As a vet of the coastal regions, here is one that has served me well. Beg or borrow one of those big boat coolers, pack it full of ice, a couple gallons of milk, and BEER. The milk and beer are both good to have and excellent trade goods. A six pack once got me the use of a chain saw and a free brush/tree haul off after the roads were clear.
[OT]: How to prepare for a hurricane?
- Thread starter FUD
- Start date
First off, thanks to everyone who has offered suggestions. Some of them might have been common sense stuff but a lot of them would have never occurred to me.
scud, I'm over in Bonadventure which is where I-75 crosses I-595. Not right on the coast but pretty close to it in relation to the rest of the state -- meaning I'm closer to the coast than I am to the middle of the state. See below ...
... Am I far enough away not to worry -- meanin, should I shoot some targets for my club tonight or run out to get more supplies?
scud, I'm over in Bonadventure which is where I-75 crosses I-595. Not right on the coast but pretty close to it in relation to the rest of the state -- meaning I'm closer to the coast than I am to the middle of the state. See below ...
... Am I far enough away not to worry -- meanin, should I shoot some targets for my club tonight or run out to get more supplies?
I was living in Cooper City, which looks to be not far from you (although it looks like things have changed a lot!) in 1979 when Hurricane Dennis hit. It was a pretty wimpy storm, but we lost power for a couple of days and folks who weren't prepared did get some window damage. I'd strongly consider what Mordwyn.45 said about the plywood covers and take to heart what everybody else is saying about water and flashlight batteries.
KAM_Indianapolis
New member
Hurricanes are a product of nature, therefore they are not always predictable. I would be prepared so we don't have to say you FUD'ed up... 
Didn't you guys learn anything from Y2K... especially be prepared.
Didn't you guys learn anything from Y2K... especially be prepared.
FUD:
If it stays on the projected course you probably couldn't tell the difference between it and a windy thunderstorm really, looks like you're on the outside of it. I don't think I'd really worry as long as it doesn't change course or pick up speed, usually when I get hit on the outside area even of a big storm it's not bad. I wouldn't board up anything just yet, but just keep a eye on it, if it doesn't pick up speed or turn a hard NE it won't be a problem. If I were you I'd go shootin.
[This message has been edited by scud (edited August 23, 2000).]
If it stays on the projected course you probably couldn't tell the difference between it and a windy thunderstorm really, looks like you're on the outside of it. I don't think I'd really worry as long as it doesn't change course or pick up speed, usually when I get hit on the outside area even of a big storm it's not bad. I wouldn't board up anything just yet, but just keep a eye on it, if it doesn't pick up speed or turn a hard NE it won't be a problem. If I were you I'd go shootin.
[This message has been edited by scud (edited August 23, 2000).]
The TV stations in SW Forida have Hurricane Planning Guides every year. Always pick one up, they have good checklists.
Most everything was mentioned byothers, but here are a few add-ons:
Bleach - Buy a gallon of plain bleach, not scented. You can use it to sterilize water for a long time.
Bug Repellant. Everything will be wet, and if the power goes out for days, you will not be able to hide indoors. Mosquitos will be large enough to shoot with bird shot, and there will be trillions of them breeding in all the standing water. You can never have too much bug repellant.
Fill your bathtub. This will be water to flush toilets with, or even for low grade washing. Easier than a 5 gallon bucket and holds more too.
Freezer. If you fill your freezer with gallons of water to take up air space and freeze them, it will be several days without power before you need to worry about stuff defrosting. Save your generator.
Ammo. Looters were a bigger problem after Andrew than ever mentioned in the news, and homeowners did an admirable job of protecting themselves. The police were no where to be found for a long time.
Canned Food. Buy stuff you will eat over the next year, and then replenish next year. I like the Chili and low salt soups they sell at the health food stores, and I use boxed soy milk for cereal year round.
You are better prepared than 90% of your neighbors. Can I come stay at your house ?
------------------
galt
Speak Out on the Net http://www.netcitizen.org
Most everything was mentioned byothers, but here are a few add-ons:
Bleach - Buy a gallon of plain bleach, not scented. You can use it to sterilize water for a long time.
Bug Repellant. Everything will be wet, and if the power goes out for days, you will not be able to hide indoors. Mosquitos will be large enough to shoot with bird shot, and there will be trillions of them breeding in all the standing water. You can never have too much bug repellant.
Fill your bathtub. This will be water to flush toilets with, or even for low grade washing. Easier than a 5 gallon bucket and holds more too.
Freezer. If you fill your freezer with gallons of water to take up air space and freeze them, it will be several days without power before you need to worry about stuff defrosting. Save your generator.
Ammo. Looters were a bigger problem after Andrew than ever mentioned in the news, and homeowners did an admirable job of protecting themselves. The police were no where to be found for a long time.
Canned Food. Buy stuff you will eat over the next year, and then replenish next year. I like the Chili and low salt soups they sell at the health food stores, and I use boxed soy milk for cereal year round.
You are better prepared than 90% of your neighbors. Can I come stay at your house ?
------------------
galt
Speak Out on the Net http://www.netcitizen.org
Dittos on the bleach. If there is any floodwater pushed onto your property, it will carry with it all sorts of virii, bacteria, parasites etc. from all the dead animals. You'll need to disinfect *everything*. Pots and pans, clothing, etc etc etc.
I'd sell the generator and buy lots of plywood. In FLA, I'd consider putting a coat of oil-based primer on the sheets to keep them from dry rot or fungal problems whilst stored. Also think about how you'll fit the sheets to your windows. maybe pre-drill holes on the perimeter so it'll be easier to nail 'em up.
Bugout bag is essential, but lets hope you don't need it. Know your evac routes. Can your vehicle handle 6-18" of standing water? If not, make friends with someone who has such a truck. If you have to go to a shelter, keep in mind that no weapons, pets, or cookstoves are allowed. You might not even be able to store them in your vehicle. Also, you'll be cooped up with a lot of folks with weakened immune systems (kids, old folks, etc) and thus you'll be exposed to all sorts of communicable diseases. If you're susceptible to airborne things like pneumonia you'd best have a ready supply of antibiotics.
The grocery store will have all sorts of food that stores without refrigeration. Canned soup, dried pasta and rice, canned veggies and fruit, etc. Wouldn't hurt to have basic multivitamins around. Keep in mind that canned goods are really heavy, in the case where you've got to bug out. I'm a big proponent of "PowerBars" and their many competitors. No cooking required, can be eaten on the run (literally), good shelf life, and available at GNC as well as many mail-order stores.
Invest in a box of freezer grade 1-qt, 1-gal, and 2-gal ziplocs. They'll keep valuables dry. Keep a binder with info, including a xerox of your insurance policy, and a list of your property. Bring it with you if you bug out.
Get some rigid plastic 2.5 gal water jugs. Unless you are Hulk Hogan, the 5 gal units are too heavy. Fill those suckers with tap water every time a storm threatens, but don't forget to empty them out, otherwise its algae city.
Start converting from alkaline batteries to NiMH (which are now available in AAA, AA, C, D, and 9v). Get a top quality charger. The money you are wasting on alkaline batteries is better spent on other things.
Take Strayhorn's comments seriously. Once you put yourself into the hands of the authorities, since they will already have hundreds/thousands of refugees on their hands they frequently resort to "POW" style treatment. You are probably better off forming up with your neighbors.
I'd sell the generator and buy lots of plywood. In FLA, I'd consider putting a coat of oil-based primer on the sheets to keep them from dry rot or fungal problems whilst stored. Also think about how you'll fit the sheets to your windows. maybe pre-drill holes on the perimeter so it'll be easier to nail 'em up.
Bugout bag is essential, but lets hope you don't need it. Know your evac routes. Can your vehicle handle 6-18" of standing water? If not, make friends with someone who has such a truck. If you have to go to a shelter, keep in mind that no weapons, pets, or cookstoves are allowed. You might not even be able to store them in your vehicle. Also, you'll be cooped up with a lot of folks with weakened immune systems (kids, old folks, etc) and thus you'll be exposed to all sorts of communicable diseases. If you're susceptible to airborne things like pneumonia you'd best have a ready supply of antibiotics.
The grocery store will have all sorts of food that stores without refrigeration. Canned soup, dried pasta and rice, canned veggies and fruit, etc. Wouldn't hurt to have basic multivitamins around. Keep in mind that canned goods are really heavy, in the case where you've got to bug out. I'm a big proponent of "PowerBars" and their many competitors. No cooking required, can be eaten on the run (literally), good shelf life, and available at GNC as well as many mail-order stores.
Invest in a box of freezer grade 1-qt, 1-gal, and 2-gal ziplocs. They'll keep valuables dry. Keep a binder with info, including a xerox of your insurance policy, and a list of your property. Bring it with you if you bug out.
Get some rigid plastic 2.5 gal water jugs. Unless you are Hulk Hogan, the 5 gal units are too heavy. Fill those suckers with tap water every time a storm threatens, but don't forget to empty them out, otherwise its algae city.
Start converting from alkaline batteries to NiMH (which are now available in AAA, AA, C, D, and 9v). Get a top quality charger. The money you are wasting on alkaline batteries is better spent on other things.
Take Strayhorn's comments seriously. Once you put yourself into the hands of the authorities, since they will already have hundreds/thousands of refugees on their hands they frequently resort to "POW" style treatment. You are probably better off forming up with your neighbors.
Ivanhoe, I installed sliding shutters on all of the windows in addition to a security film designed to stop a .22LR (a .380ACP FMJ will go right through it) for an extra element of safety.
I'm originally from up north and I have a Jeep Cherokee (not the Grand Cherokee -- couldn't afford that) equipped with 2-wheel drive, part-time 4-wheel drive & full-time 4-wheel drive. This little baby got me through 3+ feet of snow when the state troopers were getting stuck in their Hummers so I should be able to handle 2 feet of water.
Thanks for your other advise (the same appreciation goes out to everyone else who offered suggestions. it appears now that the storm will miss us entirely which is a good thing. when it was reported that we were gonna get hit with a cat-2 hurricane, I got a little worried there. I would rather first get warmed up with a tropical storm and then maybe a mild cat-1 before getting the big stuff
) but I do have one question: are you saying that even with a state issued CWL, I can't have a gun with me at a shelter?
I'm originally from up north and I have a Jeep Cherokee (not the Grand Cherokee -- couldn't afford that) equipped with 2-wheel drive, part-time 4-wheel drive & full-time 4-wheel drive. This little baby got me through 3+ feet of snow when the state troopers were getting stuck in their Hummers so I should be able to handle 2 feet of water.
Thanks for your other advise (the same appreciation goes out to everyone else who offered suggestions. it appears now that the storm will miss us entirely which is a good thing. when it was reported that we were gonna get hit with a cat-2 hurricane, I got a little worried there. I would rather first get warmed up with a tropical storm and then maybe a mild cat-1 before getting the big stuff
) but I do have one question: are you saying that even with a state issued CWL, I can't have a gun with me at a shelter?scud, I don't recall the exact price but the guy that I dealt with came in at about 40-60% cheaper than a few other companies that I checked with.
He was a really nice guy and his staff was very helpful. In addition to putting up the film, he staff assisted me with other things that I was doing (like putting up a ceiling fan, light fixtures, etc.) at no extra charge -- I was really impressed with their helpfulness!
Just to give you a little more info on it (I already posted this once before but the search isn't finding it so I can't direct you to that thread), it is a clear security film that is applied directly onto the window. if applied properly, after about a month of sunshine & heat, it actually bakes itself into the window and the two of them become one.
He said that this "baking" would take about a week but I found that it took closer to a month. Then again, I had it done in Jan/Feb where the temps were in the 80's down here in southern Florida. If you have it done in the summer when the temps are in the 90's-100's, it might only take a week.
The film is advertized to have a slight tint to it to reduce the amount of sunlight coming in but to be perfectly honest with you, I can't tell the difference. Then again, I don't have two windows (one with film on it and one without) to compare against.
The film is designed as protection against storms. For example, let's say a sudden tornado passes very close by and starts throwing things (bricks, bike, etc.) all over the place -- a brick smashing into the window will not break the glass. It will crack it but the glass will not shatter and nothing will come inside the house. I think that it is very useful to have against suddent storms that either catch you off guard and you do not have time to put the shutters up or strike when you're not hime.
Additionally, they add to overall home security. Down here is Florida, large sliding glass doors are very common -- I have three/five (depending on how look at it, it could either be 3 or 5) of them. All someone has to do is throw a heavy object through it, and they're in your house. They have a video which shouws it stopping a .22LR and a guy smashing away at a sliding glass door with a heavy lawn chair. The glass cracks but does not actually break and the guy couldn't get in even after about a dozen heavy smashes.
They have a demo room set up where you can try this experiment yourself (for those that might not believe the video) -- the only catch is that you have to pay for the sliding glass door that you attempt to break (they feel that they shouldn't have to absorb the cost of proving that their product works especially when they show a video) so that they can reset the demo room for the next unbeliever.
I found that to be pretty fair and I was very impressed with my expereince in dealing with them. E-mail me privately and I'll get back to you this evening with contact information. Regards, FUD.
He was a really nice guy and his staff was very helpful. In addition to putting up the film, he staff assisted me with other things that I was doing (like putting up a ceiling fan, light fixtures, etc.) at no extra charge -- I was really impressed with their helpfulness!
Just to give you a little more info on it (I already posted this once before but the search isn't finding it so I can't direct you to that thread), it is a clear security film that is applied directly onto the window. if applied properly, after about a month of sunshine & heat, it actually bakes itself into the window and the two of them become one.
He said that this "baking" would take about a week but I found that it took closer to a month. Then again, I had it done in Jan/Feb where the temps were in the 80's down here in southern Florida. If you have it done in the summer when the temps are in the 90's-100's, it might only take a week.
The film is advertized to have a slight tint to it to reduce the amount of sunlight coming in but to be perfectly honest with you, I can't tell the difference. Then again, I don't have two windows (one with film on it and one without) to compare against.
The film is designed as protection against storms. For example, let's say a sudden tornado passes very close by and starts throwing things (bricks, bike, etc.) all over the place -- a brick smashing into the window will not break the glass. It will crack it but the glass will not shatter and nothing will come inside the house. I think that it is very useful to have against suddent storms that either catch you off guard and you do not have time to put the shutters up or strike when you're not hime.
Additionally, they add to overall home security. Down here is Florida, large sliding glass doors are very common -- I have three/five (depending on how look at it, it could either be 3 or 5) of them. All someone has to do is throw a heavy object through it, and they're in your house. They have a video which shouws it stopping a .22LR and a guy smashing away at a sliding glass door with a heavy lawn chair. The glass cracks but does not actually break and the guy couldn't get in even after about a dozen heavy smashes.
They have a demo room set up where you can try this experiment yourself (for those that might not believe the video) -- the only catch is that you have to pay for the sliding glass door that you attempt to break (they feel that they shouldn't have to absorb the cost of proving that their product works especially when they show a video) so that they can reset the demo room for the next unbeliever.
I found that to be pretty fair and I was very impressed with my expereince in dealing with them. E-mail me privately and I'll get back to you this evening with contact information. Regards, FUD.
FUD, looks like you've been spared, but will be better prepared for next time. I was there for Andrew, and can tell you you've got some good advice here. I would only add/reaffirm the following:
If you are going to get hit hard, GET OUT OF TOWN. You do not want to live through the storm. If your place gets trashed, you'll have enough to deal with, without the trauma and post-traumatic stress syndrome. And you being there will not reduce damage. Have a place picked out. Relative a half-days' drive away, or camp site. Be aware that all south Florida will be leaving, so don't plan on finding a motel room without an advance reservation.
2. After the hurricane, fresh water is key. Store that water safely.
3. I recommend having a generator and a propane barbeque or other cook set. Sounds like you've go both. As part of your hurricane preparations, put them in a safe place and well secured. If they're in your garage or backyard, they may get relocated by wind or looters.
True story that I will always remember. My home was lightly damaged by Andrew. So 2 days after the storm I went to Home Depo to pick up some window screening. This is the first day they were open after the storm. When I arrived, mid-day, the line for the checkout counter went clear to the back of the store, and almost everyone had two items: a generator and a propane barbecue. Quite a sight. I heard the conversations. It was all people from Homestead. Our Home Depot was the closest one they could find, open. And they all wanted the generator to power the fridge a few hours a day, and for power tools (for immediate repairs). ANd thay all needed the propoane barbecue so they'd have something reasonably comfortable to cook with.
So that's my experience. Hope it helps.
If you are going to get hit hard, GET OUT OF TOWN. You do not want to live through the storm. If your place gets trashed, you'll have enough to deal with, without the trauma and post-traumatic stress syndrome. And you being there will not reduce damage. Have a place picked out. Relative a half-days' drive away, or camp site. Be aware that all south Florida will be leaving, so don't plan on finding a motel room without an advance reservation.
2. After the hurricane, fresh water is key. Store that water safely.
3. I recommend having a generator and a propane barbeque or other cook set. Sounds like you've go both. As part of your hurricane preparations, put them in a safe place and well secured. If they're in your garage or backyard, they may get relocated by wind or looters.
True story that I will always remember. My home was lightly damaged by Andrew. So 2 days after the storm I went to Home Depo to pick up some window screening. This is the first day they were open after the storm. When I arrived, mid-day, the line for the checkout counter went clear to the back of the store, and almost everyone had two items: a generator and a propane barbecue. Quite a sight. I heard the conversations. It was all people from Homestead. Our Home Depot was the closest one they could find, open. And they all wanted the generator to power the fridge a few hours a day, and for power tools (for immediate repairs). ANd thay all needed the propoane barbecue so they'd have something reasonably comfortable to cook with.
So that's my experience. Hope it helps.
David Blinder
New member
While I have no experience with hurricanes, N. Georgia is a major tornado zone and I keep a "bug out" bag made out of a 5gal bucket with a water tight lid. You can most everything you need in one and it'll all be in one place and safe from water. In addition to the above suggestions where are pretty inclusive, I'll add that southern fix everything item, Duct tape. Might also toss in some rope (550 parachute cord is great). Might also consider having a chainsaw around. A few weeks ago, a tornado hit close to my lake house and 4 trees feel across my driveway. Without the chainsaw, I would have been trapped. Personal signaling device like a whistle is not a bad idea to have on your person in case of entrapment.
Ditto on the chainsaw, I forgot about that one; its often critical.
I'd rather not have a generator. It seems to me the noise of the generator would be a dinner bell for looters (someone's home, they're well prepared, they might have food and booze in the fridge/freezer). Discretion being the better part of valor and all that.
The propane barbecue idea sounds OK, plus you can run lanterns off of the same tank. Just the thing if you need to make some repairs at night.
See the other hurricane thread about the CCW thing.
When 6" of snow hit Atlanta back in about 1987, I 4-wheeled it to the local grocery store and the three things that were cleaned out were TP, hot chocolate mix, and beer.
I should qualify my statement above about "forming up with your neighbors." Just to be clear, that would only make sense if you are at a reasonable altitude above local water levels. As has already been said, the storm surge is the knockout punch (though rainfall can flood low-lying inland areas).
I'd rather not have a generator. It seems to me the noise of the generator would be a dinner bell for looters (someone's home, they're well prepared, they might have food and booze in the fridge/freezer). Discretion being the better part of valor and all that.
The propane barbecue idea sounds OK, plus you can run lanterns off of the same tank. Just the thing if you need to make some repairs at night.
See the other hurricane thread about the CCW thing.
When 6" of snow hit Atlanta back in about 1987, I 4-wheeled it to the local grocery store and the three things that were cleaned out were TP, hot chocolate mix, and beer.
I should qualify my statement above about "forming up with your neighbors." Just to be clear, that would only make sense if you are at a reasonable altitude above local water levels. As has already been said, the storm surge is the knockout punch (though rainfall can flood low-lying inland areas).
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR> FUD
Tell them your installing a enclosed backyard pool and put a 6 foot fence around it for safty of THE CHILDREN... Originally posted by FUD:
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.[/quote]
Tell them your installing a enclosed backyard pool and put a 6 foot fence around it for safty of THE CHILDREN... Originally posted by FUD:
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.[/quote]