will make last-minute frantic trips to the store unnecessary.

Sagan Life® has several solutions for personal equipment for you and your family. You’ll be prepared for the downed power lines and flood water, should they occur. As diligent as our power companies are in restoring the power sources to our homes, when 3 million people are without power, as was the case with Isias, some customers were in the dark for more than a week… no matter how fast line-workers were trying to rectify the situation.

Assemble a 72 Hour Emergency Kit

Make it your goal to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. As the slogan goes…”The first 72 are up to you”. So, rather than wring your hands and worry, let’s get going and create a plan to be as prepared as possible when the next big storm rolls ashore.

First and foremost, having access to emergency purified drinking water should be your top priority. The Sagan Life® AquaBrick™ Water Purification System is about the best survival water purifier you can own. The System purifies ANY source of non-salt water and makes it safe, clean, drinking water. This portable water filter safely purifies up to 700 gallons of contaminated water. The high performance DuraFlo™ filter – working hard inside the AquaBrick™ – removes 99.9999% of bacteria, such as salmonella, cholera, and E.coli; removes 99.99% of all protozoa, such as giardia and cryptosporidium. It even removes 99.99% of VIRUSES. The DuraFlo™ also provides healthier water for everyday use – removing lead, toxins, chemicals and heavy metals, even from your tap water, as well as any flood water you may encounter. If you have a swimming pool, the AquaBrick™ System enables you to use it as your water source, if necessary. The DuraFlo™ filter effectively removes chlorine and other swimming pool chemicals from the water so you can use your swimming pool as an emergency drinking water source. One DuraFlo™ will effectively filter up to 500 gallons of residential pool water in an emergency. The AquaBrick™ Container is BPA free and made in the USA. It’s lightweight and easy to use because of dual handles. Clean, safe drinking water is your #1 priority, so an AquaBrick™ Water Purification System should be your first emergency preparedness purchase.

In an emergency, you may not have the luxury of sheltering quietly at home waiting for the storm to pass. If you’re out and about, securing your own property and also helping others, tuck a Sagan Life® XStream™ Water Purifier Straw in your pocket (it only weighs 5 ounces) so you’re prepared to help others in need of clean drinking water.

The convenient spray pump, included with the XStream™ Straw, makes this straw water filter not only an ultralight water purification system, but a multi-tasker at best. We’ve compiled a few handy uses you’ll appreciate with the XStream™:filter straws for drinking water

Fill water bottles

Wash hands and food with safe, clean water

Wash dishes

Share water with others – be ready to provide safe drinking water for dogs, cats and other animals

Use the spray pump to cleanse cuts or wounds

Fill your coffee pot! Yay… with clean water

A shower for you or the kids will feel mighty good if you’re experiencing emergency circumstances.

Yes, the spray pump on the X-Stream filter straw is a mighty handy gadget.

Cooking Without Power

Hobo Stove Kelly KettleWe’ve covered water needs, but lets say you still have no power, so how do you cook? Check out the mighty Kelly Kettle. These things are pretty amazing. A Kelly Kettle® will boil water in 3-5 minutes with no need for propane fuel or charcoal briquettes. A handful of twigs or pine cones, dry grass or just about anything, will stoke up the kettle and you can make yourself a mind-calming cup of tea or coffee in just a couple of minutes. With the addition of a “Hobo Stove” you can turn your Kettle into a camp stove and cook meals for your family; no electricity needed. It’s a small and compact kit, all self-contained, so tuck one in your emergency preparedness bug-out bag and you’re good to go.

Getting Emergency Food Storage in Order

You’ll want to have emergency food on hand as well. The Sagan Life® AquaBrick™ Containers are just the ticket for long term food storage. Each container will hold 20 pounds of food such as rice, beans, oatmeal, flour or sugar… you get the idea. Don’t forget dog and cat food.

long term food storage containersAquaBrick™ Containersalso hold 3 gallons of liquid and are water tight. So, store extra water. As mentioned, they’re BPA free, only weigh a little over 2 pounds (dry weight) and are made in the USA. When not in emergency mode, the AquaBrick™ container can convert to a beverage dispenser, using the Ventless Spigot and Cap accessory. It makes a great take-along to park picnics, camp outs and family gatherings.

So, when all is said and done, with just a few items from Sagan Life® and Kelly Kettle®, you are completely self-sufficient and can survive those first 72 hours. The best part is the peace of mind being prepared gives. It’s pretty sweet to know you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature decides to throw your way.