Well, the first thing I did was go out and kill another deer and make 10 pounds of Italian sausage to top off one freezer <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

It was serendipity, but we were actually involved in storm prep before we knew there was a storm coming. We had scheduled to go can a bunch of food through our church several weeks before Sandy and our date to do it was the Saturday before the storm hit. We had also ordered a generator (which got there a few days after Sandy passed). We topped off a six month supply of food for our family (wheat, beans, sugar, etc.--primarily the basics) and I went out and got a kerosene heater to supplement our indoor propane heater (all our house runs on electric) as well as a 4-5 day supply of kerosene. I tried to talk my wife into letting me get a fourth cooler--a seven day big one that could hold most everything in our fridges--but she drew the line somewhere (especially since we have three, I JUST bought a freezer, and we had a generator on the way) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I am waiting for stores to restock them, and then plan to buy 4 five-gallon gas cans and two or three 5 gallon kerosene cans. Not planning on keeping them filled, but handy. We USUALLY have AT LEAST a few hours warning before a major event--enough to go stock up on fuel. Our 72 hour kit (BOB) is packed and ready to go at a moment's notice, and we have small emergency kits in the cars. We also made sure we topped off our supply of batteries--we usually keep enough on hand to power the majority of our flashlights and lanterns for several days if the need arises--and topped off the gas in our vehicles.

In addition to the 3 day supply of water we keep on hand, I filled about 15~20 gallons in large containers and kept them in a bathtub until I was sure we wouldn't need them. We have a creek behind our house and a ceramic filter system if things get desperate.

Made sure our cell phones were charged as well as the ipods, tablets, gameboys, and whatever else might keep the kids occupied for a couple days.

We definitely overspent on snack food/easy prep foods at Sams Club/Walmart, but it's food we'll eat over the next month or two anyway <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Our ultimate goal is to have 8-12 months worth of food stored (not counting the freezers full of venison--some of which I keep meaning to can). You never know when your employment situation might change and you find yourself without work for extended periods of time (which is probably more likely in this economy than having your home destroyed by a storm). Survival isn't just about natural disasters <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Moreover, in the unfortunate event of a natural (or manmade) disaster, there's more than just our family to think about. We live in neighborhoods and communities. As a citizen, a Christian, and a human, I don't think I could watch my neighbors suffer while my family eats. As unfair as it might seem, I recognize that part of my preparation is also to assist those who may not be able to take care of themselves.

The Scout motto seems to still hold: "Be prepared." That said, I'd also note that no matter how much we are prepared, there are times when it all means nothing. If your home disappears in a tornado, fire, or earthquake, all of you preparation may well disappear with it. My hope is that as I prepare to support my family and my neighbors, that that will generate enough good karma out there so that if our preparations go up in smoke, perhaps someone else will be as prepared as we were and is willing to lend a hand to me and mine.