Today is the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a day that has changed my life. I feel like a PRO with surviving hurricanes unfortunately. As I’m glued to my television watching CNN and talking to family & friends in Texas I’m hearing they are now doing MANDATORY EVACUATION in certain areas of Houston. Because I have lived through it and have managed to rebuild with some challenges I can share what you will need to move forward. So, if you still have time to gather a few things please be sure to grab the following items to help you with rebuilding.
- Insurance Papers-Home & Business
- Birth Certificates & Passports
- Drivers License
- Marriage License
- Social Security Card
- Taxes
- Property Records-Home, Cars, Boats
- Legal Records
- Medical Papers
- Shot Records For Kids
- Kids Report Cards
- Bills with your mailing address on it
- Last two month bills -You will need because monthly service companies will lose all of your payment information so they will recharge you for service that you already paid.
- Business Owners-Contracts for anything you lease/rent
- Computer & Charger
It will just make your life easier if you have these items. Get ready to fight, get ready to be on the phone for days trying to get through to who ever you need to speak with, be ready to stand in lines, be ready to research for yourself, read those last pages of your contracts so you will be ready for companies that will want to fine you / sue you later. Don’t expect that you will be good because you have insurance, know the difference between flood, water, and wind damages, educate yourself. Redcross & FEMA can only provide you a temp fix for a few days-weeks only. Hopefully you took clear pictures of properties in your home because you will need a lot of proof.
Good Luck with everything, stick together, spouses please be patience with each other. Everyone handle stress differently. This is the time that you will need to lean on each other. Men, it’s ok to cry, let it out, don’t be ashamed. Because you all are dealing with emotions that you have never experience. It’s so heartbroken to see others drowning right before your eyes will be something you will never forget. I made that mistake trying to stay strong trying to deal with all the bullshit that I didn’t have time to cry in process what the hell had just happened. Again stick together and talk to your kids because their little minds are in shock especially if they witness bodies. I’m still in shock from seeing dead bodies upon returning home.
I will continue to pray for Texas!
