A Few Reminders

I offer a few suggestions I have learned over the years. No great wisdom here, just reminders to those who tend not think about these things until they are needed:
1) always have an alternative heat source for emergencies (kerosene, propane, vent free gas logs, etc.), a fireplace beats nothing, but not by much unless you have an insert;
2) always have at least a half tank of gas in vehicles (I lived through the so-called gas shortage in the 70s in Hawaii where there are NO refineries. Since then my gas tanks never, ever get below half-full), it's also very good to keep five to ten gallons of gasoline in proper storage cans, especially if you have a gas powered electric generator (and if you do, please know how to use it properly so you don't electrocute the power company guys working on the lines);
3) always have enough food & water on hand to feed your family at least a week (and don't cheat, but rotate it);
4) keep a flashlight by the bed of every member of the family & keep it fresh (tell the kids not to play with them; they are not toys);
5) at least once practice getting out of the house in case of fire, especially if you have young children; and remember smoke alarms are for adults, children sleep through them;
6) do not waste good money on fireworks; watch someone else's money burn. Instead use what you would have spent on fireworks to do the other items above.