Below is a WhatsApp message I received from City Hall today, regarding a storm that’s expected to hit Israel tonight. It contains a list of recommendations to stay safe and secure during the coming storm.
It is almost identical to a WhatsApp message we received from Israel Defense Forces Homefront Command in the first week of this war —about 110 days ago now—containing a list of recommendations to stay safe and secure during a potential all-out war with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Now, this storm seems imminent too.
What does war with Hezbollah even mean?
So, since both an actual storm as well as a missile storm seem imminent, I will combine the messages into one for ease of use. Italics and bold are mine.
Message follows:
🚨🚨📢.
Severe weather and/or a devastating and sustained missile barrage may cause prolonged power outages, as well as death and destruction in various regions of the country, significantly affecting households in wide areas and disrupting daily routines. [[cancel ballet classes]].
It's important to prepare in advance and be familiar with the following guidelines to cope with the situation:
Prepare food that does not require refrigeration or preservation. [[10x cans of tuna, 50 Doritos packets, 10 kilo chocolate (dark) 10 kilo chocolate (milk), 10 kilo cooking chocolate in case we run out of chocolate; 5 boxes Oreos; beans, corn (sweetened), olives; Twizlers.]]
In case of flooding/bombardment of water reservoirs and pumping stations, ensure an adequate water supply is prepared. [[30x 2l water bottles; 10 x soda 1l; 30 x Prime; 3 x whiskey (scotch + bourbon), gin, beer, wine (red), Rose; pure alcohol, acetone, wood varnish]] .
Ensure you have battery-operated lighting. [[get kids to find all the torches they’ve lost; get kids to find all the batteries they’ve left around the house; horde Shabbes candles]]
There may be disruptions in receiving information and alerts from the Home Front Command, so it is recommended to install the Home Front Command app on your mobile phone and stay updated via a battery-operated radio. [[what’s a battery-operated radio? see above for kids on batteries]]
Ensure your cell phones are charged and have portable chargers. [[inevitably, when the phones, laptops, tablets, headphones, Garmins, and Nintendo Switches run out of battery, be prepared for violence within the nuclear family over the portable charger]].
It is advisable to stock up on essential items for your family in advance, such medications and a first-aid kit. [[medications: painkillers, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety pills, hallucinogens, powdered mushrooms, MDMA, edibles; multivitamins]].
Keep personal documents, passports, and cash in a go-bag. [[Add crypto cold-storage wallet; handgun and ammunition; Leatherman knife; wedding rings and family heirlooms; kids’ favorite blanky].
Rely on those around you and care for your relatives - check on your neighbors' well-being and how you can assist each other in preparing and coping with the situation. [[fine but don’t share emergency medication, chocolates, alcohol, batteries, or handgun with neighbors]].
Remember, early preparation will help you best manage power outages and massive and constant bombardment.
Peace. Out.