We went down to the basement last Thursday night after a tornado warning was issued for our county.
We all ended up sleeping down there, because it was so late by the time the warning expired.
It was sort of like a family camping trip. Only even less fun.
I don’t camp by the way. My idea of roughing it? Motel 6.
I was home alone with the boys that night. It started to storm about an hour after I put them to bed. Then the NWS issued the warning for our county, and I woke the boys up and took them downstairs.
Now as far as basements go, ours is nicely appointed. It’s partially finished and has a TV, computer, bed and even a bathroom with a shower. We weren’t in one of those dank, dark basements.
I had the news station on, and knew there was still time before the storm got to our house. I settled the boys, and ran back upstairs to get a few more things:
1. The dogs. I couldn’t let them get blown away.
2. The cat. He’s been with us almost since the beginning, and he’s a champion mouser.
3. Flashlights. In a rare moment of clarity I realized the power might go out, and we would need light.
4. Shoes. If the house did blow away we needed shoes to climb out of the rubble.
5. The phone. I’d been trying to get a hold of Dave all night.
6. My purse. I’d need my debit card and checkbook to get access to money if something happened.
7. My DSLR camera that I still haven’t really figured out how to use yet. Why? Because, let’s face it, those things are expensive. It would be a long, long time before I could replace it.
8. My laptop. Because if a tornado came, I would have to blog about it.
Hey, I have priorities. I got all the living things to safety before I gathered up the electronic equipment.
It’s funny how you can be so sensible — remembering the shoes and purse — and ridiculous — the electronics — at the same time.
Dave arrived home just before the worst of the storm hit.
He brought his laptop downstairs too.
See?
I’m not the only one.
There was no tornado, but lots of rain, and wicked thunder and lightening.
The tornado warning expired, and we were about to go upstairs when the meteorologist said more storms with possible tornadic activity were headed across the lake.
The boys were almost asleep, so we decided to stay down there. If the weather got bad again, at least we’d already be in the basement.
It was a long night of tossing and turning while more storms raged outside. David was scared, and Dave ended up sleeping on the futon with him. I held Wade until he was sound asleep enough that I could lay him down in the Pack-N-Play.
The next morning Dave and I woke up to David and Wade giggling as the elder helped the younger make his escape from the Pack-N-Play.
I’m glad we’re fine, and the storms didn’t do any damage to our home.
And the camera and laptop are still intact too.
In the event of a disaster, if there was time, what besides your family would you rescue from your house?
That night, Mom & I made it down to the basement (not as nice as yours) with the two dogs and a bag I packed along with my Sony walkman (think iPod). Having gone through a 5 series hurricane season when I lived in Florida, I felt very prepared. I took a candle down with me and a lighter. Lasts longer than a flashlight. The bag had important papers (passport, marriage license, money, etc.) A book, crosswords. I try to grab snacks and water. We tuned into the weather on the walkman. And waited for the all-clear signal. I didn’t bring pictures down with me. I always think I will, but I never have them in one spot, so in a hurry they are hard to grab. And, we left the cats and birds to fend for themselves.
Stopping by from SITS. That’s good that you didn’t end up having a tornado.
i’d bring my phone and laptop, too. some of my son’s things like formula and cookies..
I always grab my Bible because I think I’ll need it most of all.
My CD collection which contains copies of both the former and current Helmsmen, of course!
Okay, this is going to sound weird, but the one thing I miss about not living in Kansas anymore is the tornadoes.
They’re always such a social event there. The sirens go off, and everyone runs outsides and congregates on the sidewalk. Neighbors you haven’t talked to in months are suddenly linked arm and arm with you.
Good thinking on the shoes! That was the one thing I’d always forget on the hurried dives into the basement. Luckily, I never needed them (because we never got flattened), but it was always the biggest stressor during the waiting period.
I forgot to mention that I did grab my Bible when the sirens went off here. That even goes in my carry-on bag on the plane. I don’t want to lose it.
Oh my gosh! I have no idea what I would bring, but it sounds like you very prepared. I am sure your boys enjoyed your adventures even if you didn’t get a great night’s sleep!