Friendly hurricane tips as seen on FB

[mcar]

I know a lot of us know these things already, but here's a friendly reminder to be prepared ❤️❤️❤️

From our friend Mary Tischbein - sound advice:
1. For a big storm like Irma, you need enough water to drink for 7 days. The water does NOT have to be bottled. You can simply buy water containers and fill them with tap water.
2. Get a plastic sheet to line the tub. Then you can fill your tub with water without it leaking out. You'll use this to flush the toilet and for basic cleaning if the water goes out.
3. Have enough food on hand to eat for 7 days - food bars and other packaged food is good.
4. Buy a large number of Ziploc-like plastic bags - large and small. You'll use them to protect papers and other valuables AND you'll fill them 3/4 full of water and stuff the freezer full. Do that by midweek to be sure they are frozen when/if the power goes out over the weekend. It will keep the refrigerator colder. Do NOT set your fridge on the lowest setting.
5. Get a portable radio that receives AM and FM. NOAA radio is good, but doesn't get you information on evacuations and other instructions. Get batteries.
6. Get LED flashlights and/or lanterns. They run forever on fewer batteries. But you still need plenty of extra batteries.
7. Get large plastic bags. They are invaluable for keeping valuable things dry if you have a leak.
8. Get large plastic boxes. If you put your valuables, photos, and papers in plastic bags inside the boxes, they will likely be okay.
9. Get plastic sheeting and plenty of duct tape.
10. Do your laundry this week! Lol
Just in case.....A few hurricane tricks for those who may need it:
1. Start running your ice makers now and bagging the ice in freezer bags. Fill as much space in between your freezer items as you can.
2. Freeze regular tap water for pets, cleaning or drinking in tupperware-type containers. REMEMBER to leave a small bit of space between the top of the water & the lids so the ice expands but doesn't crack the container.
3. Start using up your perishables to make more room for ice in the freezer.
4. Fill up all vehicles & check tires & oil.
5. Cash from ATM, at least enough to get you through tolls and gas out of town. Call your bank if you plan on leaving the state so they don't freeze your card for out-of-area "suspicious" transactions.
6. All important docs screenshot & send to your email. Take originals in sealed bags or plastic bins.
7. Pet & livestock food & supplies. Vet records in case you need to shelter then at a storm-safe facility.
8. Evacuation plans and share with family members so they know where you're headed.
9. Consider putting heirlooms & photos in plastic bins in a high place, second floor, or safe room if you don't plan on taking them with you.
10. SECURE ALL FIREARMS & AMMUNITION PROPERLY.
11. Old rags & beach towels on your windowsills. Even with the best windows & shutters, water seeping from the wind pressure happens. A few damp towels is better than soaked drywall or floors!
12. Shutter windows and doors and bring everything outside into your garage or house NOW. Do not wait until the day before. Better to get done early and relax than wait until its too late, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE MANDATORY PERSONNEL (hospital employee or first responder).
13. If you don't already have your hurricane supplies, you might want to get them now. Shelves are already empty in most places.
Feel free to copy & paste! Let's share this post & spread the word!
Be Safe!

[Xipe Totec]

1. 14.- If at all possible, be where the storm isn't. nt

[brooklynite]

5. Airlines will cancel flights on Friday to reposition planes...and may start on Thursday.

Amtrak will likely cancel trains on Friday, probably south of Jacksonville.

Tomorrow would be a good day to leave.

[Demtexan]

2. I keep plastic butter bowls for block ice.

Solar lights.

[Mariana]

20. Yeah for block ice!

Seems like most everyone forgets to make ice, or if they do, they make a few little cubes that melt away in one day. We use clean plastic juice bottles and soda bottles, big ones, and put the lids on after the water freezes. As the ice melts we get clean, COLD drinking water. Cold drinking water is a real boost to morale when you're cleaning up in the heat and humidity with no electricity likely any time soon

[superpatriotman]

3. kicked and recommended

[Warpy]

4. These are all great ideas

I'd add supplementing packaged things like energy bars with canned prepared foods. Chef Boy-ar-Dee ravioli is remarkably good cold out of a can when all you've had to eat for a couple of days is melting ice cream and energy bars.

For light, I'd also suggest getting some LED head lamps. They have the advantage of putting the light where you're looking and leaving your hands free. I use them when the power goes out here and they're great, much better than hand held or even clip on lights.

I really agree about the supply of duct tape, it's an essential part of any kludged together solar still if you get desperate for potable water. You can last a month or so without food. You can last only 4-5 days without potable water.

[NightWatcher]

6. Have a bottle of plain bleach, with no fragrance or other crap

In an emergency you can put a couple of drops (8 drops per gallon) of bleach into water to make it potable.

Also have a couple small bottles of isopropyl alcohol for sanitizing and cleaning or any wounds or scratches you get.

[mcar]

7. Bleach - yes

I will have to get some of that. More Duct tape too.

[LeftInTX]

8. If evacuating empty your freezer and fridge first

[FLPanhandle]

9. A few additions

Charcoal. You will probably be grilling the meat that defrosts from the freezer and without power/gas, you'll need a way to cook it.

Earplugs. Nothing worse than trying to sleep with generators running throughout the neighborhood.

Bug Spray. It'll be wet and hot after a hurricane. No power for A/C so doors and windows will be open. You'll want your deep woods OFF.

Cloud Storage for computers. If you don't already back up your computers to the cloud, now is the time.

Storm Prep also means preparing for the clean up. hand saws, chain saws, rakes, shovels, etc.

Alcohol. Don't laugh. The best hurricane parties are after the storm when folks are grilling and need a reason to relax.

[NightWatcher]

12. The biting flies after Ivan nearly drove me insane.

[FLPanhandle]

30. Friends with a stable turned me onto Permethrin and it works great for biting flies

The flies will not enter the yard.

I have a couple of containers I apply with a hose sprayer this time of year. You can treat clothing with it too when out hiking.

[superpatriotman]

10. Chlorinate that pool

Double the usual amount and run for 24 hours to properly shock it in preparation for the rain and debris.

[FLPanhandle]

18. Yep.

I have 100% Deet bottles all ready now.

Ivan and Opal were a bitch to deal with before, during, and afterward.

[zipplewrath]

11. Modifications from someone who has lived through a few

1. For a big storm like Irma, you need enough water to drink for 7 days. The water does NOT have to be bottled. You can simply buy water containers and fill them with tap water.

Really, let's discuss whether, if you're going to be without water for 7 days, whether it's going to be a good idea to stay. This would be "extreme roughing it". Unless you absolutely have to, you should consider moving to somewhere with water. It may not be all that far away.

2. Get a plastic sheet to line the tub. Then you can fill your tub with water without it leaking out. You'll use this to flush the toilet and for basic cleaning if the water goes out.

Typically, there will be plenty of water available for this activity in your "area". Swimming pools, lakes, retention ponds, etc. This time might be a good time to get to know your neighbors. Who has a pool? Who has a gas bottle for cooking? Who has a chain saw?

3. Have enough food on hand to eat for 7 days - food bars and other packaged food is good.

Again, 7 days is a long time. 3 days is a bit more like it. After that you'll want to consider if staying is a good idea. You can be talking about a potentially toxic or dangerous place to stay otherwise. And again, make sure to know your friends and neighbors. After a couple of days, someone will have power in your larger area. Can they store food for you?

4. Buy a large number of Ziploc-like plastic bags - large and small. You'll use them to protect papers and other valuables AND you'll fill them 3/4 full of water and stuff the freezer full. Do that by midweek to be sure they are frozen when/if the power goes out over the weekend. It will keep the refrigerator colder. Do NOT set your fridge on the lowest setting.

Bags of frozen water are good. Half gallon milk jugs filled about 80% full work well. Freeze them to help things keep cold, and as they melt, you'll also have something cold to drink.

5. Get a portable radio that receives AM and FM. NOAA radio is good, but doesn't get you information on evacuations and other instructions. Get batteries.
6. Get LED flashlights and/or lanterns. They run forever on fewer batteries. But you still need plenty of extra batteries.
7. Get large plastic bags. They are invaluable for keeping valuable things dry if you have a leak.
8. Get large plastic boxes. If you put your valuables, photos, and papers in plastic bags inside the boxes, they will likely be okay.

Consider prepackaging really important things like wills, insurance papers, passports, etc. If the tree pokes a hole in your roof, yo may not have alot of time to "rescue" important things as the water pours in.

9. Get plastic sheeting and plenty of duct tape.

Put flashlights around the house in various rooms. You don't know which one you'll be in when the lights to out. Also, if you have any kind of work gloves, get them out and put them in a known place that will be easy to reach. Also, if you have multiples, spread them around the house. You may have trouble getting to all rooms in the house. Finally, cancel the "hurricane party". Get dressed for hard work. Long sleeve shirts, work boots, work pants, heavy socks, etc. Have a small pruning saw handy. You may have to cut a branch so you can plug a hole.

10. Do your laundry this week! Lol

Just in case.....A few hurricane tricks for those who may need it:
1. Start running your ice makers now and bagging the ice in freezer bags. Fill as much space in between your freezer items as you can.

Make a plan on what food you'll eat first, second, third, etc. reorganize the fridge now so it is easily accessible in that order.

If you have a gas grill or other such camping like cooking tool, get fuel for it. Get an extra bottle if you can.

2. Freeze regular tap water for pets, cleaning or drinking in tupperware-type containers. REMEMBER to leave a small bit of space between the top of the water & the lids so the ice expands but doesn't crack the container.
3. Start using up your perishables to make more room for ice in the freezer.
4. Fill up all vehicles & check tires & oil.

Get a 5 gallon gas can and fill it.

5. Cash from ATM, at least enough to get you through tolls and gas out of town. Call your bank if you plan on leaving the state so they don't freeze your card for out-of-area "suspicious" transactions.
6. All important docs screenshot & send to your email. Take originals in sealed bags or plastic bins.

Do not count on having access to the internet, especially the first couple of days. Cell networks can be down or over loaded. Cable connections can be out for the better part of a month. Have important information either stored on the device, or in paper form.

7. Pet & livestock food & supplies. Vet records in case you need to shelter then at a storm-safe facility.
8. Evacuation plans and share with family members so they know where you're headed.

Have a plan on how to contact each other. "neutral parties" that can pass on information should be established.

9. Consider putting heirlooms & photos in plastic bins in a high place, second floor, or safe room if you don't plan on taking them with you.
10. SECURE ALL FIREARMS & AMMUNITION PROPERLY.
11. Old rags & beach towels on your windowsills. Even with the best windows & shutters, water seeping from the wind pressure happens. A few damp towels is better than soaked drywall or floors!

A garbage bag filled with dirt and placed at the base of the door does well at stopping water from blowing through the door seal.

12. Shutter windows and doors and bring everything outside into your garage or house NOW. Do not wait until the day before. Better to get done early and relax than wait until its too late, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE MANDATORY PERSONNEL (hospital employee or first responder).
13. If you don't already have your hurricane supplies, you might want to get them now. Shelves are already empty in most places.

Actually, it's probably too late, although you may have a chance later in the week when stores restock.

A few final words. A category 3 or higher is dangerous. Honestly assess your ability to deal with it. It's water, it's wind, it's potentially dealing with Tornadoes. I know we want to stay and "defend" our home. Trust me, I've done it. But you must constantly consider whether the storm is getting too big. Get out before it is too late if that is the right thing to do. Once the storm clears, consider again whether there is much point is hanging around. Consider this within the context of children, elderly, sick, and pets.

And think about your community. You have neighbors and friends. You don't have to "go it alone" and they shouldn't feel they have to either. That neighbor that you've had this quiet feud/war for the last 10 years, be prepared to let it go in a big way. Be ready to go over with a chainsaw and work gloves and offer a hand, no questions asked. That little old lady down the street whose name you can't remember? Stop by, apologize for forgetting their name, and reintroduce yourself. Ask about their plans. Find out if they need anything, even if you can't help, maybe you'll bump into someone that can. Ask if there is someone to call if something goes really wrong during/after the storm. Write it down. Give them your number in case they need to call.

And share. Yes, you were smart and bought extra batteries. The couple across the street seems woefully unprepared. Share. Yes, you'll have less. But they may have what they absolutely have to have. And besides, it may end up that they just happen to have the one thing you forgot.

[gratuitous]

13. If you're in the area, and you're okay, TEXT don't call

Texts take up far less bandwidth than calls. Everyone calling slows the whole system down, including calls among first responders. Yes, your loved one would love to hear your voice, but a text with "Am OK, sheltered in Orlando" (or wherever) is very reassuring, too.

Keep in mind that if you are self-sufficient for three or seven days, you will ease the burden on first responders during the most chaotic days of the disaster. Yes, if you get bulls-eyed by a hurricane, all your preparations will be for nothing, but if you're not right in the path, your preparation will help you and many others.

[underpants]

28. Good tip. Also - FROZEN PEAS

frozen peas are a good substitute for ice. Won't last forever but people to tend to go on a frozen pea buying frenzy. Usually available.

[raven mad]

38. And, if you can get it in your area, dry ice.

Don't put food, etc. directly on the block; but a chunk or two in your cooler will keep stuff for days. A local icehouse (yeah, it's still called that) keeps it mostly for horrendous cold winters that knock out power for days on end.

IF YOU HAVE A CHEST FREEZER: don't open it unless you MUST. A chunk of dry ice on a chunk of plywood on TOP works out.

[smirkymonkey]

14. K&R and Bookmarked!

Great tips for everyone to have! Thank you!

[Doreen]

15. It says to have vet records for your animals.

Microchips should be a must ( collars can come or be taken off ) and updated on all shots which include shots to protect them from potential diseases spread in kennels. Also have knowledge of where all kenneling places that will be available. If necessary plan to have pets shipped to friends or family in places that will not be affected at all. I personally would die with my pets if I was unable to do any of that but if I was able to that is what I would do. Also know that even official service animals are not allowed in shelters for people.

[Raven]

16. A few more...

make sure you have enough prescription drugs...refill them now, if necessary.
if you have little kids, have enough liquid baby aspirin

[BigmanPigman]

22. THAT is very, very important.

[Mr.Bill]

17. Put together a good First Aid kit

including OTC meds such as ibuprofen, benadryl, etc.

If you are leaving freeze a cup full of water. Put the cup of frozen water in your freezer and lay a quarter on top of the frozen water. If you return and the quarter is still on top of the ice, this means your power was not interrupted and the food should be okay.

[ginnyinWI]

19. Don't forget a non-electric can opener.

For those human and pet foods that may not have pop-tops.

Lots of canned items can be eaten at room temperature: chickpeas, kidney beans, green beans, peas, corn, baked beans, tuna fish, etc. So you don't need to only stockpile dry goods like crackers and cookies.

[unc70]

21. Toilet paper

[pangaia]

25. OOPPSS DIDN'T SEE YOUR POST

Ah well toilet paper is important so I;ll leave mine up.. post, that is, not my toilet paper..

[malaise]

23. Great post

Rec

[pangaia]

24. TOILET PAPER. !!!!!!!!!

[beachbum bob]

26. supplies are disappearing rapidly and in many cases

the shelves are empty and now gas stations in south florida running out of gas....still time to order off amazon if a prime member with 2 day delivery

[underpants]

27. Batteries - great deals on Amazon Prime

Quick delivery too. My wife stays on top of this sort of thing.

[marybourg]

29. Another place to store washing water is in a top-loading

washing machine. It won't leak out.

[japple]

31. I didn't see this on the list, but baby wipes are nearly essential for those who have to go without

power, sewer or flushability for several days. When we lived in an area where blizzards were frequent, we always had plenty of potable water, kerosene and propane, canned food, pet food and batteries. All of the other suggestions for hurricanes/ flooding are right on.

So thankful that I don't live in a flood-prone area, although we do get tornadoes here.

[mcar]

33. Wipes are a great idea!

Thanks for the tip.

[japple]

34. I found out about this from a neighbor during the blizzard of '93. After

the snowplow came thru, I could drive to work, but we still didn't have any water at home. Couldn't take a shower, but needed to be presentable!

[kydo]

32. Charcoal, propane and how to do coffee

Get those single packet coffee bags. They are like tea bags but with coffee. Just add hot water and you have really a cup of coffee. Not that instant grainy fake stuff. It's a God's gift after a storm.

If you have a camping gas stove or a propane grill you that to heat the water. Charcoal and lighter fluid too.

This is all from experience. Been through many hurricanes. I live in Orlando. Been in FL most of my 50 years on this planet. Was here in 2004 in the bulls eye for Charlie, Fran and Jean. Charlie's eye passed over my house. We lost power for just shy of 2 weeks.

All that about using zip lock bags for ice and also water, doing laundry all that in the OP's post works! Plastic and towels are your friends.

Sand bags. Make your own. Fill garbage bags with dirt from your yard. Lay plastic strips, fill it with dirt, wrap it, you can use guerrilla tape or other things to secure it.

Mattresses for sliding glass windows.

[voteearlyvoteoften]

35. Comfort food

It helps to have good snacks when you are stressed. Make some extra coffee. During Charlie we had no power for a week and all grandma wanted was coffee. She would have been ok with cold. Save shows on dvr. If cable is out you can still watch tv if you have a generator. Rakes and trash bags. With no power nothing to do but clean up the yard.

[SaintLouisBlues]

36. Land-line phone that doesn't need electricity costs about 10 bucks.

Feature phones /cordless phones won't work without electricity.

[raven mad]

37. One more? It worked the last time I was in one.

If you are safe enough at home, set out 55-gal drums to catch rainwater. It DOES okay in the toilet, on both municipal systems and septic tanks to use for flushing, just have a bucket to dip that has a pour spout. If you're on septic, plan on a good cleanout after the storm goes away and the ground is drier.

I hope every damn one of you in the storms path are safe and come through healthy. We can't afford to lose a single one of you.

I'd send supplies, but the Jake the flamingo hijacked them............... LOL! STAY SAFE. "Don't wait, evacuate" isn't just a meme.

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[ThoughtCriminal]

39. Easier than lining bathtub...

Put garbage or law bags in the tub and fill them with water.