Tropical storm Dan marks only the fourth this season, which runs from June to November.  By contrast, in 2005, a record-breaking year, we recorded 27 tropical storms and 15 hurricanes, 7 of them major, including Dennis, Katrina, Emily, Rita, and Wilma.  Although 2011 has had a quiet hurricane season so far, it’s still a good idea to be prepared.
We found out in 2003 how important it was to be prepared while living in Virginia Beach.  The storms came, took out our power, and left us in the humid oven of late summer with very little nonperishable food.  The result of our experience became the book I wrote, Vegan Unplugged: A Pantry Cuisine Cookbook and Survival Guide.
The book has concise instructions for how to prepare for a hurricane, but also for any time when the power goes out, including ice storms, snow storms, earthquakes, and thunderstorms.  It’s also a terrific resource for pantry cooking, with excellent recipes by Robin Robertson that can be cooked in 15 minutes or less.
Dan is only number four this year, but a lollapalooza may be just around the corner.  Have a copy of Vegan Unplugged on hand before disaster strikes and keep you and your loved ones prepared.  With its quick, easy recipes, this book can also save the day when you simply don’t feel like cooking!