Emergency Preparedness

What To Do If There's A Threat Of A Hurricane

2009-10-01T17:05:00.000-07:00

First I'll clarify the categories of threat:

WATCH = There's a threat of hurricane conditions within 24 to 36 hours.

WARNING = Hurricane winds of 74 mph or higher, or dangerously high water and rough seas are expected in 24 hours or less.

If a WATCH is given for your area:

listen to the radio or watch TV for updates
make sure your storm kit is adequately equipped with supplies you may need and important documents
fill your car up with gas in case you're evacuated
fill up gas containers for generator and store in a safe place
bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor down objects that cannot be brought inside (if you have a pool, you can just place your lawn furniture inside the pool if you have no room for it elsewhere)
clear your yard of debris
review your evacuation plans
install storm protection devices, like hurricane shutters and brace entry and garage doors
moor boats securely or move it to a designated safe place

If a WARNING is given for your area:

listen to the radio or TV for updates and official instructions
store water in clean bathtubs, jugs and bottles
stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors
turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest setting to keep stored food fresh longer if you loose power
if you do lose power, unplug appliances, TVs, stereos and computers to reduce the possible damage from a power surge when the power is restored
check tie down and evacuate quickly if you're in a manufactured or mobile home

If an EVACUATION notice is given for your area:

unplug appliances and turn off electricity and the main water valve to protect your home, but do NOT turn off natural gas unless it is advised by local officials
tell someone that's not in the storm area where you'll be going and the likely route you'll be taking
if you live in an identified surge zone, and if time permits, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or move it to a higher floor
grab your storm kit, lock up your home, and immediately evacuate

*Remember, hurricanes can change direction and intensity very quickly, so stay tuned to local radio and TV stations for updates.

More Things You Can Do to Prepare

2009-09-02T14:24:00.000-07:00

sit down with your family and develop a plan in case of an emergency
take video and pictures of yoru house and any valuables for insurance claims
caulk openings, flashings and soffits
trim trees and shrubs
purchase supplies for clean-up and repair
prepare shutters or other window protection
reinforce roof trusses
examine and repair roof shingles
reinforce or replace your garage door
decide how to tie down outside equipment
purchase a generator, gas cans, carbon monoxide detectors and extension cords
replace hard mulch with soft material
reinforce entry doors

Prepare a Basic Storm Kit

2009-09-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

Get and be prepared for a storm with the following:

large plastic tote with secure lid
flashlight(s)
batteries - know which type you need
first aid kit
battery operated lantern
portable radio
light sticks
water (rule of thumb is one gallon per person for three days)
garbage bags
tarps
tarp tiedowns
rope
non-perishable food (cereals, crackers, tuna, chips, canned fruits and veggies, etc.)
can opener
hand sanitizer
diapers, if necessary

These items will get you off to a good start and you'll be ready to weather the storm with confidence.

Considering a generator?

2009-08-31T11:49:00.000-07:00

Did you know that you could purchase a portable generator on Amazon AND have it delivered for FREE? Save a trip to the store where you’ll be overwhelmed with choices and no information from people who have experience with the actual generators available. Amazon has a great selection for all your needs and you can read hundreds of reviews from people who have first-hand knowledge of the specific generator you’re looking at.

One downed power line can interrupt the entire chain of electricity that connects your home to its power. A generator comes in handy to help keep your lights on as well as important appliances like refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, water heaters and even washers and dryers. Also, after a storm, the generator can be used to run outdoor power equipment for clean-up.

Find out more about types of generators, their benefits and how to determine what size is right for you at the link above, or here.

Hurricane Season

2009-08-29T19:10:00.000-07:00

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. That means that the hurricane season is well under way - are you prepared for an emergency? I've done pretty good at getting things together, but I'm still working on some of it. I will be posting here products that I or other people close to me think are great things to have in the case of an emergency.

Lets hope we're just wasting our money on this stuff - because that would mean we're prepared, but NO HURRICANE STRUCK US!

Check back for more...