As a Florida native, I have seen my share of storms, from afternoon thundershowers to the recent behemoth that was Hurricane Frances. Most Floridians (both native and long term residents) tend to be blasé about hurricanes, but will still take a few precautions when the season starts. There is a certain feel of silliness involved for being prepared for something that probably isn’t going to hit us, but we do it nonetheless…just in case.
1. Batteries Not Included
If the power goes out, the battery powered radio and flashlight are going to the only information and light sources available. Candles could be used, but are not recommended because of fire risks and smoke. Oil lamps are a little safer than candles because of the lack of open flame, but are still a risk if they are knocked over. Use those as sparingly as possible.
Many people purchase generators to get them through power outages, but there are dangers involved with gas-powered generators. They need to be placed in well-ventilated areas and NOT indoors. Many carbon monoxide poisonings are attributed to generators being placed in the garage or kitchen and no windows open because they are boarded up. Batteries are the safest option. Making sure that all the flashlights, radios and smoke detectors have batteries is one of the first things checked at the start of hurricane season. Also make sure that there is an extra set available for both the flashlight and the radio.
2. Water and Food
There should be one gallon per person per day of potable water stored. Have enough stored for five days. Water doesn’t always get shut off during or after the storm, but in the case of a water line breaking and water needing to be boiled, this is the best and easiest way to have the water readily available. At the beginning of the season, I always made sure I had two gallons of water stashed away and would get the remainder when the storm is getting nearer.
Canned food is going to be the safest option if the power goes out. Refrigerators are not going to stay cold for more than a few hours, so the food is going to spoil. Having the canned food available will ensure that you have something to eat until the power comes back on.
3. Storm Shutters
Not every home is equipped with storm shutters, so they must rely on plywood shutters. Check and make sure that if you do have plywood, it is in good shape and that you have the hardware necessary to install it over the windows. If you power shutters, make sure that they are in working order at the beginning of the season. If you have metal shutters, make sure that they have maintained their shape and are not rusted. In all cases, make sure that the proper hardware is available and undamaged.
4. Special Needs
People who need special needs, such as oxygen or other life supporting equipment should call the local safety department to find out where special needs shelters are going to be set up and put your name on the list for one of those shelters. These shelters have generators to keep these machines running and must have a “reservation” to get into in case of a storm. Set this up at the beginning of every storm season to put your mind at ease and insure your space.
5. Make a List, Check it Twice
If you are going to be unable to stay in your home during a storm, you should have a list of items that you will need to take with you to the shelter. Shelters do not allow pets, alcohol or firearms so make other arrangements in case you evacuate to a shelter. You will need to bring any bedding (pillows, blankets, sheets, air mattress), medication, water, food and toiletries. There may not be access to a shower, so adult cleaning clothes might be a smart idea to do some spot cleaning, these can be purchased at any drug or grocery store. Keep the list in a safe place that you will remember so that you can make sure you bring everything with you when you feel the need to evacuate.
Those are things you can make sure are done before any storm starts brewing in the Atlantic. Once the storm is announced as possibly coming to your area, do not panic. Recent building code advancements have made many homes much safer and being smart will help you and your loved ones survive the storm. Here are a few things to do once the storm is being shown as heading your way.
6. Make a Decision to Stay or Evacuate
Residents of coastal areas will very likely be placed under mandatory evacuation. Mobile home residents will also be advised to evacuate and find shelter. Many people will go to a hotel or leave the area. The decision to evacuate needs to be made as soon as possible because other people are going to be making the same decision. Hotel rooms are going to be going fast and traffic is going to start building up on the interstates and highways. If you have children and decide to evacuate, make sure that you bring some distractions for them while you are waiting in the shelter for the “all clear.”
7. Cash is King
If the decision to stay is made, make sure that you have cash on hand. Phone lines and power are most likely going to be down and so there will be no way of purchasing goods unless you have cash. There is no need to have thousands of dollars on hand, but a good $100 or so is a good idea.
8. Medication and Children
Make sure that you have at least a fifteen-day supply of any prescription medications that you need. If these medications need refrigeration, such as insulin, make sure that a small cooler is packed with ice and the medications. If there are any small children, make sure that you have enough diapers, formula and medicines to get through at least fifteen days. If your child is on formula, you need to make sure that you have plenty of water to make the formula as well as water for yourself and anyone else.
9. Flying Objects
If you have decided to stay, securing your car is important. Try to keep your car away from trees and fences as they may fall over during the storm and crush your car. Also, go around your yard and/or patio and bring in all potted plants and furniture. If you have a pool, do not drain it or throw the pool furniture into it. After the storm passes, you will probably need to shock the pool because of all of the organic material that is going to be blown into it. All yard clippings should be secured so that they do not become flying missiles. Bring in all yard ornaments as well.
10. Occupy Yourself
You have all of your food and water, medications are ready, cash is in your wallet and there are enough batteries to get through a month without electricity. You can watch the constant storm coverage of poor reporters being blown about at the beach, at least until the power goes out. Or, you could play board games or cards with your friends and family. If you are in a shelter, see if anyone else would like to occupy themselves with a game of cards. Catching up on some reading is also a great way to occupy yourself. There’s nothing wrong with watching the coverage, as it will help soothe your nerves knowing exactly where the storm is, but there is no reason to keep the coverage on straight through. Check in every hour to keep updated, listen for fifteen minutes then find something else to do. This is the best way to keep your sanity.
Even after you have made all of these preparations, remember, the first day or so after the storm it will be very hot and very humid. Take it easy, rest every so often if you are outside and make sure you keep hydrated. Many people are injured after the storm because of downed power lines, heat stroke and carbon monoxide poisoning. Follow these guidelines and you will weather the storm just like a veteran.
