These tips were generated and discussed during a Hurricane Show and Tell program presented in the Clubhosue on March 30, 2006 by Martin and Marcia Reff, Calvin Brooks, and Larry Larkin. About twenty people attended the presentation and about dozen or more later went out to see a generator operating.
RADIO You should own a portable radio that works inside
your house.
What radio station should I listen to? Wink FM 96.9 AM 1240
TV Channel 3 Cable 5 Paste a label with the station on your
radio.
TELEPHONE What kind of telephone should I use?
Use an old fashioned phone, one without transformer which is usually
small black solid cube that plugs into electric socket.
Cell phones - will work if you maintain its charge, are connected to a major carrier, and the load on the "lines" is not great. I've been told even if a tower is down, your phone will work if it's provided by a major carrier because it will work on another carrier's line. This is what roaming is about.
TARP Should I buy a tarp? How large? What else?
If you need to cover something specific indoors should your roof
blow, yes, buy a tarp (short for "tarpaulin" which is
a sheet of waterproof material or canvas which can be found in
the paint department of a hardware store). But consider the size
and who would put up? Don't buy one that is too large.
BATHTUB AND SINKS What should I do in my bath tub besides
taking a bath?
Clean sinks and tubs and fill them up with water.
NO SPACE BETWEEN WINDOWS AND SILL Should I leave a small air space between the window and its sill? ABSOLUTELY NOT. KEEP WINDOWS CLOSED ALL THE WAY.
ATTICS In what way is the access to your attic important?
Panels that cover attics in garages and in the interior of the house need to be covered with a heavy plywood panels that can be screwed in the wooden frame or access. Ladders that come down to provide access to attic space are probably heavy enough to safeguard access by wind.
FRONT DOOR If my front door swings inward, what should
I do?
Since air pressure pushes your door inward, having a door that
swings inward makes entrance easier. Two options: replace door
with one that swings outward or protect door from wind by installing
heavy storm panels
COOKING FOOD - How can I easily and safely cook food?
By using a Coleman propane stove.
ROLLER SHUTTERS How can I maintain my roller shutters?
Wasps and other creatures may decide to homestead in the compartments
that contain roller shutters. By rolling the shutters down and
up once month you will discourage free housing.
WATER Should I turn off my water?
Do not turn off water in house or at outside valve. However if
you have a tree growing near the line between your water meter
at the street and your cutoff valve outside your house, it might
be a good idea to purchase a special wrench, called a "curb
key" to quickly turn off the water at the street where the
meter is if a tree upends and breaks the pipe.
GARAGE DOORS
Hurricane Andrew in 1992 showed what to be most vulnerable
in your house?
Your garage doors. They need to be protected by at least two
vertical struts inside and outside to reduce the movement of the
door. Lately, some new garage doors have built in struts for
storm protection. Check on your situation.
GENERATORS
Should I buy a generator? Where can I keep it?
If you normally store a lot of food in a number of freezers or/and
refrigerators, buy a generator. Because a generator produces
deadly carbon monoxide gas, you should always use the generator
outside in the fresh air. You can store it indoors or build a
holding place outdoors if it conforms with Architectural Reviews
Board Standards (ARB) and it is approved. (See article on Generators,
prepared by Larry Larkins,)
REFRIGERATION w/o generator
If I don't have generator, how can I keep food cold?
Freeze water in containers in advance and store them and perishable
food in Styrofoam containers or allow it to remain in the refrigerator.
LIGHTS
What kind of lights should I use?
Two flashlights masrked in white should be placed in convenient
places. A mall flashlight that can hang from your belt or around
your neck is handy; it frees your hands. Battery powered lamps
may be used at any time. Propane lanterns produce a large amount
of light but need fresh air. Candles and/or oil lamps are adequate
after the storm.
EVACUATION
I wanted to leave town, where could I go and when should I
leave?
Leave early and drive away from the storm....not easy with a moving
storm that doesn't know where it's going. Ocala, and points that
direction are good but don't tell the storm.
EVACUATION WITH PETS If you have a pet and
need a motel, here are the names and addresses of two that have
been used:
Best Western Motel, 45miles south of Ocala in Brooksville, Florida.
(I 75)
Holiday Inn-West, Gainesville, Florida (I 75)
SHELTERS Should I use an ordinary shelter run by the
County?
If you have no place to go, by all means go to one of the shelters.
The shelter will provide bathrooms and showers. The shelter will
also provide a bed or a floor mattress, food and water - usually
for two days, although you should bring some of latter as well.
Bring with you drugs, clothing, and something to do - book
to read, radio with earphones, etc.
STORE SUPPLIES - in your house not in your garage. Do not access garage during storm.