Lately it hasn’t been so sunny here in sunny Florida. It seems like it has rained constantly for weeks. Mushrooms are sprouting everywhere and I can go nowhere without an umbrella constantly at my side. The BF has threatened to move to the desert. It’s reminded me that it’s hurricane season here in Florida running June through November. Most years here nothing happens, so it’s easy to become complacent. Luckily, I’ve only been through a weak tropical storm and a near miss. Nothing like Andrew, Katrina, or Sandy. So, lucky very lucky. Trouble is you just never know.
Be prepared. Make a plan. Every year the news media in my area does a great job trying to make us aware and be safe.
I’ve learned a few things over the years anticipating the ever shifting Cone of Uncertainty. That’s the likely path the storm is going to take that seems to shift and move at every storm update. That explanation is for non-Floridians and the Weather Channel deprived (poor people). I’m sharing some tips I have picked up along the way plus some of the official hurricane storm guidelines. So, this is in no way a complete list, just some things that stick out to me. Please refer to more official channels for a full and complete list of guidelines.
- Know your Evacuation Zone. This corresponds to your home’s elevation and distance from water. I am lucky enough to live on one of the few hills in my area, so my little condo is not in an evacuation zone. But, just a mile downhill and towards the bay is Zone A, which would be the first zone that would receive an evacuation order. My county has a great website that maps out these zones and shows the locations of hurricane shelters and special needs shelters. Check your local county’s website to see if they have the same. If you can, arrange with a friend or family member to stay with them if their home is in a safer zone. I’ve spent a worried night and morning a little inland at my parents’ house constantly checking the movement of the Cone (and maybe driving them a little crazy, but what are parents for?!)
- Heed warnings of your local officials. If they say it’s time to move out, they usually know what they’re talking about. They aren’t trying to be mean, overbearing, or just like ordering people around. They are looking out for your safety. Remember the pics of those poor people being rescued from their rooftops?
- Gas up. Well before the storm is scheduled to hit, fill up the tank in your car. Then, try not to drive far and keep a close watch on the gas level. If the power is out, you can’t fill up. I used to think that gas stations running out of gas was a myth. There’s always gas at the gas station. They have those huge tanks underground. I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it. Signs at the pumps saying “no gas.” Hopeful people driving in and then driving right back out. If you actually stumbled upon one that was open, a line of cars as far as the eye could see.
- Be sure your medications are refilled.
- Swing by the ATM so you have some cash on hand.
- Know where your important documents are and have them ready to take with you in case you need to leave your home. Especially don’t forget the homeowner’s insurance information….
- Stock up on non-perishable food and water. Just like gas at the gas station, I was amazed to see the water aisle, every size and brand, gone. Also, if you have some empty bottles or plastic jugs already at home, fill those up with tap water. Oh, be sure to include chocolate in your food supply, no explanation needed.
- Don’t forget your furry friends. Have extras of their food, supplies, and medicines, too. On its website my county shows where to find a pet friendly shelter if you need one because not all emergency shelters allow pets.
- Be sure you have alternative lighting. Time to really enjoy all of those wonderful scented candles you just couldn’t resist. I also have a few flashlights and a battery-powered lantern. Don’t forget the matches or batteries!
- Keep your cell phone charged. Maybe look into one of those chargers that you can use without power.
- Don’t keep your freezer stocked with a lot of frozen meats or foods during hurricane season. I’ve read that a freezer will stay colder longer with more items in it, however, I found a big drawback to this. The last time a weak tropical storm blew by, my power was out for about 24 hours. I did what I had read and added plastic container “ice packs” all over the freezer and kept the door closed, being assured that things would stay frozen for a good long while. However, by the time the power came back on, things had defrosted and the air inside was warm. I lost a lot of meats, frozen foods, and money that day.
- Have a Hurricane Storm Survival Kit ready. A storm survival kit would be helpful if stuck at home or if you have to leave. But, what should I have in my hurricane kit? I am sharing some things I have for my DIY kit in my next post Hurricane Storm Survival & Preparedness Kit . Check it out!
Remember, if you are leaving home, be sure to bring your extra supplies with you. You don’t want to use up their supplies while yours are languishing at home. But again, please refer to more official channels for complete storm preparedness information.
Even if you aren’t in a hurricane area, you could use some of these tips to prepare for a winter snow storm (don’t forget heating ideas!), tornadoes, or even the zombie apocalypse.
Do you have any other hurricane safety tips that I’ve forgotten? Write a comment and let me know.
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Stay safe,
Daisy
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