[OT]: How to prepare for a hurricane?

F

FUD

Moderator
This is a little off topic but if anyone can supply me with a link or offer some suggestions on how to get ready for a hurricane, I would appreciate it.

I'm new to Florida (been here only a little over a year) and if things go the way that the forecasters are predicting, I'll be experiencing my first hurricane (I encounterd a couple of other hurricanes last year but I wasn't a home owner yet -- I was staying in temporary housing where a lot of these preparation issues I didn't have to deal with).

I had sliding shutters on all the entry ways installed shortly after I purchased the house. I also have security film on all of the windows for added strnegth. The film is designed to stop a .22LR (will not stop a .380ACP FMJ). I have a storm shelter on order but it looks like it will not get here until Oct/Nov. Last night I stocked up on water, diapers, toilet paper, baby food, extra ammo, flashlights & batteries -- wasn't exactly sure what kind of emergency food to buy for me & the wife that won't go bad except for chips & stuff. I already charged the generator which is designed to supply emergency power for about a day and I filled up all of the gas tanks as well as took out some emergency cash from the ATM.

I feel as if there are dozens of other things that I've overlooked. Any pointers, suggestions or links on this subject would be appreciated.

FUD
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[This message has been edited by FUD (edited August 23, 2000).]
 
Got an oil lamp, oil & matches? Flashlights are fine for short periods but if you go hours or days without electric these are much nicer.

Sometimes toilets don't flush because of sewer problems afterwards - got a nice, sturdy, 5 gallon bucket? I know, YUCK! but I've seen it become necessary before.

Good luck! I hope you guys come through alright down there.

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Refuse to be a "helpless" victim.
Knowing Your Rights Hand-gun Control Inc. - Come see OUR truth!
 
Werent you the one involved with that home owner CC and R stuff, well maybe this storm will take out the management and you will be able to put whatever flag you want out in your front yard. ;)

You could always move to kalifornia :D :D

Sorry I was no help. BTW if you still need a bodyguard you will have to include hazard pay now.
See ya, and good luck.
 
Blueyedog, thanks for the idea about the bucket -- gonna run out during lunch and try to find one.

oberkommando, the dumb home owners association is the reason why I don't have my storm shelter installed yet and it won't be here until Oct/Nov -- all of their stupid red tape.
 
I hope you'd not even think about using any gas-fired appliances while the huricane's at your door.

If you lose power during, use the battery operated jobs & save those gas thingies for afterwards. A fire on top of a goodly wind is a bad thing.
 
Priorities are Air, Shelter, water, food.

[BTW call your local red cross or salvation army they probably have a check list for you.]

Air shouldn't be a problem.

So Shelter: If money is no object gor tex shell gear for everyone. Plus whatever you need to stay warm enough when soaking wet in florida [not much I assume].

Water: The normal advice is 1 gallon per person per day and that you should have at least 72 hours [3 days] worth of supplies because that is the FASTEST that government aid is likely to be availible. I recommend 2 gallons per day per person [this is for drinking, cooking etc.]

Food: honestly the baby is the only one who NEEDS food for this type of situation, adults will be fine with plenty of water. If you get a camping stove either a colman type or MSR type you can simply use normal foods like canned and dry goods. [Rule of thumb if power goes out is eat things like milk or frozen goods right away, before they go bad.]

Other things get a couple of candle lanterns from a camping type store [REI or such] they are a LOT better than a normal candle and also safer. MEchanical can openers! Waterless hand sanitizer. Radio and or TV that can run off of battery power.

Those are some basics. I can add more if you want.
 
Fud,

With all the excellent preparations you've made to reduce wind-driven blown object damage (storm shutters, etc), I suspect hurricane surge/water damage is you biggest risk.

I don't know exactly how close to the coast you are, but a great Discovery Channel (I believe) show last week emphasized the point that direct storm surge -- waves -- is better handled by letting the water pass through the structure than by attempting to use the exterior walls of the dwelling to preclude entry of water. In sum, the force of the storm surge and pooling rain are so severe that they will likely destroy walls; by letting the water pass-through, this major problem is partially reduced.

Hope this is only a false alarm for you. Don't stay too long (that's way we have insurance). Best regards.
 
FUD, I'd also recommend that you pick up a bag of lime when you purchase the bucket. It will come in very handy should you have to resort to the back yard latrine.

If it looks like you may encounter the storm, plug and fill your bathtubs with water.
After Andrew came through South Florida, fresh water became a priceless commodity. Figure at least a gallon per person per day and have at least a three day supply, a seven day supply would be better.

A camp stove couldn't hurt either. I usually keep several extra bottles of gas for my camp stove and an extra tank of gas for my grill.
I also have a generator that will keep the refrigerator running along with lights and a radio or television.

Extra batteries for the flashlights and radios are also a must. I also keep a few light sticks around as well..

Good luck, Mark / FL
 
You know FUD, if you'd stop jynxin' yerself with these questions, you could live a full and happy life!! :D No, sersiously, in all honesty...

As someone suggested, you (idealy) wanted at least one gallon of water per individual per day. As they also suggested, you want extra just in case. At this point, I would be more concerned about the comfort of your child. As this should be your main concern, both you and your wife could stick it out uncomfortably if need be. I would stick with only stuff that won't spoil and that can be eaten without being prepared or with little preperation. Might want to stick with something canned. I prefer to keep a good bit of canned goods.. and try to stick with stuff that is still good for ya ;). Also, you will want to make arrangements for a few extra items.. not concerning food. Its a good idea to have plenty of flash lights and batteries but oil lamps (even just one) is better in the long run. I wouldn't suggest running the generator until AFTER the storm. Even with that on hand, I'd keep a good eye for someone else who'd like to have it as well. TP is always a good idea! 5-gal bucket is just as well also. Basic cooking utilities should be fine as well. Remember, do not use Coleman fuel indoors... its not good for you! If you have a propane conversion for any stove, that would be a better bet if you want to burn in doors.. otherwise DON'T. You might also consider packing some extra clothes.. especially in water-proof containers. If a huricane comes at its worst, you'll probably get pretty wet.. along with the rest of your clothes. Just to follow up on what others said, keep all this in mind. I'd just suggest you prepare like you were going on a y2k camping trip. :D

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God, Guns and Guts made this country a great country!

oberkommando sez:
"We lost the first and third and now they are after the Second!(no pun intended)"
 
FUD,
MANUAL CAN OPENER!!!
I would suggest making sure all of the supplies are located towards the center of the house and as high as possible. As for the fuel, make sure it is somewhere secure and dry. Make sure all of the fuel containers are sealed against water.

If anyone in the house is taking any prescription drugs make sure that you've got enough for several days at least.

Canned food:stew, tuna, sardines, ravioli, uncomplicated stuff.. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A MANUAL CAN OPENER!!!!
Powdered milk is nice to have around in case. If you have a water filter that is nice, too.

Battery-powered radio.

Did I mention that you should always have a MANUAL CAN OPENER!!!!? No, a .22LR doesn't really count. :D

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Those who use arms well cultivate the Way and keep the rules.Thus they can govern in such a way as to prevail over the corrupt- Sun Tzu, The Art of War
 
Lots of good advice above.

With a tad bit o luck, the young un will have a wonderful adventure and learning experience. Don't treat it as a game, rather as a serious event. You can pull it off as serious without terrorizing your tribe.

You might want to sharpen your critter watch, your pet gator and his serpentine friends will be a bit confused and may like your shelter.

Couple of good manual can openers. Canned food. Dry food in waterproof containers. Super pasturized milk, the stuff that stores at room temperature. Safe room.....to ride out the worst of the wind. Interior room with enough structure to hold up if roof and exterior of house come unglued.

Sam
 
I've lived in hurricane country on and off for nearly 30 years, here's some thoughts. The shutters on entryways were a good idea. I don't believe the security film on the windows will do you much good, and I know for a fact duck taping them is useless. Use either real hurricane awnings or shutters if you can get them installed before it hits or get several sheets of plywood and break out the old hammer, nails, and circular saw. Get the plywood now.

You are going to lose electric power. If you're like me and don't want to lose the food in your freezer, see if you can get some dry ice and several large ice chests. Be careful with the dry ice, handle only with well-insulated gloves.
 
All good advice. Pack a bug out bag with the essentials for 72 hours in case you have to leave suddenly. In the event of an actual Andrew type hurricane a nice rifle or shotgun will help with the possible looters. Other easy food is: oatmeal, rice, spam, macaroni and cheese, and ramen noodles. Don't forget the tooth brushes and vitamins. Prepare for the worst.
You can't ever have too much water either. If you have to drink local water, boil it for at least 3 minutes to kill germs.
 
I've lived in hurricane country all my life, but the first really bad storm I went through was the famous "Ash Wednesday Storm" of 1954, which was a northeaster. It cut Nags Head, NC, in half where the Highway Patrol Station now stands, south of Jockey's Ridge. There was four feet of water (!) in the kitchen of our house in Atlantic Beach, and we were on a 15-foot dune.

The basic rule of thumb is "hide from the wind, but run from the water". If you are in an area that is mapped for storm surge, get out. Surge maps are available from your county emergency management office. Storm surge will kill you.

Otherwise, here's my observations and experience:

1. Light - Flashlights, candles and kerosene lanterns, in that order. Flashlights are best, but batteries do fail. I like the new fluorosent lanterns put out by Coleman. As for candles, I buy those tall, narrow candles that Hispanic folks use in church - you know, they come in a tall glass container that looks like a highball glass on steroids. They will last for 100 hours and being inside a glass container they are safer than a regular candle. They usually have a Biblical scene painted on them, which makes a opening to explain the Bible story to your kids.

Kerosene is hydroscopic, if you keep your lanterns filled they will rust and eventually leak. Or, you will have a lantern filled with watery fuel that only puts out a weak, smokey light. I keep kerosene in a sealed container and only fill the lanterns if it looks like the power will be off for more than one night. Check the difference between a lantern that was stored with fuel, and one filled only when needed. You'll be surprised at the different levels of brightness.

Food - I keep a carton of MREs in the house. I also keep an old toolbox (metal, keeps rats and mice out) that is filled with rice, canned soup, dried fish (kippers) and other nutritious, easy-to-store items.

Water - I have 30 gallons of water in food-grade plastic containers I bought from a local soda fountain - they originally had drink syrup in them. They cost 50 cents each. That will provide drinking water and the occasional toilet flush. I usually just dig a hole in the woods and surround it with a blanket for modesty (two women in the house) but no one wants to walk in the woods at night, so I flush the toilet in the morning. Also, designate one sink in the house as a piss-pipe for the men. Doesn't have to be flushed, goes straight into the septic system.

4. Radio/TV - get one with a good antenna. If you don't have power, chances are your local stations won't, either. See if you can find one you can run off the car battery (cigarette lighter) as well.

Get a few hunded dollars in cash from the bank. Fill up the gas tanks in your car, plus your propane tank if you have a grill or stove.

I wear my dog tags. At least they can ID the body if necessary.

And, last but not least, don't depend on the government to do a damned thing for you. After Hurricane Fran here in NC, the local 9-1-1 center had its driveway blocked with fallen trees, as was the helipad for the LifeFlight chopper. The center is across from our farm, so we let the chopper land in one of our fields. For three days, not a single one of the many "emergency management" people standing around drinking coffee at the center made a move to clear the drive or the pad. Eventually, my father, uncle and I cleared it with chainsaws and tractors, but only because we were tired of all the emergency management people parking in our cattle feed lot. A similar event took place following a string of strong storms this past spring, when a local church organized work parties to clear roads and such after it was apparent that the county wasn't going to do anything (despite their ever-expanding budget and taxes for "emergency services").

And, of course, keep a gun handy. We effectively had no police for a week after Fran, and a friend of mine defended his home in South Florida from looters after Andrew went through.

Ken Strayhorn
Hillsborough NC
 
Fud,
In the Fl heat, like it was said above you'll need AT LEAST 1 gal of water per person per day but count on more. Purification can also be done by using Clorox Bleach. About a capfull to a gallon of water should kill just about anything in the water supply and it will still be drinkable. Might not taste the best but all the creepy crawly things will be dead. Also for storage DON'T use clear bottles for long term storage or reuse milk jugsn at all. The milk jugs can be contaminated with some nasty bugs and the clear bottles allow sunlight to get in and cause any left over contamination to bloom.

This might sound like common sence but I'll say it anyway:

USE BATTERY POWERED LIGHTS ONLY DURING THE STORM, NEVER USE OIL LANTERNS OR CANDLES
WHILE IT'S BLOWING!!!!

Save the candles and such for after the storm passes and your waiting for the power to come back on. I've seen at least 3 families loose their houses in bad New England Nor'easters and or Florida 'Cains when a lantern/candle got knocked over and started a fire. They thought they were safely behind storm shutters, when some derbis came through or a tree fell on the house, but got burned out anyway.

You already have the storm shutters for the doors but you'll want to make up some plywood (.5-.75" is good) covers for the windows. It's intertesting what damage a 2X4 or some like derbis can do at 75-100 mph. It's quite a bit more than a .380 round, and even then stay away from the windows. If it realy starts to blow, get everyone to the center of the house (a closet is perfect), and duck, use matresses as cover if needed.

If this one stays around the strength that it's expected at (a small Cat. 1, 75-100 MPH last I heard) it will blow and blow and blow and be noisy as hell but you'll be ok.

And remember, When unsure or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout :)

Good luck,
Rob

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"TANSTAAFL"- R.A. Heinlen

"Molon Labe"- Leonidas to Xerxes at Thermopile

[This message has been edited by Mordwyn.45 (edited August 23, 2000).]
 
FUD -
Sounds like you're already about eight steps ahead of most of your neighbors, but the following link may give you some ideas...
http://www.weatherpoint.com/hc/preparation/0,1937,oso,00.html

One other thing to keep in mind - if, for whatever reason you end up stuck with an evac center as your place to stay, firearms are usually forbidden. So, sometimes it pays to think small... :D

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"...and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one."
Luke 22:36
"An armed society is a polite society."
Robert Heinlein
"Power corrupts. Absolute power - is kinda cool!"
Fred Reed
 
If the storm stays in the middle of it's projected path (or slightly to the north), it'll come knocking on my door either late Friday or early Saturday.
<A HREF="http://maps.weather.com/images/maps/tropical/strm7_track_720x486.jpg" TARGET=_blank>
strm7_track_277x187.jpg
</A><A HREF="http://maps.weather.com/images/maps/tropical/strm7_strike_720x486.jpg" TARGET=_blank>
strm7_strike_277x187.jpg
</A>
Click On Above Maps For A Bigger Photo Of Each

[This message has been edited by FUD (edited August 23, 2000).]

Wow! This is pretty neat. The picture that I linked to earlier in the day has been modified and now the track looks completely different from what I originally posted -- the track is now much more south-west than it was earlier. Cool.

[This message has been edited by FUD (edited August 24, 2000).]

And the picture just keeps changing & changing. For regular updates, I can just come here and re-look at my post. Neat.

[This message has been edited by FUD (edited August 24, 2000).]
 
FUD:

Are you on the coast ? I'm here in Lakeland and we don't usually get it too bad, unless it looks real bad I don't even worry about it but if you're on the coast flashlights, water and can food to last a few days is good. Generally you'll need 70 MPH + winds to really cause enough problems to bother with anything more then that. Remove projectiles from the yard if it looks like its going to hit and possibly board up some of the bigger windows if it is a direct hit,just depends on how it looks, if you're + 35 miles in the chances of it being bad enough for alarm are slim. I wouldn't suggest wasting any money yet ( except for food, flashlight and maybe a few gallon jugs ), it looks like it's just going to graze the coast anyway.

[This message has been edited by scud (edited August 23, 2000).]
 
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