I realized rather a lot about hurricane survival when I lived by means of three hurricanes in a brief two-month interval. A few of what I gleaned I used to be ready to make use of virtually instantly because the trio of storms swept over Florida. Because it was written in a diary format, some conclusions within the first half have modified by the point you get to the top. You’ll want to learn all three components of this text about hurricane survival and classes realized.
I realized rather a lot about hurricane survival when I lived by means of three hurricanes in a brief two-month interval. A few of what I gleaned I used to be ready to make use of virtually instantly because the trio of storms swept over Florida. The next account is compiled from notes that I, Stephen McGehee, took throughout and after–Charley, Frances, and Jeanne–went by means of my space in 2004.
Because it was written in a diary format, some conclusions within the first half have modified by the point you get to the top. You’ll want to learn all three components of this text about hurricane survival and classes realized. Hyperlinks are at backside of this submit. Elements 1 and a couple of deal primarily with Charley and Frances; Half 3 is a file of Jeanne, together with adjustments I integrated primarily based on the primary two storms.
My Hurricane Survival Notes
Some Background
Hurricane Frances got here by means of final weekend. Right this moment is Friday September 10, 2004, and energy was restored right here right this moment at 5:15 p.m., six days later. Hurricane Charley got here by means of simply earlier than this, and energy was solely out about at some point.
Take into account that though being with out electrical energy and air con is a serious drawback for us, that is how a lot of the remainder of the world lives day by day. The issue is that we’re not used to it and they’re. A useful purpose is to make the transition from having electrical energy to not, as easy as doable till it’s restored.
The storm
Frances was a gradual transferring storm. Excessive winds began right here on Saturday afternoon. The best winds had been on Sunday, with rain bands and excessive gusts persevering with into Monday. This location is surrounded by massive oaks which function a wind display – until they’re blown over. The best gust measured at 30 ft right here was solely 46 MPH, however it was apparent from the motion of the oaks, that the winds had been a lot increased above the timber.
On Sunday, a twister touched down a pair hundred yards from right here. I couldn’t see it, however I heard it. A twister sounds identical to what it’s described as – the sound of a freight prepare, solely with out the “clacking” of the rails. Once I first heard it, my thought was, “Why on the earth would they be operating a prepare in the midst of a hurricane?” It took a couple of seconds to comprehend that it was a twister.
After the storm had handed, I noticed the way it had shredded enormous oaks and destroyed the utility strains. The street was utterly blocked, and I couldn’t see the home that I knew was behind the particles.
Let’s again up: Hurricane survival begins earlier than the storm
Along with the same old hurricane preparedness stuff, flip the air con down as little as you’ll be able to to chill the home. For those who’re cautious, and you’ve got a shady location, you’ll be able to preserve the home moderately snug for fairly some time with the home windows closed. Maintain the shades drawn, cook dinner open air, and preserve issues as dry as doable.
In case your air conditioner fan unit will not be very nicely shielded from wind by the best way it’s positioned, make sure to anchor it down. They appear like they’re rock strong, however they’re truly very light-weight. If it will get blown from its place, it takes the coolant strains with it. That is very costly to restore, and you might be with out air con for a complete lot longer than it takes to get the facility restored.
Retailer extra water than you suppose you’ll want. Then retailer extra.
Within the film “The Matrix”, Neo is requested what he wants. He replies “Weapons. Numerous weapons.” After one thing like this, the reply can be, “Water. Numerous water.”
Having an considerable provide of unpolluted water could make an enormous distinction in consolation.
Having a minimal provide of unpolluted water is important.
Numerous water means you’ll be able to take a shower or bathe. Meaning greater than most folk will ever perceive till they’ve been in steaming scorching climate with no air con whereas doing heavy bodily work to clear particles and make repairs. You MUST have water, and many it.
Water is important to prime a nicely pump.
I realized that when my nicely pump is with out energy for some time it should lose its prime. That’s a scary feeling. Fortuitously, I additionally realized find out how to prime the pump. Do not forget that you need to have water to prime a pump (it might take a number of gallons), so don’t wait till you’re out of water to crank up the pump. I’m fairly positive the nicely may be fastened in order that it doesn’t lose prime like that, however that’s a topic for an additional time.
Additionally, know that when the water goes down, and inside components of the pump and nicely are uncovered to air, rust will type in a short time. Once I pumped water after dropping prime, the water was rusty brown for some time.
I’ve a hand pump nicely that I have to pay extra consideration to in order that it’s at all times in good working order. That’s one thing simple to place off, however essential.
Examine your bathtub stopper.
Everybody is aware of that you have to refill your bathtub with water. The issue is that the majority fashionable tubs have built-in stoppers which are OK for preserving the water in if you happen to’re taking a shower. They may NOT, nonetheless, preserve water in for the long run. For those who belief the built-in stopper, you’re more likely to have an empty tub the following day. Take away the metallic stopper and substitute it with an old style rubber stopper from the ironmongery store. They arrive in numerous sizes, so be sure you get the best measurement. You may substitute the flowery metallic one after issues return to regular.
Different water container concepts
A giant Igloo water cooler stuffed with ice water is extraordinarily helpful and retains you from having to open the fridge or get into an ice chest for chilly water. My sister used one for her household, and it labored nice. It’s on my listing of issues to purchase.
One other water container that I’ll attempt to discover for subsequent time is a 5 gallon container that has a valve that may be turned on and left on like a water spigot. Most water containers have a spring-type valve that you need to preserve holding to get water. I would like one thing to set on the toilet and kitchen sinks in order that I can have operating water when wanted. Once more, it’s on my listing.
My off-grid cooking expertise
Fuel grills and cookers differ rather a lot in how a lot warmth they put out, and a few may be slower than cooking on an electrical range. Lots slower. Take that into consideration when planning. I think about most folk already knew that, however I didn’t.
These little “George Foreman Grilling Machines” work nice when you have a generator. Attempt to use it outdoors so that you don’t warmth up the home any greater than crucial.
The primary evening with out energy, I grilled a steak. It was among the best I’ve ever had. I had deliberate to try this earlier than the storm hit, and picked up some potatoes to go together with it. Attempt to cook dinner some actually good meals like that every so often. It’s an actual morale booster. In addition to, you’ll want the crimson meat for all of the work that follows the storm. For those who’ve received them within the freezer, plan on cooking them instantly. (Additionally, taking that steak out of the freezer and sticking it beneath my shirt to thaw out was a good way to chill down.)
Once I tried cooking with a liquid gasoline backpacking range, I discovered that one thing had gotten gummed up, and it might simply barely preserve a flame going. Overlook about cooking on it. I took it aside and cleaned it. It fired proper up and boiled a cup of water in nearly one minute. Can’t ask for higher than that.
Hurricane Survival Continues When the Storm is Gone: Beware After-Storm Hazards
Except you are attempting to journey out a serious storm in a cellular house, or you might be in a storm surge or flood space, probably the most critical hazards are after the storm has handed.