1. Batteries for the radio. Not those rechargeable, but real batteries. Or a wind up radio.
2. Cellphones won't work. Landline did work, but in the case of Kentucky lines are physically down. No phone.
3. Water. Our city had/has its own water plant. They had a generator to pump clean water. Rest of the cities didn't. Some areas ran out of water because of no pumps.
4. Not all my power comes from one source. Gas & Electric. Gas furnace, electric baseboards to supplement, fireplace.
We were warned quite profusely this storm was coming. My preparations included cooking up a roast that would last several days, checking the water supply anyway, locating and pulling out extra blankets, thermal underwear etc., checking the wood supply. We were ready for uncomfortable, but cozy. How many days backup? 7 days. After that cabin fever sets in.
Under normal winter-storm conditions a three day backup is recommended. Major ice storm conditions are very, very unpredictable. That storm hit Tues/Weds. for Kentucky with lots of ice. If people followed the routine...they are out of supplies.
The challenge for FEMA at this point is what? Moving people out of areas that are not going to be/have restored power for a few more weeks. FEMA can't restore power. That is up to the power company, FEMA can only run or manage the shelters. Other than that there is really very little they can do in the case of an ice storm.
Good advice. I would also add filling up bathtubs for washing and toilet flushing. Also, make sure you have enough prescription medicine. And, check on your neighbors. This is the worst ice storm I have ever seen. We had about 2 inches here. Actually, our power hasn’t gone out, the lines in my sub-division are underground. The radio said about 80% of the area was without power at one time, they estimate mid Feb. before power is fully restored. One thing that hurts is the massive scale of this ice storm.Power companies that usually send/share crews to distressed areas are dealing with their own damage.
What do you mean there is little for FEMA to do? They can supply generators to the people. Set up small neighborhood generators (Cat/Cummins diesel generators). Provide extra blankets, cloths, food, etc....
Don't let FEMA and the Marxist Pig off the hook!