Reader's story: Be cool, be prepared

August 2009

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Emergency preparedness ("Gotta Know," May) was something I gave little thought to until I experienced an extended loss of electricity due to Hurricane Juan several years ago.

I now keep a large plastic container of tap water in the bottom of my deep freeze. In the event of an extended loss of electricity, it can be pulled out and put in our camping cooler to extend the life of things such as milk, eggs and condiments kept in the refrigerator. Items in the freezer will stay frozen for several days, but with the kids in and out of the fridge for drinks, etc., it doesn't take long for that compartment to warm up.

If I had had my big block of ice several years ago, it would have enabled me to extend the life of my fridge contents for several days and made it easier to feed my family in an emergency.