HURRICANE PREPARATION
AND
RECOVERY PLAN
“COMMUNITY
PLAN”
By
David M. Williams
Safety Net Consulting, Inc
2008
This booklet is
published and distributed exclusively by:
Safety Net Consulting, Inc.
Suite 1272-330
Copyright © 2008 by
David M. Williams
All rights
reserved. Published in the
For more information
on the material contained in this publication or for additional copies, please
contact:
David M. Williams
President, Safety Net Consulting
(757) 619-7049 Cell
(757) 477-0477 Office
AUWings72@aol.com
DISCLAIMER
The statements, recommendations, and procedures provided by this planning document are those of Safety Net Consulting, Incorporated and do not necessarily reflect all available options for planning and mitigating personal loss or injuries associated with natural or man-made disasters. The material presented in this document reflects multiple accredited sources and the accumulated best practices and lessons learned of those involved in disaster planning, mitigation and recovery. Any person using this document must use reasonable common sense and their prudent judgment to limit, reduce, or prevent personal injury or property loss in the case of any natural or man-made disaster. Such individual decisions and actions must be based on current and forecasted conditions and choosing the safest course of action for all those involved. No warranties or guarantees are provided given the extensive and dynamic variables involved in natural weather phenomena or made-made events. The opinions, practices, and procedures included in this publication either expressed or implied are provided as a reasonable course of action which will significantly improve, if followed, the safety margins for you, your family members and neighbors. Prior planning will provide you with both options to follow and sufficient time to prepare. If no or inadequate planning is completed prior to the onset of natural or man-made forces, your options and successful outcome will be limited or jeopardized.
Preface
Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Isabel have forced us to realistically review and update our concepts of adequate disaster planning. Specifically, hurricane Katrina demonstrated the tragic results of major planning, mitigation, and recovery shortfalls at all levels (Federal, state, city, individual). This updated disaster preparation, planning and recovery guide has been compiled from multiple sources and combines the best information and opinions available at this time. Some information is significantly different from previous plans, and may even differ from currently published hurricane plans. This plan has been extensively researched and reflects many of the lessons learned from hurricanes Katrina, Andrew, Isabel, and Rita.
Subject experts vary in opinions on some of the key elements enclosed in this plan; therefore the reader of this plan will have to use his or her best judgment in the preparation and execution of this plan. This update is intended to address those shortfalls and give our community residents relevant information, and tools to better plan for, and recover from a natural or man-made significant event affecting this area.
Use your best judgment to tailor this plan to best suite your particular needs and abilities. Use your time effectively as available preparation time will soon compress in the face of the oncoming storm while supplies and transportation restrictions will further complicate readiness and recovery
Given the probability of a hurricane or other significant event hitting this community, it would be reasonable to plan for considerable property damage, threat to life, and an extended recovery of weeks, not days. This basic planning tool can not be totally comprehensive as it would be too voluminous to be readable, but by using the “Community Plan” as a guide, with available resident resources and knowledge, a synergy will result which will limit the storm’s damage and personal impact.
Concept of Operations for Residents and Civic Association.
Civic Associations and its residents will be able to review and act upon this Community Plan. The Executive Association Board should develop subcommittees to gather relevant information, research, plan, and implement the “Community Plan”. It is hoped that through a combined civic effort, many neighbors will be able to capitalize on their individual talents and experiences and thereby help their fellow neighbors. Obviously, combined and coordinated efforts will be more effective than individual uncoordinated efforts.
Civic Association Executive Board and Subcommittees
To adequately prepare for a natural or man-made event requires prior coordination and planning among your community’s following committees:
1. Administration Resident directory, skills, manpower coordination
2. Communications Information to/from City and within community
3. Security/Access Verify and control access in /out of community
4. Engineering/Sanitation Electrical, water, gas, debris collection/control
5. Rescue and Recovery Coordinate search, rescue, and recovery
6. Medical/First Aid Coordinate and assist as required
7. Neighbor assistance Assist seniors, boat securing, special needs
8. Safety Locate and identify hazards
9. Supply/logistics Coordinate, control and distribute resources
Table of Contents Page
Preface 4
Civic Association Executive Board and Subcommittees 5
Table of Contents 6
Why Long Term Planning and Preparation 7
Decisions and Documentation 7-9
Pre-storm Supplies Assessment 9
Garage Door Reinforcement and Window/Door Protection 10
Emergency Supplies and Lists 10-13
Access/Entry Control/Security/Weapons 13
Shelters and Regulations 14
Advanced Hurricane Preparations 15-16
Hurricane Warning Stages and Preparations 17-20
IF Evacuating 19
Storm Day 20
Post storm 21
Dangers after storm 22
Hurricane Supply Lists 23-26
WHY
Long Term Planning and
Preparation
Preparation Overview and Planning
You will have basically four options when confronted with an approaching storm; leave quickly, shelter in place, go to an area shelter, or be forced to take refuge of last resort. Your planning or lack of planning will bring you to one of these actions.
To Leave or Not Leave Decision . IT IS ALWAYS SAFER TO LEAVE AN AREA WELL BEFORE A HURRICANE HITS THAN TO WAIT TO SEE IF IT WILL HIT. Although track and intensity forecasting has significantly improved within this decade, it is still “a best guess” because of all the weather variables that combine to make the storm’s outcome. Current hurricane track and intensity estimate accuracy is:
Intensity +/-
1 category @ 24 hours
Track +/- 140 miles @ 48
hours
Strike probability +/- 75 miles @ 72 hours
Strike Probability 50% @ 24 hours before
Ref:
Note: You must accept the uncertainty of a hurricane impacting you. If you wait until it is certain that you will be impacted, it will be too late to leave due to gridlocked evacuation routes. If your home has not been prepared, available supplies of food, fuel, and plywood will be exhausted. Your options will be limited.
It is dangerous to make your personal decisions based upon the accuracy of what is forecasted for a storm’s track, or intensity. The time remaining before the storm hits, the amount of time available to prepare and then to evacuate the area and the amount of rain preceding the storm will all impact your ability to leave the area. If forecasts are inaccurate, you could find yourself in the middle of the storm’s flood and furry being unable to leave the area. This could be a potentially fatal error. Leaving the area early is always the safest option. Homes can be rebuilt.
Most
of the coastal regions of the
Warning. Due to the
population densities and road capacity in many surrounding areas, evacuation by
road may be significantly impaired as much as 48 hours BEFORE the onset of
TROPICAL FORCE WINDS (39 MPH) WHICH WILL PRECEED the HURRICANE FORCE WINDS (75
MPH). Depending on the width of the hurricane, TFW may extend 150+ miles in front
of Hurricane Force winds
Decide and act early.
Documentation. Your insurance company expects the homeowner to make prudent and reasonable preparations to limit storm damage to your property. Retain all sales receipts for storm supplies purchased. Develop a QUICK PULL file system using specially LABELED (mark with color dot/highlighter, etc.) file system for quick and easy recognition of all critical record files in case you are forced to evacuate quickly. Protect documentation with labeled zip-style plastic bags appropriately marked with a water-proof marker. Document your preparations if time permits.
Visual Records. Take digital pictures (USAA recommends pictures instead of video), or TAKE BOTH. Documentation of all interior rooms showing flooring, carpeting, furniture, walls and ceilings (grade of construction, ceiling fans, etc. and show all exterior views of your property. Show clear areas around your house with trees trimmed back and dead limbs removed to limit possible contact with your house. A branch contacting roof shingles can quickly wear away your shingles and expose under-roof. Make copies of your photos on CD’s, videos or pictures and send/email them to friend/family out of the area and your insurance company.
Insurance Coverage. Review and document your property coverage and Flood Damage coverage. Keep all insurance paperwork together and specially LABELED (mark with color dot/highlighter, etc. for quick and easy recognition (Quick Pull System).
Pre-storm Supplies Assessment. Protecting your house against wind and water damage requires a comprehensive effort and is costly. These are basic guidelines, but you want to protect your windows/sliding doors from blown objects WHILE ALLOWING FOR PRESSURE EQUALIZATION within your house as the wind changes direction as the storm passes. If your house is sealed tightly to prevent water from entering, the pressurization difference between the inside and outside can literally blow the roof off. Plan to cover your windows, storm doors, and attic/eve windows with plywood (CDX 5/8-3/4 inch). For brick veneer homes, attach plywood using concrete anchor screws (TAPCON brand 3/16” x 1-1/2” with metal washers). Drill a couple of holes (door knob hole size or so) in plywood to allow air flow and light in. Holes will also allow the downwind side windows to be opened slightly to permit pressure equalization. Paint both sides of plywood with a white paint (helps reflect interior and exterior light) protects plywood, keeps it from warping and allows easier storage. (See Miami Dade County Hurricane Preparation web site for info)
Reinforce Garage Door. Previous hurricane damage has shown that 80% of the homes that were lost when the garage door was blown in or pulled out. Once the garage door was lost, a funnel effect would result blowing the roof off above the garage until the entire structure would be compromised. Although reinforcing the garage door presents its own engineering challenges, the door must be reinforced. One method is to use (2) metal 4”x4” brackets (i.e., Simpson Strong-Tie type/www.strongtie.com) for a garage door. A hole is drilled into driveway for the strong tie and a lag bolt secures the metal plate to the driveway. Then a 4 x 4 or (2) 2x4’s of sufficient length to go to the header that will allow for another strong tie or bracket with a bolt or screw is used. See the following sites for information and demonstration video:
www.sun-sentinel.com/news/weather/hurricane
http://hurricane.weathercenter.com/guide/garages.htm
Your car can also be positioned in the garage and 2x4’s placed between the tires and door to prevent the door from being blown in. Both blow in and out should be prevented.
Note: Emergency Supplies and Lists. As part of your preparation at the beginning of the hurricane season, look at what you have accumulated previously. You should view your supplies in THREE LEVELS:
Life Critical items (food, water, medicine, gasoline if evacuating, tire repair bottles, flashlight, batteries, battery powered radio, etc.)
Important items (shelter, clothing, hygiene items, important papers, documentation, social security card, passport, money, flashlights, batteries, etc.)
Comfort items (insect repellant, bug spray, chairs, cards, stove, metal coffee pot, ground pad, tent, etc.)
If evacuating, you would place the Life Critical
items in your car first, then many important items as space would provide, and
then if there was space available, some comfort items.
Your vehicle will probably not be able to carry all that you would like to carry, so you will have to prioritize your loading sequence.
Storage. Being able to protect and quickly locate your supplies is important. Buy sufficient plastic containers of different sizes to meet your requirements. Large plastic trash bags and duct tape can be useful. Use waterproof markers to label containers. Buy sufficient plastic bags to dispose of refuse/waste. Provide for a means for collecting, and storing drinking and non-potable water. Plan on 1 gallon of drinking water storage per day per person. Bottled water will quickly sell out. Do not use plastic milk bottles to store water as these bottles are almost impossible to clean adequately. Without electric power, city water will be unavailable. Without water, toilets will not flush nor will area sewage pump stations work. Ground water will soon become contaminated.
Food and Water. Plan on at least a two weeks supply of canned or packaged foods for each person. This may seem excessive, but you might have to share your supplies with those who did not adequately plan. This food does not have to be everyday affair quality, but whatever will satisfy requirements. Do not plan on heating foods as this may not be an option. There are many hand operated water pump/filters available at sporting goods stores that will significantly ease water procurement and storage requirements, and protect you against waterborne diseases. Suitable hand operated water pump units range in price from $60-$200 and provide up to13,000 gallons of filtered water (eliminates sewage bacteria, gardia and crypto etc., NOT Salt). (see www.campmor.com). Note: these hand pump units do not remove the salt from salt water, but units are available that can produce drinkable water from sea water, but they are expensive and require an electrical power source.
Medicines/ Health Needs/Inoculations. Access your prescription needs and special health requirements. Do your prescriptions need refrigeration or have a short shelf life? Ensure inoculations are up to date, especially tetanus shots as puncture wounds are common in the storm’s aftermath. Also, “third world” shots such as cholera, mumps, and measles are important. Consider hepatitis A, B, C shots.
Electrical Backup/Equipment. Portable generators can provide electricity in a power failure, but have many limitations and precautions must be used for safe operation. Proper electrical extension chords of sufficient gauge are critical to prevent electrical fires. Check your Emergency Generator Owner’s Manual for requirements. Gas consumption (approximately ½ gallon per hour) plus storage and fuel supply are issues. Most cars and boats with internal fuel tanks have “anti-siphon” devices installed in the filler neck which make fuel siphoning problematic. Fuel can be removed from cars or boats but destroying a $500 gas tank to get $80 worth of gas may not be cost effective. A good source for backup electrical power for car-type radios/plug in cigarette lighter (12volt DC) is the deep-cycle battery in your boat or car if it is charged and removed prior to storm. Various size inverters can be purchased which will convert DC battery power to AC power to run small appliances. With some engineering, wires and a switch, a battery could be rigged to provide a power source for low-draw lights (auto low wattage or LED type (available at a trailer/RV)
Tools. Hand tools and battery powered tools can help make quick repair when the power is off. Keep them accessible and charged inside the house with you. Have a supply of double headed nails, drywall screws, plastic tarps, and strips of wood for reinforcement for quick repairs. Repairing damaged windows with plywood from the outside against the wind is very dangerous, if not impossible. Do not leave your emergency tools, generator, and gas supply in your shed, which would probably be destroyed by sufficient winds. Bring your emergency supplies and tools inside your structure which will offer better protection than your shed. Wrap your electric tools in plastic covering to prevent water damage. Take precautions with combustibles.
Communications. Develop some means to communicate with
family members and neighbors, cell phone, walkie-talkie, CB, or VHF
marine. Be aware that most cell towers
do not have emergency power, so if the power is lost in your area, you will
also lose your cell phone. Cities will
use commercial AM radio channels to broadcast information. IE,
Community Roster Having a completed and current roster of your residents, email listing, knowing who has left and to where, points of contact, and those skills that each of our residents can provide is critical to the community working concept. Central information distribution and organization is essential to maximize everyone’s efforts. Roster information sheets should be developed having two sections, one for community public information and one section for private “Needs to Know Only/Next of Kin” information in case of injury, death, etc. This is strictly voluntary, but will assist in case of significant damage to a property. It would be a tragedy for neighbors to endanger themselves to rescue a family whose house has been destroyed, only to find that the family has left.
Utility Shutoff’s Know locations for water main shutoff (tool required to close), hot water heater inflow valve, fuse panel, master electrical breaker, and gas line valve( Note: If you close the gas line, a certified tech will need to restart your pilot lights) . Your decision will be as to if and when to shut off these valves. After the storm, damage, mud and debris may obscure the valve locations.
Access/Entry Control/Curfew/Security After a major disaster, a community would
have to rely on internally established controls to maintain security. The complexity of this problem would be
determined by the extent of damage to the area, the conditions in the
surrounding areas, and the time duration before stability could be
reestablished. Conditions could run the entire spectrum from calm to
chaos. No one can force you to leave
your residence before a storm, but under Governor’s orders, you can be prevented
under threat of arrest from re-entering your neighborhood. You must prevent innocent people from being
shot, while preventing undesirables from looting damaged homes. If you remain behind, your community will
have to establish procedures to identify those who belong in the area and those
who do not. In most states, carrying a
concealed weapon without a permit is a felony, while carrying a weapon in the
open, called “open carry” is legal in
Sanitation. With the loss of city electrical power, water and sewage service will be jeopardized. To prevent the spread of disease, residents will have to provide containerable means to collect, control, disinfect, and properly dispose of waste in a centralized location. The collection area for disposal of dead animals should be provided.
Boat Securing. Be prepared to properly secure your boat with enough lines, bumpers, and chafe guards. Residents with larger boats will want to locate to other safer waters, while some residents will chose to secure their boat in the middle of the canal. At some point, all canal traffic will be stopped and the canals will be closed. Plan early. For those securing boats, remember that the storm surge will raise the water level significantly, so secure your boat as necessary. Use fenders, bumpers, and chafe guards.
Area Shelters The city will open and operate emergency shelters when a Category 1 or greater hurricane is expected to impact our area. The city will probably order an evacuation of areas affected by a Category 2 or greater hurricane. When evacuating to an area shelter, REMEMBER:
1. no pets allowed
2. bring own bedding
3. bring water and food
4. medicines and prescriptions
5. change of clothing
6. toiletries and personal items
7. personal identification (to get back
into your neighborhood)
8. games, activities, books, etc
9. no smoking, alcohol
10. no weapons
11. do not go to the shelter until it is announced open
12. eat well before going to shelter
13. bring important paperwork/records file
Note: Security will be provided by area sheriff’s department. All bags will be checked.
Advanced Hurricane Preparations
Do a visual survey and inventory of your house and property to determine the following:
1. amount of plywood required to cover and protect windows, doors
2. area to store lawn furniture and equipment
3. tree limbs that threaten roof areas (should not be within 6 feet of the house)
4. location of water main/gas line shutoff valves
5. water heater inline valve shutoff location
6. method/hardware to secure garage door from blow in/out
7. Visually document (pictures/video) all interior rooms, furnishing, ceilings and fixtures. Locate house plans if available.
8. collect containers to support each family member’s needs for a 4 week period, water, food, fuel, waste, repairs, supplies, clothing, protection
9. collect tarps/wood and similar items to repair screening, roof, walls, windows
10. hand tools and battery powered tools
11. hand pump sprayer for 10% Clorox wash down of walls and floors
12. suitable area for storage of combustibles/fuel/propane/cooker
13. locate and label (colored dot, etc) all critical files to be removed quickly
14. determine the amount of zip lock type file protectors (1/2 gallon, 1 gallon, etc.), large plastic garbage bags for collection/disposal
15. quantity of large 5 gallon containers for collection and storage
16. quantity of small, medium, large coolers for storage
17. outdoor cooking equipment and fuel supplies as needed
18. emergency house kit; flashlights, batteries, radio, fire extinguisher, space blankets, first aid kits, matches
19. outside emergency kits; rope, ax, come-along, chain saw, bow-saw, hammer, double headed nails, roofing nails, sheetrock screws, duct tape
20. insect repellant
21. Clorox bleach disinfectant (collect 5-10 gallons)
22. plastic gloves, good work gloves
23. dust masks, surgical masks, surgical gloves
24. eye protection (needed during cleanup)
25. Clear out attic of unwanted items
26. Clear out garage and shed of unwanted items
27. Source of fuel for heating food
Hurricane Warning
Stages
ONSET OF TROPICAL FORCE WINDS
Danger. Driving a vehicle with material on top or a camper/van type vehicle is very difficult in winds above 35 MPH and almost impossible at winds above 45 MPH. Most highways and tunnels will be shutdown at the onset of TROPICAL FORCE Winds, 39 MPH. All emergency vehicles and work crews will be recalled before winds exceed 50 MPH.
TROPICAL FORCE WINDS – ONSET MINUS -SIX
DAYS
CONSIDER LEAVING THE AREA SHORTLY
Develop a prioritized checklist for what to buy, and what has to be done as the storm approaches. If time is restricted, buy only the most essential items.
Refuel car and emergency generator supply
Verify emergency food and water supplies
Civic members, update Residents list/Emails/POC’s/NOK/Skills listings
Sterilize plastic containers for water storage
Place containers/plastic bottles ¾‘s filled (not milk type) in freezer for block ice
Recharge deep-cycle battery
Recharge tool batteries
Verify food/water supplies and amount needed
Clorox disinfectant/sprayer
Purchase priority items
ATM cash/Coins (rolls of quarters)
Medical needs/prescriptions refilled
Assist neighbors
Check trees for potential house contacts
Locate water shutoff wrench
Remove lawn and patio furniture
Locate emergency kits/medical/tool/tarps/battens/trash containers to central room
Remove/secure boat
Prepare to board up windows/doors/reinforce garage door
Remove trash and sterilize containers
TROPICAL FORCE WINDS –ONSET MINUS FOUR
DAYS
Make plans to evacuate if impact potential exists. Select routes and alternate. Identify needed supplies if evacuating. Be able to evacuate no later than 48 hours before the ONSET OF TROPICAL FORCE WINDS! This could be 24 hours before a TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS SET (36 HOURS BEFORE SUSTAINED 39 MPH WINDS). EXECUTE YOUR PLAN NOW. To delay leaving the area jeopardizes your safety. Load your vehicle with your emergency supplies/documents/ sanitary/first aid items starting with the critical items first, then essentials items, then comfort items as space is available. Consider evacuating to area shelter if routes are becoming or expected to be flooded, gridlocked or blocked before you could reach a safe area.
Note Following Established
HURRICANE WATCH – 24-48 HOURS
NOTICE
HURRICANE WARNING – 24 HOURS OR LESS TO STORM EFFECT
YOUR Guidelines
TROPICAL FORCE WINDS – MINUS THREE DAYS
Reconsider decision to stay or to evacuate.
Board up most of house, windows, doors and garage door.
Buy last minute supplies as needed
Pull designated Quick Pull Files, seal and protect in zip bags
Move interior furniture to middle of rooms
Roll carpets and place above floor level
Backup computer files, protect and store separately
Reinforce garage door
Cover and protect electrical appliances/computers
Protect valuables/keepsakes/photos
Assist neighbors
Do last minute wash/dry of laundry
IMPORTANT
If evacuating
Turn off INDIVUAL CIRCUIT BREAKERS for water heater, A/C and house lighting circuits. Decide about refrigerator/freezer power shutoff and food cleanout.
Close street side main water line valve to house
Turn off gas line to house
Unplug all non-essential electrical equipment
If it looks like storm surge will affect your house, turn off electrical main power switch at breaker box.
Slightly
open windows that are plywood protected to enable house pressure equalization
during storm. Ensure adequate attic ventilation
TROPICAL FORCE WINDS – MINUS TWO DAYS
Coordinate plans with remaining neighbors/civic association leaders
Remove boat battery for useful power source in house
Secure boat
Finish boarding up house, doors, and garage door
Assist neighbors
Leave POC/NOK information sheet in protected holder in visible location
Email/Give neighbors /distant friends/relatives your intentions
Move essential supplies/tools/food/water/First Aid kit/radio/TV to center room
Document your preparations inside/outside with pictures/video or both.
Consider if staying
Close street side main water valve to house
Turn off gas line to house if in doubt
Slightly
open windows that are plywood protected on each side of your house to enable
pressure equalization during storm. Ensure adequate attic ventilization
TROPICAL FORCE
WINDS – MINUS ONE DAY
Store drinking water in containers. Each person requires 1 gallon per day drinking alone. Verify food supply and emergency kits accessible in house. Monitor TV/city’s emergency AM radio channel for latest information
ONSET TROPICAL
FORCE WINDS THRU HURRICANE DAY
Beware of the eye of the storm. The hurricane’s winds will quickly drop, a calm will exist for a short amount of time (20-30 minutes) and then the winds will rapidly increase from the opposite direction. Consider ALL downed electrical lines LIVE and do not assume that just because the power is out at your house that the power lines are dead in the adjacent areas. Make only emergency repairs to your residence with extreme caution. Beware of dangling tree limbs especially when clearing roof areas. Do not drive thru standing water unless life/death matter. Beware of open manholes or washouts. A rapid water flow 6” deep can sweep a person off their feet.
Post Storm
HURRICANE- POST
STORM
Neighbor assist neighbor. If assistance is needed, communicate with association member, rep, or place a colored cloth on front door or in window:
RED-
Emergency medical or injury ONLY
WHITE- NON-life
threatening emergency but assistance needed
DRINKING WATER PURIFICATION and
SANITIZATION
1. If needed, boil water 10 minutes
2. or, filter water thru clean multilayered cloth, then add 8 drops of 2% Clorox solution per gallon. Bleach should be 4-6% solution sodium hydrochloride, NO ADDITIVES (Clorox regular type only). Stir, and then let water stand 20 minutes.
3. Or, add 20 drops to clear rain water/40 drops to cloudy rain water. Stir and let stand 20 minutes.
4. Consider the health hazards that would be associated with indiscriminate dumping of household biological waste or spoiled food. Each resident is responsible to properly collect in a plastic, covered container, disinfect (lime/disinfectant) and properly dispose of waste. Your civic association will set up specific procedures and location to accomplish.
CLEANUP AFTER FLOODING
To prevent and limit mold from forming and contaminating the structure, quickly remove all wet carpeting, padding and rugs. Ensure NO Electrical house circuits are powered, then with a saw or emergency powered circular saw, cut and remove wet drywall and insulation material. Wear gloves, mask and protective clothing before attempting. Once wallboard becomes wet, it is almost impossible to prevent mold from forming. Water damaged wallboard would have to be removed anyway due to the loss of its structural strength. If thermal insulation in walls or subflooring or attic is wet, it will have to be removed, and placed in sealed plastic bags. Once all wet material has been removed, spray wet floors, walls, and ceilings with 9:1 ratio water to Clorox solution. Ventilate structure to dry out.
DANGERS AFTER STORM.
Animals. Large areas will probably be flooded. Pets and wild animals will be displaced. Watch for potential threats.
Plants. Oleander branches may look like a convenient stick to use for roasting hotdogs, or marshmallows, but it is highly poisonous. Identify these bushes in your area and avoid.
Charcoal. Smoke from charcoal fire is highly toxic with carbon monoxide when in a confined area. Carbon monoxide is odorless and kills very quickly. Do not use charcoal fires inside of a confined area or upwind of people nearby.
Portable Generators. Do not place a portable generator in garage
or near living space as gasoline motors produce deadly toxic fumes. Keep generator in well ventilated area. Do not refill tank with engine operating or
when hot.
Hurricane Supply List
Note: Emergency supplies and lists. As part of your preparation at the beginning of the hurricane season, look at what you have accumulated previously. You should view your supplies in THREE LEVELS:
Life Critical items (food, water, medicine, gasoline if evacuating, tire repair bottles, flashlight, batteries, battery powered radio, etc.)
Important items (shelter, clothing, hygiene items, important papers, documentation, social security card, passport, money, flashlights, batteries, etc.)
Comfort items (insect repellant, bug spray, chairs, cards, stove, metal coffee pot, ground pad, tent, etc.)
If evacuating, you would place the Life
Critical items in your car first, then many important items as space would
provide, and then if there was space available, some comfort items.
Grocery Store type items
Food items Non-perishable/MRE’s (4 weeks worth/person)
Plastic water containers (1 gallon per day per person for drinking minimum)
Bottled water
Aluminum foil
Closable plastic bags (i.e. Zip lock type 1 qt, 2 qt, 1 gal)
Plastic forks/spoons/knives
Clorox-type non-additive liquid bleach
Candles (dangerous if not closely monitored)
Waterproof Matches/lighters
Pet food/supplies
Medical needs (prescriptions)
Plastic heavy duty trash bags
Personal hygiene items/ 1 gal paint can with lid/plastic bag liners (grocery type)
Baby wipes (saves a lot of water, easy disposal)
First aid kit
Insect spray and repellant
Benadryl type anti-itch insect spray
Anti-diarrhea tablets (Imodium –D/water quality may be suspect)
Anti-bacterial wipes
Waterless Hand cleaner
Poison ivy spray
Nail puncture wound treatment (Bactitracin)
Hardware store Items
Flashlights (LED- type new technology best)
Plastic tarps/sheeting to cover furniture
Double headed construction nails
Wooden strips for repair battens (repair windows/walls/doors/roof)
Heavy rope (secure boat, move tree limbs)
Plywood CDX (5/8 -3/4 inch) cover doors/windows/make repairs
Tapcon concrete anchors 3/16 x 1-1/2” to secure plywood to doors/windows
Lag bolts/lugs/strong tie plates/ 4x4 wood to secure garage door
2x4 studs (garage door reinforcement/repairs as needed)
Batteries (AA, AAA, D cell type)
30 gallon covered plastic containers for non-potable water container
5 gallon covered plastic containers (storage and sanitation)
½ gallon/ 1.5 liter plastic bottle containers (put in freezer to make block ice)
Note: Leave space for ice expansion in bottle, not milk bottle
Duct tape
Window screening
Drywall screws
Roofing nails
Plastic disposable gloves
Heavy duty plastic gloves
Work gloves
Come-along to move heavy limbs
3 in 1 oil (seals in Coleman grills/lights dry out)
Lime/Disinfectant (for sanitation)
Bow type Hand-saw
Circular saw (battery powered)
Waterproof markers
Yard sale colored stickers to label Quick Pull Files
Stainless steel wire
Waterproof portable file containers
2 Fix-a-Flat aerosol cans for car
Crowbar /pry bar 24-36’’
Sporting Goods Items
Water filter hand pump/SteriPen UV purifier
Charcoal water filter container (like Brita)
Snake shot
Suitable ammunition as required
Screened enclosure/tent
Ground sleeping pad
Multi-tool/Swiss Army style knife
Ax
Clothing storage bags
Camp stove
Camp stove fuel
Propane camp fuel
Coffee pot
12 volt DC deep cycle boat battery/wiring/switch/light sockets for illumination
Whistles (signaling devices)
Marine radio
Bicycle helmet (good protection from flying debris)
Safety goggles (driving rain and debris hurts and prevents injury)
Large coolers (2), 1 for ice and 1 for food.
First Aid Kit
First Aid book
Rain ponchos
Thick soled boots/hiking boots for walking over debris
NOTES