A typical ratio is 10 inches of snow equals 1 inch of rain.
Using that metric, Houston would’ve received the equivalent of 43 feet of snow in about three days.
Gadzooks! Wrap your head around that one.
All of us living in areas prone to natural disasters that destroy infrastructure over large areas – hurricanes, quakes, maybe even wildfires, blizzards and floods – should use the Harvey experience to think about our own preparations.
California recommends that families prepare for 72 hours without outside assistance. Preparation helps more than your own family. ; it reduces the burden on initial aid efforts and may put you in a position to directly assist neighbors.
Water filters look like a really good idea for a family preparation kit. We can’t go long without water, and getting sick from contaminated water can be life threatening in a disaster that has damaged or overwhelmed healthcare systems. I always try to keep a few days supply of bottled water on hand, but it is bulky. A water filter is a good option in case you need water for more days or more people.
Keeping an inexpensive Lifestraw-type filter at work and in your car might be wise in quake country, where you don’t get any advance warning of disaster.
