I hope your Halloween costume includes an umbrella because a monster storm is heading for Ryerson. Halloweekend was rainy, but the worst of it is yet to come as weather forecasters are saying wicked heavy wind, rain and maybe even snow (yes I said snow) is expected to hit Toronto over the next few days. If the fact that the weather system is being dubbed #Frankenstorm isn’t frightening enough, Canadian Red Cross is urging Torontonians to stock up on a storm kit with essential items in advance of hurricane Sandy’s arrival.
Say what? A storm kit? If you’re like me, you’re thinking… how does the Red Cross expect a procrastinating student such as myself to gather up items for an emergency storm kit when I can’t even gather up my empties for emergency beer money? Also, what exactly does the Red Cross recommend I stock up on while #Frankenstorm barrels towards Ryerson with wind speeds of up to 130 km/hr?
Here is a list from their website:
- Non perishable food to last 72 hours
- Two litres of drinking water and two litres of washing water per person per day.
- A manual can opener
- Medication if you have a prescription
- Cash in small bills
- A fill up of your gas tank
- Crank or battery operated radio with flashlight and extra batteries (check)
- First-aid kit
- Special items such as baby diapers and baby formula if needed
Not going to lie, if it was up to me a storm survival kit would include a bottle of booze, my iPod with a sweet #Frankenstorm playlist and all nine seasons of Seinfeld (though it might be hard to watch without power.  No seriously though, I recommend you have all of my recommended items close at hand. Don’t forget to gather up some food because you will be hungry and cold if this storm causes the blackouts and flooding. (Environment Canada says it might happen.)
For those of you that don’t live on campus, carry a heavy-duty umbrella at all times and brace for possible road closures on your daily commute. If you drive, be careful out there. I am legit concerned about trekking to school and sincerely hope I don’t blow away. I recommend avoiding the storm at all costs by staying inside and snuggling up under a warm blanket. Use the time to catch up on either homework, sleep or your favourite TV show. Emerge from bed when it’s over.
Stay dry, if you can.
