Know when to take action

Watch vs. Warning

·         WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.

·         WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours. Remember that there is no such thing as a "minor hurricane." Category 1 and 2 hurricanes still can do significant damage.

Prepare before a Watch or Warning is issued and be ready to evacuate when the Watch comes or earlier if so instructed.

You should prepare your house and your yard. Some things to consider:

·  Turn down the temperature on your freezer and refrigerator as low as possible. This will buy you more time in the event of a power loss. 24 to 48 hours before will cool the food. Avoid opening the freezer whenever possible. If you are evacuating, this step is probably unnecessary.

·  Before you evacuate, call at least one person out of state to let them know your plans.

·  Ensure that your Hurricane Emergency Kit (see below) is fully stocked.

·  Charge electronic devices, for example, laptop computers, cell phones, rechargeable batteries, razors, and the like.

·  Make extra ice, bag it (or see suggestion from neighbors below)- this will be useful to use and to keep the freezer cold.

·  If you are evacuating turn your air conditioner off.

·  If you have a generator, do NOT run it inside or near the house. But make sure you have fuel to run it.

·  Make sure your car has fuel.

·  Pick up yard debris - furniture, tools, decorative items, branches - anything loose that could become a missile. We have placed furniture in the pool upon occasion.

·  Secure boats, trailers, campers, RVs, and the like in the safest place you can find. Tie them down, anchor them, or however you can best secure them. But, take into account that there may be a storm surge.

·  Secure all doors and windows with locks, and shutters if available. Plywood, properly secured, can be effective. Don't forget your garage doors.

·  Move items that may be damaged by water to higher areas of your home if you cannot take them with you if evacuating. Move them away from windows in case they are broken.

·  Huge items must even be secured in big storms. An engine block was found 40 or 50 feet up in a pine tree in the Homestead (actually Redlands) area after Andrew. Don't think that something is too big to be moved by the wind.

·  Re-check tie-downs.

·  Bring cars, bikes, scooters and anything like that into your garage if possible.

·  Bring in grills or other cooking items.

·  Bring in hoses, trash cans, hot tub covers, wind-chimes, plants.

·  Caulk and fill bathtubs - extra water comes in handy for toilets and more..

·  It may sound strange, but do your laundry, dishes, and take a shower. Why? Because if you lose power, having as much clean as possible will make a big difference.

·  Check if your pool pump should be on or off.

·  Close and fasten gates so they don't swing.

·  Close chimney flues.

·  Close/latch inside doors and cabinets.

If you have time, help your neighbors. Debris in their yards can easily impact your home and yard.

During a storm

·  Stay inside and away from windows

·  Be alert for tornadoes

·  Stay away from flood waters and storm surge. It can be deceptively  strong.

·  Be aware of the eye. It may be calm, but winds can and will pick up quickly and could catch you outside.

·  Un-plug electronic devices that are not in use to avoid surge damage. This is less likely that during afternoon thunderstorms because lightening is rare in a hurricane, but it is better to be safe.

After a storm

·  Know power safety - avoid downed lines

·  Know food safety - what is good and for how long.

·  Chain saw safety is critical

·  Generator safety is important too

·  Water treatment - whether water needs to be boiled or not.

·  Listen to local officials

·  Use flashlights instead of candles

·  Inspect your home for damage.

·  Stay off roads as much as possible

·  You may need to super-chlorinate your pool

Boat Prep

1. Move life jackets and first aid kits to house
2. Remove cushions and lose items (e.g. boat tops) and move to garage
3. Anchor hatch covers
4. Move to maximum davit height, fasten cables
5. Unplug davits/lifts
6. Turn off outside electricity to davits
7. For our Boston Whaler: put in main plug on boat (take out other plugs)
8. Tighten down davit locks
9. Tie down boat with dock lines.

Hurricane Supply Kit

Both the National Hurricane Center and the American Red Cross have developed specific guidelines for Hurricane supply kits. A hurricane survival kit is merely a specialized version of your disaster supply kit. It should include provisions to carry you through a week or two after a storm or other disaster. Our hurricane preparation page includes additional recommendations based on experiences of real people who have been through similar situations. Remember, the more water, food, and other items you have the better off you will be in the event of an emergency. You will be able to assist family and friends if needed.

Some companies include pre-assembled survival kits that include water purification tablets and more. They can be useful in addition to your own kit.

Our own version increases some of their recommendations and includes some additional items that are helpful in our experience.

Remember to print hard copy of any documents you need instructions, tips or anything in case you have no power.

·  Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 7 to 10 days. Katrina and Wilma should have emphasized the importance of having sufficient water on hand. Don't forget some for your pets.

·  Trash bags and duct tape - useful for clean-up, or patching leaks in an emergency

·  An ax to use if you stay and need to escape from your house or for other uses

·  Blankets / Pillows, etc.

·  Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

·  First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

·  Special Items - for babies and the elderly

·  Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

·  Bug spray, Cortisone for bug bites

·  Sunscreen & Lotion

·  Tarp to cover holes if needed.

·  Bleach

·  Water purification tablets

·  Waterless soap saves water for drinking

·  Flashlight / Batteries

·  Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

·  Battery operated television, with extra batteries.

·  Cash - Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods. Make sure you have small bills because it will often be difficult to get change, I you only have a $100 and water is $10 for a case and you are limited to one case, you do not want to have the choice of paying $100 or having no water.

·  Keys to house, cars, boats etc

·  Toys, Books and Games

·  Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight re-sealable plastic bag.

·  Insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. Don't forget your re-entry documents (e.g. stickers or passes). Many barrier islands require some documentation in order to return. Keep important phone number here. You may know them, but a loved one may not. All irreplaceable photos on disks.

·  Tools - keep a set with you during the storm. A pocket knife, nails, a hammer and rope are important elements. Towels and buckets are useful too if you develop a leak.

·  Vehicle fuel tanks filled

·  Pet care items

1.    proper identification / immunization records / medications

2.    ample supply of food and water

3.    a carrier or cage

4.    muzzle and leash

   

·  Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days

1.    non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices

2.    foods for infants or the elderly

3.    snack foods (Peanut butter; mixed PBJ; breakfast bars; crackers; canned fruit; raisins; chips

4.    non-electric can opener

5.    cooking tools / fuel

6.    paper plates / plastic utensils / paper cups

Suggestions from friends:

·  People having wood fences should remove every 5th board during strong winds. This from a cousin in Florida that did this each hurricane..save the boards & use screws to replace & remove each time..He said they always saved their fence.

·  Take photos of your belongings, home interior and exterior and save the photographs to a disk. Take the disk with you when you evacuate. Make sure all photos have the date and time, this will help with insurance claims. Be sure to update the disk yearly.

·  Latest suggestion: Save two liter bottles, wash them and fill 3/4 of the bottle with water, leaving the space will allow the frozen water to expand without bursting the bottle. Store these bottles in your freezer during hurricane season, it is recommended to use 2 bottles a shelf. This will aid in keeping the frozen foods cold longer in case of a power outage. It is not recommended for drinking. 

 If you have a suggestion to add please e-mail us so we can publish it on this page

mailto:info@bissonet.org

Thank you.