Tips from hurricane survivors please

Well it looks like another active cane seasoning is here. I've been checking and rechecking my preps as NHC has dennis making a visit later this week as a major cane . I've been thru some near misses but yet to have any major damage and long term SHTF. Have any of you that have "survived" a hit have any suggestions?

Also for any that have lost a home or business what was dealing with the insuance companys like?

Mr. Gravy

Alesha in '83. Water....you need water the most IMHO. We were a week without power, but that was OK. Had camping gear and plenty of coleman fuel. Water was the biggest thing. We had perhaps 20 gallons and a full tub. That didn't last long. Certainly not long enough. Fortunately, we suffered no damage other than broken trees.

Good luck Mr. Gravy!

i survived isabel sept. 2003...cat 2 iirc when it hit land...lots of homes lost here that were on the water; trees down everywhere...i posted here about the experience at length so it's in our archives

what shape is your home in? elevation? distance from water? do you have a chainsaw, with lots of fuel and tools to maintain it? are your preps heavy in protein (canned meats, etc.)? as you will burn about twice your usual daily calories doing cane clean-up and functioning without modern amenities

i got a great tip on TB just before the storm hit...someone had posted to take empty coffee cans and fill them with water and stick them in the freezer. i took two, and filled them just over half way. after the power went out, i followed the tip to move one can to the fridge and leave the other in the freezer.

I left the freezer closed, and opened the fridge real quick once or twice a day to grab stuff. Because of the big block of ice in the coffee cans, all my stuff stayed good for several day until i got bagged ice to work from a coleman cooler.

being without power for so long after the storm, i was prepared to loose everything from the fridge, but that didn't happen. i just threw out some odd clutter stuff that wasn't worth finding space for in the cooler, and was able to cook thawing fresh meat on my camp stove to feed the chainsaw crews.

all of us doing any manual labor in that tropical heat without AC were desperate for meat. I remember going to a buffet style restaurant in an adjacent city in iirc the second or more likely third week after the storm passed. Many businesses were still closed. But at this restaurant, there were people piling their plates six inches high just with meat; it was kinda bizarre to see even having lived thru it. I was so glad that my family didn't have to go through that nutritional deficit for protein. it makes a big difference on performance and comfort.

FWIW? I clean out those square'ish juice bottles, fill them with water (part ways) and freeze them....... They stay frozen a long time (like the coffe cans of ice?) but if they tip over; don't spill.........

Plus we have nice cool water to drink as it melts......

I also try to have a minimum in the fridge, when a storm is coming.....

Make sure all laundry is done and well..... just brace ourselves

CelticRose,

Juice Bottles is a good idea. I used metal cans, and they did start to rust.

Also your laundry tip is good. I did a mad spring house cleaning before isabel, because we have pets, and when you loose central air then you start to smell things in a whole new way. I was real glad that I did the major cleaning and laundry because I knew from shorter outages that house smells really get on my nerves.

Post-storm, a lot of people find they underestimated their need for a cooling source. So, if you have anything in your prep budget that allows for a battery-powered fan - even a little one or a few - I think that's a wise choice. TONS of water - and, in case your water supply's compromised, a bunch of pre-moistened handi-wipes or something.. it'll be hot and you'll want something to clean up with quickly. I think plastic tarps are useful too.. never know exactly for what... outdoor shade, covering a hole in a roof when it rains, etc.

Aside from that, plan for a two-week campout, basically... got enough plastic plates, canned meals you actually like, etc.?

By all means during (and after) a storm, battery or hand-crank radio. Personally, if I was currently in 'cane zone I'd own a small battery-powered television - preferably handheld but if not that, a cheapie 'luggable' portable. The reason is that I think it's often easier to find good hurricane coverage on television. Another reason is if you're out of work and power for a week or two, to have something to watch... .. even if it's just local channels! Have board games and things too. If you're not on a tight budget and like these things, I also suggest some Starbucks bottled cold coffee or another brand or make your own. You may wake up hot, but you won't necessarily wake up any more awake after a hurricane without coffee.

For the tv and other things, I like the idea of a rechargeable power supply of some sort. So, hand crank where possible. Backup batteries out the wazoo where possible. And I *really* like those car-jumpstart mini power stations that are basically a deep cycle battery with an inverter and a couple of plugs. You can recharge them from a wall outlet or more slowly from a car cigarette lighter, and you can run small non-power-hog appliances from a plug-in port on them (some I think you can run DC plugs too).. and as a bonus, jumper cables and a light are usually built in! (Check your local auto parts superstore for those kinds of things.)

For as-the-hurricane-approaches, a broadband connection and the desire to go looking around for Webcams of areas being hit... often those stay up until they get blown away and I've seen amazing and useful info about what was really happening seaside by searching on 'beachcam' and (insert unfortunate locale here).

Gas up all your vehicles well in advance of a storm. There are often disruptions in supply.

A lot of the things I mentioned are just niceties. But, assuming you do get through the hurricane fine and don't want it to feel like TEOTWAWKI, niceties help. Especially the 'extra water' and 'some cooling' type.

well ... I have been here in Pensacola for over 2 decades ... and we did lose our home to Ivan ... this is my 2 cents worth.

do take the time to check all your trees surrounding your home ... if you can ... trim out

take the time to photograph everything, keep all your important papers close by

if you plan to leave, do it early

and as always ... remember to pray ...

patience will come in handy for the weeks to follow


Godspeed, Missy

Oh, I received the following advice a few days ago .... humor on!


We're about to enter the peak of the hurricane season. Any day now,
you're going to turn on the TV and see a weather person pointing to some
radar blob out in the Gulf of Mexico and making two basic meteorological
points:


(1) There is no need to panic and


(2) We could all be killed.


Yes, hurricane season is an exciting time to be in Florida. If you're
new to the area, you're probably wondering what you need to do to prepare
for the possibility that we'll get hit by "the big one.'' Based on our
experiences, we recommend that you follow this simple three-step hurricane
preparedness plan:


STEP 1) Buy enough food and bottled water to last your family for at
least three days.


STEP 2) Put these supplies into your car.


STEP 3) Drive to Nebraska and remain there until Halloween.


Unfortunately, statistics show that most people will not follow this
sensible plan. Most people will foolishly stay here in Florida. We'll
start with one of the most important hurricane preparedness items:


HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE:


If you own a home, you must have hurricane insurance. Fortunately, this
insurance is cheap and easy to get, as long as your home meets two basic
requirements: (1) It is reasonably well-built, and (2) It is located in
Nebraska. Unfortunately, if your home is located in Florida, or any
other area that might actually be hit by a hurricane, most insurance
companies would prefer not to sell you hurricane insurance, because then
they might be required to pay YOU money, and that is certainly not why
they got into the insurance business in the first place. So you'll have to
scrounge around for an insurance company, which will charge you an annual
premium roughly equal to the replacement value of your house. At any
moment, this company can drop you like used dental floss. Since Hurricane
Charlie, I have had an estimated 27 different home-insurance companies.
This week, I'm covered by the Bob and Big Stan Insurance Company, under a
policy which states that, in addition to my premium, Bob and Big Stan are
entitled, on demand, to my kidneys.


SHUTTERS:


Your house should have hurricane shutters on all the windows, all the
doors, and -- if it's a major hurricane -- all the toilets. There are
several types of shutters, with advantages and disadvantages:


Plywood shutters: The advantage is that, because you make them yourself,
they're cheap. The disadvantage is that, because you make them yourself,
they will fall off.


Sheet-metal shutters: The advantage is that these work well, once you
get them all up. The disadvantage is that once you get them all up, your
hands will be useless bleeding stumps, and it will be December.


Roll-down shutters: The advantages are that they're very easy to use,
and will definitely protect your house. The disadvantage is that you will
have to sell your house to pay for them.


"Hurricane-proof'' windows: These are the newest wrinkle in hurricane
protection: They look like ordinary windows, but they can withstand
hurricane winds! You can be sure of this, because the salesman says so.
He lives in Nebraska.


Hurricane-Proofing Your Property: As the hurricane approaches, check
your yard for movable objects like barbecue grills, planters, patio
furniture, visiting relatives, etc. You should, as a precaution, throw
these items into your swimming pool (if you don't have a swimming pool,
you should have one built immediately). Otherwise, the hurricane winds
will turn these objects into deadly missiles.


EVACUATION ROUTE:


If you live in a low-lying area, you should have an evacuation route
planned out. (To determine whether you live in a low-lying area, look at
your driver's license; if it says "Florida,'' you live in a low-lying
area.) The purpose of having an evacuation route is to avoid being
trapped in your home when a major storm hits. Instead, you will be trapped
in a gigantic traffic jam several miles from your home, along with two
hundred thousand other evacuees. So, as a bonus, you will not be lonely.


HURRICANE SUPPLIES:


If you don't evacuate, you will need a mess of supplies. Do not buy them
now! Florida tradition requires that you wait until the last possible
minute, then go to the supermarket and get into vicious fights with
strangers over who gets the last can of SPAM. In addition to food and
water, you will need the following supplies:


1) 23 flashlights


2) At least $167 worth of batteries that turn out, when the power goes
off, to be the wrong size for the flashlights


3) Bleach (I don't know what the bleach is for. NOBODY knows what it's
for, but it's traditional, so GET some!)


4) A 55-gallon drum of underarm deodorant.


5) A big knife that you can strap to your leg (This will be useless in a
hurricane, but it looks cool.)


6) A large quantity of raw chicken, to placate the alligators (Ask
anybody who went through Charlie; after the hurricane, there WILL be irate
alligators.)


7) $35,000 in cash or diamonds so that, after the hurricane passes, you
can buy a generator from a man with no discernible teeth.


As the hurricane draws near, it is vitally important that you keep
abreast of the situation by turning on your television and watching TV
reporters in rain slickers stand right next to the Gulf and tell you over
and over how vitally important it is for everybody to stay away from the
Gulf.


Good luck, and remember: It's great living in Paradise!

A few

Have fire extinguishers close at hand. K-Mart has the multipurpose kind for about 14 bucks each. Could be invaluable.

If you have a generator, only use it to run your fridge/freezer. Save your food.

Coleman battery powered lanterns, about 17$ at Wal-Mart. These light a whole room on batteries and are safer than candles or oil lamps.

Go to the cheap family dollar stores and buy some 32-gallon trash cans. Put one in each bathroom and fill with the hose before the storm gets here. You can't drink this water - it will taste like plastic - but you can use it to flush toilets, wash hands and faces, etc.

Baby wipes are great for keeping clean

Charcoal for the grill, propane for the camp stove. Eat your perishables and frozen meat first.

Plastic sheeting and duct tape.

Don't bother putting those big Xs out of masking tape on your windows. It will NOT keep them from blowing out or breaking....if debris hits them, they're gone. Don't waste your time. Use plywood instead.

If you board your windows, buy plywood and pre-drill the holes. You can re-use these year after year

Battery powered tv. These are great because you can see other people, which is more reassuring than radio. About 40 bucks at Wal-mart

Powdered drink mix like lemonade and kool-aid

Stock the first aid kit

Trash bags! Trash bags! Trash bags! Impossible to have too many and they have a million uses

Buy two 20-gallon tubs at K-mart, about $7 each. One to wash, one to rinse. Do your laundry in them. Get a clothesline and clothespins.

Bug spray!

Insect repellant!

Tent. If it's too hot in the house you can camp in the yard

Board games and a deck of cards

GOOD LUCK!

You'll get tons of awesome ideas from this forum. There are some fact-filled threads from last year, as well. Alan had a few going that were packed with life-saving ideas.

A few I can share: Save your singles. If you end up on long lines waiting to buy ice and water, etc. you may find they don't have change, and with rations, a $20.00 bill will be the cost of a bag of ice and a few gallons of water.


And this is my order of Prep before an impending hurricane--

1. Start making ice (cubes, gal bottles, 2 liter bottles, etc.)

2. Clean the yard befor last pick-up (if possible)

3. Assess preps; make list of what's needed

4. Shopping (as far ahead of the rest of the community if you can) for additional hurricane supplies.

5. Wash all laundry (everything including sheets--with no a/c, your sheets will need to be changed more often, and you won't be able to wash them afterwards except by hand.)

6. Put up hurricane shutters (plywood, etc.)

7. And if I can, I always try to do one last run to the grocery store for non-hurricane supplies--sodas, snacks, etc.--to help the younger ones get through a little more comfortably.

8. Above all, pray. I went through Andrew in '92, Irene in '99, Francis and Jeanne last year (and a couple of dozen smaller ones) but none were like Andrew. That was a nightmare that lasted two days, and then 6 weeks of no electric, food, ice, water, etc. Neighbors lost their whole houses, we fared better, since we still had a house, tattered though it was. I think Ivan was the closest to Andrew, and I still pray for those who endured through that storm last year. And Charley was like it, as well, for the southeast coast of Florida.


Seabird

I won't paste the whole thing here, but here's the compiled notes from the three hurricanes that went through here last year:

Adjutant Briefing hurricane notes

One thing I think I'll do different this time is that I'm NOT going to do the fill-the-bathtub routine. In fact, I'm going to do everything I can to not have any open water sources in the house at all. That open tub added a lot of humidity to the inside of the house, and that's the last thing I wanted. I keep the windows closed and the drapes drawn, and it stays relatively comfortable inside. I don't know how it will turn out, but it's worth a try. I'll use other means to store bulk water (I've got a well and a generator, so I can fire it up when needed).

Stephen said:

I won't paste the whole thing here, but here's the compiled notes from the three hurricanes that went through here last year:

Adjutant Briefing hurricane notes

Click to expand...

Excellent! Thanks, Stephen.

I think the only thing I would add is, do not wait. It may be too late already, but if you might be in the path of this or any other hurricane, prep early. I am in the FL panhandle and work at Lowe's. We are sold out of generators. We sold out of 5 gal gas cans and Plylox, yesterday evening. Plywood was going out the doors like crazy. The phone or a customer would interupt me every couple of minutes wanting a generator. We sold 4 pallets full of gas cans yesterday alone. We have 600 more on order, plus generators, but who knows if they will arrive in time. If you plan to buy ice, do it now. If your frig makes ice, start storing it in freezer bags now. Do not wait until the day before the hurricane strike to start trying to buy things you need.

All the posts above are great advice but there was one thing I learned the hard way after hurricane Andrew-Don't park your car where the water coming off the roof will land on the hood. I lost an 86 mustang that way. I drove to a a store and the car died. I checked the oil and it was water. All I lost was a car so I wasn't complaining

Voice of experience here - fill bathtubs with water for flushing, etc., unless you have a large ditch real close to the house - I've flushed many a toilet with a bucket of ditch water. Always park your car on as high a ground as possible. You do NOT want to go out in the middle of a hurricane to move a car (or a lawnmower, as my father did one year). Plan on staying inside as long as the storm lasts - flying debris can be hazardous, and even a smallish stick blown out of a tree can be carried with enough force to kill.
In the aftermath, when you think you can't stand the heat any longer, try this (if you have ice). Put ice in a container in front of a window through which the wind is blowing. It won't last forever, but you can get cool this way.

A few more

Do all the laundry, take showers, wash hair, wash the dogs too

Vacuum and clean the house. It will get grungy fast

If you have a swimming pool, even an above-ground, fill it all the way. Water source!

Store hot coffee in a thermos. You'll need it the next day.

Gas up the cars, fill all the scripts.

After getting sick from tap water from Andrew in '92, we bought a Doulton table-top water filter. We just replaced the filters with Berkefield ones last year. Our water is ALWAYS nastly, but more so with no power and no chlorination. You can filter rain water or pond water in that thing; it comes out crystal clear!

Use safe water to brush your teeth with; I used tap water after the hurricane, which is how I got sick.

Those neon-stick lights are great for kids; they last 12 hours and kids can't start a fire with them!

A small battery powered TV is very reassuring to have, especially if you have kids. The stress is very hard on them. Anything that seems like routine will make them feel better.

A portable AC/DC power pack with an inverter is nice; it will run a TV or computer for about 5 hours; a fan for 8. Simply plug it in before the storm to charge. After the storm, you can run your auto and plug it into the cig lighter to charge. A very nice convenience to have. You can find them at camping and marine supply stores.
They cost around $100, but I put one together with a DC Power Pack and 175 watt inverter for $45.

(Hey, Fruit Loop, congrats on your 5000 post.)

Some cheap suggestions:

Rubbermaid 5 gallon totes-take out the Xmas ornaments and fill them with water. You will need water for flushing toilets, boiling for washing dishes, etc.

Don't depend on utilities to return soon. In Punta Gorda some morons actually complained to their cell phone companies about the phones not working after the storm. After it was put through their thick skulls that every light, cell and radio tower was blown down within a 20 mile radius, they finally figured it out. Get a battery powered CB radio or better yet a ham rig if you can.

Take a digital photo album of every possession covered by insurance and use the date-time stamp. Burn that on to a CD, put the CD into a waterproof envelope and if possible a fireproof/waterproof safe. Do not depend on the bank safety deposit box because if they are hit hard, they will not be open for a while either.

Lastly, be prepared for a war if you have Allstate. About 75% of the complaints in DeSoto and Charlotte counties from Charley were about those scumbags. They still, almost 1 year later, have not paid out to some homeowners. That's why Charlie Christ is fining them huge amounts of money, but the dirtbags still don't care.

State Farm was one of the best, so I hope you have them. Best of luck, but unless you're east of Panama City, I think the panhandle might get a break this time. It's 50/50 until the storm passes Cuba, but the last 12 hours have indicated a more NW to NNW track....

cheesesteaks said:

All the posts above are great advice but there was one thing I learned the hard way after hurricane Andrew-Don't park your car where the water coming off the roof will land on the hood. I lost an 86 mustang that way. I drove to a a store and the car died. I checked the oil and it was water. All I lost was a car so I wasn't complaining

Click to expand...

oh no! no the 'stang!

Hope you fare well this time

If you have a shingled house, have enough plastic tarps to cover the roof and plenty of those plastic capped felt paper roofing nails. May prevent inside water damage from lost shingles after it passes through.

Hi Mr Gravy-

These were some immediate posts of mine after we took a direct hit here in Bermuda, 4 days after and 10 days after.
There's always something to learn.

My Mamma and 2 Brothers (with families) live in Florida, so I'm watching as well.

Prep is everything, if you don't plan for it, you won't have it.

---onderock---



onderock Sept. 9th, 2003
Veteran Member

Join Date: Oct 2001

Location: The dot in the Atlantic 700 miles due East of Charleston S.C.

Posts: 1,275

Good Afternoon All!
Just checking in again, been pretty busy cleaning up and just trying to keep up with daily usually-taken-for granted necessities.
For anyone here who doesn't have a generator and stored petrol, I suggest you get one whenever you can, before you find you need it. Although electricity and water are two things that rarely enter one's thoughts normally, they are at the top of the list when you don't have 'em. Fortunately I've been prepped for a more-or-less similar scenario for a number a years, but I am still amazed at the number of folks that are not prepared for even a few days of crisis. Here in Bermuda, no electric means no water, as each house has it's own tank(cistern) of freshly collected rain water, and accompaning pump. My son and I filled every conceivble container we could get our hands on B4 the storm, bathtub, pots,pans, pitchers, even his little wading pool. I had about 40 gal of bottled water stored, down to about 25 now. My tank is contaminated with salt water as the surge brought the ocean within 10 ft of my driveway. That put the high water mark at LEAST 30+ ft above normal. Salt spray was coming in massive sheets across my roof, and down into the tank.
I had weighed the risks/benifits of stopping up the downpipes before the storm , similar to my plan in case of fallout drifting over here from CONUS, but as the tank was low, I gambled on rain water from the storm adding to the tank.Wrong move. I am using the now brackish water for flushing, and even showereing whilst hooked up to the genset, but no good for drinking. Oh well, next time
Ice is THE big commodity now, as without fridges and freezers, ice chests rule- but no ice around to speak of.(hmmm-new business venture?) Still using my house as neighbourhood base camp, only one with running water, gas stove, and lights.
I did not buy enough beer and Smirnoff, only had 4 cases.Almost gone. Still have Rum and Scotch, but liquor stores have re-opened.
Still a lot to do around here, tree branches for days, hedges uprooted, shed destroyed. My son Abraham has been helping, says hurricanes are awesome, but would rather not be in them
Granny'shouse lost the porch, and shutters, and a small piece of roof, but got it covered next day with tarp.
I would say about 90% of my gadgets, lights, specialty Y2K preps have come in quite handy, one way or another. If you are a member of this board, pay attention to all that our members have to offer, its free, and great, advice. Heed it, you never know when you'll need it.
Well, that's my update for now, thanks to one and all for your well wishes and prayers, we were spared once again, and look forward to things getting back to a semblance of order pretty sooI- IF Isabel stays away from us!!

take careTB2k family (BTW-Nice post Canada Sue) and will get back here when I can!

---onderock---


And then this update, six days later:



09-15-2003, 04:24 PM

onderock
Veteran Member

Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: The dot in the Atlantic 700 miles due East of Charleston S.C.
Posts: 1,275
Good Afternoon All!
Well, as I am now in day eleven since Fabian visited us, and still no electricity, I'll put forward a few observations of my own, as well as what I've been hearing.
Thank goodness I kept the Coleman 5000 generator from my Y2K preps. It had been boxed up, new, just waiting. I've been running it since last week Sat, only down from 11:30 PM until 7AM.

THE MOST POPULAR SINGLE ITEM in Bermuda has been ICE.
I had 20 lbs. to start with, was melted in 1 1/2 days, in coolers. If you don't have a generator, you're gonna want ice - a lot of it.
If you have a genny- I've been going through about 5 - 6 gal gasoline/day.
Don't forget to have oil on hand and keep it topped up, or you won't have a generator any more.
Water: - Gotta have it, I've been through about 35 - 40 gals in these past 11 days, and I'm talking DRINKING water, NOT bath/shower/toilet. Better double that for adding those, I've been having brackish water showers and using a 5gal bucket to pour to flush when the generators not on.
I just got my phone line back yesterday. You WILL miss your phone/internet access, a cell phone can help, but you've gotto charge the batteries eventually- small 12v invertor for the car lighter I feel is a MUST have for everyone.
If you'vegot kids, go buy some powdered milk, you can always use it later if left afterwards.
Extension cords- can't have too many, suggest at least 6 25ft ones. Your neighbour may have/need electric, be ready.
Tape- Duct tape preferred, 4-6 rolls for windows, and whatever.
Tools- basics at a minimum, Screwdrivers, pliers, pipe wrench, hand saw.
Small coleman interchangeable stovetop/lantern. Can use the same bottles of gas for both.
Plastic sheeting/tarps- for windows, roofs, floors, whatever.
Rope- A couple of different thicknesses, for various purposes.
Lights- flashlights and PLENTY of batteries of course, but afew low wattage fluorescent screw in bulbs are handy if you get ANY power from whatever source. I've strung up my tiny bulb Christmas lights throughout the house(white)- gives good light, low wattage/use and my son thinks it's really cool!
ANYTHING you have that isrechargeable, DO IT NOW- ie: elec. razor, drill, power screwdrivers, flashlights, batteries, etc. You'll be glad you did.
A fan is a great blessing when you have no electric, a small one can be run off the car battery if needed.

Well, that's just the things that come right to mind as I sit here, All the prayers that you lot sent our way are now being sent back yours. Please, think about the items I've listed above, (and there are plenty others) because this is the voice of one who is living it right now. Good Luck, and more importantly, good prayers!

---onderock--- from Sept, 2003



And as for now, July 7th 2005: Prayers for all you lot down there, Stay safe!

---onderock---

Stephen said:

I won't paste the whole thing here, but here's the compiled notes from the three hurricanes that went through here last year:

Adjutant Briefing hurricane notes

One thing I think I'll do different this time is that I'm NOT going to do the fill-the-bathtub routine. In fact, I'm going to do everything I can to not have any open water sources in the house at all. That open tub added a lot of humidity to the inside of the house, and that's the last thing I wanted. I keep the windows closed and the drapes drawn, and it stays relatively comfortable inside. I don't know how it will turn out, but it's worth a try. I'll use other means to store bulk water (I've got a well and a generator, so I can fire it up when needed).

Click to expand...

Two thumbs up. That is the kind of firsat hand prep advice that makes TB2K an invaluable resource.

My favorite last time there was a Hurricane..

I loved my Energizer LED Head Beam! I wish I could get paid for this advertising of this. I just loved it because I could put it on my head and the soft band around my head was not felt. When I needed it it was super as in the dark I was the super power because the beam had direction and pointed where my expertise was needed at the critical times. I had both hands free and it was rather relaxing. I bought five of them and as of now with Dennis approaching I only have one at my disposal. The rest were serepticiously lifted.

The one item I missed last year was a small indoor TV antenna. Lost cable when the power went out. I was running a small TV off of an inverter but had no good
antenna. Could not find one in the stores for days after the storm.

Thanks everyone. Alot of great advice. Please keep them coming as I kow I'm not the only one in the path of Dennis.

Mr. Gravy

Isabel a couple years ago, Opal in 95 in Ft Walton Beach, Donna in Key Wesy in '60 and a few others in between. Have a couple coolers full of canned drinks; lots of batteries and water, do all your laundry ahead of time; a few tarps for the roof; lots of canned foods that don't need heatong; a generator with extra gas if possible. Cook up your freezer items ahead of time. Fill up bathtub with water for flushing the toilet in case the water goes out. Turn up all refridg/freezers to high ahead of time to maintain cold temps. Extra pampers if you have little ones. A coleman lamp is great. Lots of Bug/mosquito repellant for afterwards.


Extra pet food and cat litter if you have cats' extra propane if you have a grill---otherwise charcoal/lighter fluid. Charge your cell phones. After Isabel we had no power for 10 days but a lot of nearby places did so we could get gasoline for the genny and food but had to cook on the grill.

Oh yea---get all your vehicles gas tanks topped off---no power, no gas pumps. Even with power, the fuel trucks may hav a hard time getting to your area. The heat after a hurricane always seems the worst---esp with no power. Try to get a lot of ice before the storm and keep it in coolers for use after the storm. Will post more as I think of them. Good luck!!

a full freezer always lasts longer--fill up plastic juice or drink bottles and fill the freezer

growing up, my mother would fill every available container with water because we had a well--my dh says why bother, we have municiple water--well, during Floyd, our water main washed away with our bridge, but hey, I had water stored
55 gallon barrels under the eves of the house and a 5 gallon bucket work well for toilet flushing--lots of rain to fill them
neighbors were having to get water from the river, which had come ALOT closer and was contaminated from who knows what

the only thing I was short on was dog food-had to go to town after the storm, and the road gave way while I was gone--we live in a very small community with 4 roads coming into it--1 of those washed away, 1 of those was a bridge that was under way too much fast running water, the 1 I used to head to town washed away while I was gone, so I found a way to come around and get in on the remaining road and VOWED to stay home

actually, I don't even remember how long we were without electricity or water because it wasn't a big deal