hurricane-preparedness

Hurricane Preparedness List & Tips What To Do Before, During, After

A hurricane preparedness list! It will provide reassurance that you will have thought of the essentials.

A hurricane preparedness list will greatly reduce the likelihood that you will forget something during the stressful time immediately before a potential hurricane disaster.

Note: No list is a perfect or complete list. With that said, the following hurricane preparedness list will help get you thinking in the right direction. To help you make your own.

The list is intended to provoke thought and preparation.

Topics within this article include:

Staying Informed, Safety, Evacuating, General Supplies, Food and Water, Power Outages, Repair and Maintenance, Emergency Documentation, Special Needs, “Spaghetti” Forecast Models, Hurricane Force Winds & Damage, Storm Surge Flooding, When to Pack Up The Vehicle, To-do Before Hurricane Season, During a Hurricane Watch, Warning, During The Event, and After the Hurricane.

It’s all just meant to provide ideas to help you out…

Hurricane Preparedness List

Stay Informed

First and foremost on the hurricane preparedness list is to stay informed of the forecast models. Initially there’s a large cone of possible landfall. The closer it gets, the more accurate the forecast. Know where you are located with regards to the projected landfall.

  • Know the terminology: Know the difference between tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes so that you can follow the reports better.
  • Listen for warnings: Heed the advice especially if ‘they’ are advising to evacuate. Listen for what the weather forecasters and/or emergency management people are saying.
  • Stay up to date with a Weather Alert Radio: ( I recommend this one )

There’s lots of information at the National Hurricane Center

Safety

It’s common sense. But I put it on the hurricane preparedness list anyway.

  • Head to a windowless room: Even if your windows are boarded up, stay in a windowless room while the winds are blowing.
  • Stay downwind: This area is the opposite side of the house that the wind is hitting.
  • Stay inside: Stay indoors for the entire duration of the storm. You should not go outside during the calm of the storm, when the eye passes over. Dangers lurk and the winds will pick up soon.
  • Windows: Cover your home’s windows. Storm shutters are best. Plywood is another option (e.g. 5/8” plywood, cut to fit and ready to install).
  • Have an evacuation plan: Think about WHERE you will go, long BEFORE you need to evacuate.

Evacuating

There is always an evacuation recommendation or ‘order’ for the general vicinity of landfall. Every hurricane preparedness list should include advice about the evacuation process.

  • Get a real map: Don’t rely solely on your GPS. Get a Road Atlas of your region for your vehicle. ( Road Atlas Map For Each State )
  • Let someone know where you’re going: Contact family or friends before you evacuate ( “bug out” ) and let them know your planned destination. If you lose contact, this will help alleviate questions and concerns.
  • Keep your gas tank full: Fill it up all the way. Today. Also while you’re on the road try not to let your tank get below half.
  • Pack a “Bug Out Bag” and/or “Emergency Kit”: Contents should be packed with essential supplies, food & water, clothing, and whatever you feel is important to have during an evacuation. There are lots of articles on our site with more specifics…
  • Start packing your vehicle: If the hurricane forecast cone is anywhere near your location, give yourself some time and start packing essential supplies in case you have to evacuate. It’s much easier if you’re not rushed.
  • Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes: Standard evacuation routes will get clogged. People wait until the last minute. So if you’re going to leave, depart early! Consider alternate routes.
  • Plan to stay with friends or family outside the danger zone: Hotels will book up quickly, so if possible, arrange to stay with friends or family who live inland.
  • Leave early if forecasts look bad for your area: Avoid the worst traffic and road closures. Don’t wait if it looks like your area will be in the hurricane.
  • Plan for your pets: Pet food, bowls, collar/leash, vaccination documents, toys.

General Supplies

More things to consider and think about…

  • Cash: ATMs and credit card machines may not work for a while after the storm.
  • Battery-operated portable radio: Keep up with news & weather while on-the-go with an Emergency Radio. Make sure you have extra batteries too. ( 3 Emergency Radios )
  • Secure a two-week supply of prescription medicine: Anyone on prescription medications should pack a two-week supply of their meds in a sealable plastic bag, clearly labeled.
  • Flashlights, Headlamps, and lanterns: Make sure you have flashlights, headlamps LED lanterns ( I have several of these ) ( My Review Here ).
  • Personal hygiene items: Stock up before things run out at the store. Toilet paper, tissues, soap and other sanitary items.
  • Weeks Without Electricity: Plan for several weeks without electricity. I discuss this topic: ( 2 weeks without electricity ) and ( Without Electricity Level-1 Preparedness ).
  • Basic First Aid Kit: Keep a general purpose First Aid Kit in your home and in your vehicle.
  • Checklist: Customize your own hurricane preparedness checklist and print it out for your reference.

How To Charge Your Phone When The Power Goes Out

Food and Water

This is quite an important topic for any hurricane preparedness list. Food, and, safe drinking water.

  • Food & Water – how much is enough?: More is better! Remember, power will likely be out for awhile. Plan your food choices around that thought. There may be lots of water around you (after all it’s a hurricane!) but is it safe to drink? Read on…
  • Countertop Water Filter: Clean drinking water is a top priority. I cannot emphasize this enough. I highly recommend the Berkey Water Filter System from USABerkeyFilters.com.
  • Be aware of “boil water” alerts: After a storm, you may be advised to boil water due to flooded wells, spilled sewage and other contamination. Note that a quality water filter will get the job done too.
  • Get out your ice chest: Fill an ice chest with ice or dry ice before and after the storm to keep food cold.
  • Chest Freezer: If you have one and you loose power, wrap the freezer with extra blankets / quilts / comforters… to keep cold for a longer time (may add 24 – 48 hours).
  • Canned foods: Canned foods are all ready to eat, easy-to-prepare options. Canned meats, soups, stews, (variety is important!). Got a good manual can opener?
  • Stock up on non-perishable foods: The power will probably go out, so acquire foods that don’t require refrigeration. Did you know that today’s modern MRE’s are pretty good?
  • Cooking without electricity: Fill your BBQ grill propane tank. Do you have a camp stove? ( Single Burner Butane Stove Safer For Cooking Indoors )
  • Baby formula, diapers: Don’t forget to store enough baby formula, baby food, diapers, if this applies to your situation.

Power Outages

You are virtually guaranteed to lose power. And it could be for a fairly long time!

  • Do you have a portable generator? : They sell out quickly. Note: operate it outside – they exhaust carbon monoxide! ( Here’s a nice quiet 2250 watt from WEN )
  • Know how to safely connect a generator: Be sure that you or someone understands how to do this, and the dangers and precautions if connecting to the home’s electrical system.
  • Keep phone numbers of energy companies handy: Write down or store in your phone the numbers of energy providers so that you can notify them of an outage.
  • Use grills and gas cook stoves outside: Gas grills and generators carry a carbon monoxide risk.
  • Stay away from downed power lines: Don’t chance it! Let trained workers clean up the damage.
  • Have a realistic understanding of restoration times: It may take longer than you think. Having MORE food and water than 72 hours is a very good idea!

How To Keep Chest Freezer or Fridge Running During Power Outage

Repair and Maintenance

More preventative measures…

  • Plywood: Fastening plywood over windows is a good option for protecting the inside of your house.
  • Sand bags: If you live in a low area, especially, use sand bags to dispel water. Check this out: Quick Dam Water Activated Flood Barrier – 10 feet
  • Bring outside furniture indoors: Move patio furniture and other potential items that may become “kites” into the garage.
  • Turn off utilities if you leave: Before evacuating, shut off power, propane gas and water. ( Gas and Water Shutoff Valve Tool ) Note that a licensed professional may be required to turn natural gas back on (leak check).
  • Anchor mobile homes: Pre-1994 construction mobile homes probably aren’t anchored well enough to stand even Category 1 hurricanes.
  • Lock windows and doors: Lock up your windows and doors for personal safety and to keep the wind from blowing them open.
  • Prune trees and shrubs: Loose limbs and plants will fly around easily when the winds pick up.
  • Get storm shutters: Place these over glass doors, windows and skylights.
  • Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Make sure these will work even if the power is out. Check the batteries – press the ‘test’ button.
  • Tarps & Clothesline Rope: These may come in handy afterwards to cover damage (roof?) and prevent further rains from getting inside until repairs can be made.
  • Fill bathtub with water: If you’re going to get hit pretty badly, give your family an extra supply of water by filling a sanitized bathtub. ( This product is designed for this )

Documentation

You might end up needed some of this.

  • Emergency contact information: Hard copy of all important phone numbers and other emergency contact information. Don’t rely on having a charged cell phone and it’s contact list.
  • Prioritize what’s important: You can’t take everything with you, but consider important documents such as deeds, wills, birth certificates, passports, important financial statements, etc..
  • Video your belongings: Walk through the house and video everything you own. Great proof for insurance claims.
  • Use a USB thumb drive: A lot of scanned documents can fit on a USB thumb drive (your videos and photos too)! Good for insurance claims.
  • Check home insurance: Do this before hurricane season starts, otherwise updated coverage may not take effect until the following year. Also look into flood insurance.
  • Proof of residence: A driver’s license or mail should suffice.
  • Use a fireproof / waterproof safe: A fireproof safe will keep your belongings protected.

Entertainment

A hurricane preparedness list is mostly about preparing for or mitigating against potential damage and devastation. But, don’t forget about the following…

  • Board games / playing cards: Especially for kids, it’s a good distraction. Get out board games or play cards.
  • Read a book: If the power goes out, your internet, TV & entertainment will too. Got books?
  • Play with your pets: Give your pets extra attention, especially if they seem stressed or scared.
  • Get to know your family better: A perfect time to ‘talk’ together instead of everyone’s head stuck in an electronic device.

Special Needs and Children

Got kids? They are going to be quite stressed…

  • Minimize stress: Help children cope better by minimizing stressful situations and discussions.
  • Limit TV time: Don’t let your kids watch scary footage of the storm on TV.
  • Maintain normal routines: Keeping up with a somewhat normal routine helps soothe everyone from babies to adults, provided that you are already prepared.
  • Contact home health care service: If you use a home health care service, call them and ask for advice regarding the impending storm.
  • Answer children’s questions: Welcome questions from children about what to do, what a hurricane is, and how to prepare for it.
  • Get older kids to help: School-aged children will feel more prepared and maybe even excited if they’re allowed to help gather supplies, find the flashlights & batteries, etc..
  • Bunk with the neighbors: If you’re elderly, ask to spend the night at the neighbor’s house, or work out some kind of signal for help should you need it and if the phones go out.
  • Stay hydrated: People who are sick and the elderly are especially at risk for dehydration.
  • Know the risks: Disabled individuals will find it harder to evacuate, so know all the obstacles and risks involved in transporting them or keeping them safe in your home.

Hurricane “Spaghetti” Forecast Models

Know the forecast. The #1 recommendation while preparing for a hurricane is to keep up to date the forecast models.

One indicator of where a hurricane might go is what they call “spaghetti” model tracks.

It’s a map with a group of hurricane tracks, one for each of the many ‘super computer’ forecast models. When looking at all the tracks together on one visual it provides a pretty clear indication of possible locations where a hurricane might go next.

One weather page that I’ve bookmarked contains all sorts of information:
SpaghettiModels.com

When Does Hurricane Season Begin and End

atlantic-hurricane-season

June 1 is the official beginning of Hurricane Season in the Atlantic basin (to November 30).

Do you realize that 49% of the United States population live within 50 miles of the ocean?

38% of the world’s population live within 100 km and 44% live within 150 km of the coast. Although not every coastline is affected by hurricanes (also known as typhoons or cyclones), a huge number of the world’s population needs to remain vigilant to the threat.

Hurricane – Cyclone Seasons

  • Atlantic tropical cyclone season is from June to November with peak cyclone activity in September.
  • Northwest Pacific tropical cyclone season year round but with more activity between July and November.
  • North Indian basin tropical cyclone season is from April to December and reaches peak cyclone activity in May and then again in November.
  • Southwest Indian basin and Australian – Southeast Indian basin tropical cyclone season is from November to May and reaches peak cyclone activity during January and again in March.
  • Australian – Southwest Pacific basin tropical cyclone season is from November to May and reaches peak cyclone activity in March.


A typical hurricane contains the equivalent power of 200 times the total world-wide electrical generating capacity at any given moment of it’s existence! It is the greatest storm on earth. The many dangers of hurricanes include extremely powerful winds, torrential rain and flooding, high waves, storm surge, and even tornadoes.

Hurricane Force Winds & Damage

Unlike tornadoes whose winds are concentrated in a small tight area (and can be spawned within a hurricane), sustained hurricane winds can be felt far away from it’s center. Hurricane force winds can reach out 25 miles from the center of a small hurricane and up to 300 miles in a large hurricane!

While the entire field of a hurricane is windy, the hurricane force winds (74 mph+) are concentrated around the core.

The diameter and shape of the ‘hurricane force’ wind field will vary. However ‘typically’ they average about 100 miles across.

Tropical Storm force winds (39 – 73 mph) may range out farther – perhaps up to 300 miles from the core – depending.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

CATEGORY 1 HURRICANE

Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.

CATEGORY 2 HURRICANE

Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.

CATEGORY 3 HURRICANE

Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.

CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE

Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

CATEGORY 5 HURRICANE

Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

source: NOAA.gov Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

Storm Surge Flooding

Your geographical location to the coast is one of the most important considerations while preparing for a hurricane!

Obviously if you live on, or very near the coast and the hurricane projections are pointing towards your region, you better considering evacuation.

Storm Surge kills more people than hurricane winds!

A Category 1 hurricane may have a storm surge of 5 feet
A Category 5 hurricane may surge 18 feet or higher!

Either way, water rushing inland will destroy homes right quick.

Hurricane storm surge is extremely dangerous and the most deadly force to those living on the shoreline (and miles inland!), will creep up on unsuspecting coastal residents, potentially to the point of no escape from it’s destructive power.

As a hurricane travels across the water, it pushes the water in front of it which rises up higher than the sea around it. As a hurricane approaches land, this bulge of water ahead of it grows even higher as the bottom of the ocean floor rises up to meet the shoreline.

Storm surges are devastating in that as the high water, waves, and wind begin to tear apart structures on the shoreline, the water becomes filled with debris which acts as a deadly battering ram which will move onshore, up to many many miles depending on the situation, destroying everything in it’s path.

You are going to lose power

Plan on it! If you are within the tropical storm wind field of hurricane, or most definitely if you’re within the hurricane force wind field, trees are going to fall on power lines and you will likely lose power. And it could be weeks.

If you have chosen to stay put, you better plan for a period of time without electricity. Do you have a generator and do you know how to connect it to your critical systems in your home? Do you have enough fuel? Plan accordingly.

Torrential Rains & Flooding

Hurricanes carry extraordinary amounts of water. They’ve been feeding on very warm water (80+) as they make their way across the ocean. They’re loaded with rain.

Even if you live well inland and even if you are located away from the hurricane force wind field, you WILL be deluged with unbelievable amounts of rain.

If a hurricane slows or stalls, you might be looking at ‘feet’ of rain. Tremendous damage will result from flooding and torn up infrastructure. This will exacerbate power outage repair times. Plan for it.

Pack Up The Vehicle

If you have been watching the weather forecasts and if it looks like the hurricane spaghetti models are bringing it near where you live, one of the best proactive measures that you can take is to pack up your vehicle as though you are going to bug out and evacuate.

If you later choose not to bug out (maybe it will clearly miss you given updated forecasts), you can always unpack. Better safe than sorry…

Think about what you should pack.

The good thing is that all you have to do is drive far enough away to be in a safe region.

Be smart, and if it looks like you’re in the path of the hurricane’s core, then simply get out. Don’t wait until the last 24 hours to do it. 48 hours is better.

When considering a hurricane preparedness list, consider breaking down your preparations into these time-line lists. I have added some things to think about in each of those sections.

1. Start of the Hurricane Season
2. Hurricane Watch
3. Hurricane Warning
4. During the Hurricane
5. After the Hurricane

Start of the Hurricane Season

Have the ability to store and purify water: boil, or use plain bleach (instructions).

Pet carriers and/or leashes for all your pets.

A BOB (Bug out Bag) for every family member.

Have a sleeping bag for every member of the family.

Know how to shut off the utilities and have the tools stationed nearby to do this.

Tune up your generator.

Tune up your car.

Have a “Get Home Bag” in your vehicle.

Have pre-cut pieces of 3/4″ plywood for your “safe room” windows. (A “safe room” is a room in the center of the house (or down-wind) that has no windows or has covered windows where you can shelter and store most of the essentials you’ll need for the storm.)

Keep hard copy paper maps / Road Atlas in your glove compartments and know the route (with alternates) you’ll take in the event you need to evacuate..

Cut branches from trees near the house that may pose a danger.

Have a number of coolers on hand.

Rain gear for every household member.

A supply of good repair tools, hardware, chain saw, rope, contractor trash bags and tarps.

Have a good first aid kit.

OTC medicines.

Solar or other charger for batteries, cell phones, radios, flashlights, etc.

Have a NOAA Weather Radio with alert.

Have a crank/solar/battery operated AM/FM radio.

Digital camera to record damage.

Battery-operated fans.

Check your insurance coverage.

Have a variety of emergency lighting (flashlights, lanterns, headlamps, light sticks, etc.)

Working and tested smoke detectors and CO detectors.

A non-electric can opener.

A charged cell phone.

Alternate way of cooking (gas grill, charcoal, butane stove, Sterno, etc.)

Supply of matches or lighters.

Battery back-up or a generator for any sump pumps that are used in the basement.

A supply of sand and sandbags.

Manual method of getting water from your well or a generator for the pump.

Work clothing, work boots, knee pads, hats, bandanas and durable work gloves for each family member.

Insect repellent

Fire extinguishers in strategic locations around the house and in the garage.

Establish plans for family communication for before and after the storm.

Have a per-established meeting place if the decision to evacuate is made.

Have material ready to brace your garage door against high winds.

Hurricane Watch
(Hurricane conditions possible within 36 hours)

Fill up the gas tank in your car.

Get gasoline for the generator.

Start making ice in your freezer.

Begin loading the refrigerator with mass (containers of water, canned goods, juice, etc.)

Turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting.

FINISH ALL YOUR LAUNDRY! (You may not be able to do laundry later without power.)

Start storing water (For drinking and sanitation – there may be “boil water” warnings.)

Do your emergency shopping (Don’t forget paper plates, duct tape, moist towelettes, contractor bags, plain bleach, tarps, plywood, Sterno, charcoal,sunscreen, insect repellent, rope, ice, matches, emergency lighting, batteries, etc.)

Food shopping: (Non-perishable foods that can be eaten without cooking)

Bread, NF Dry milk, peanut butter, crackers, jelly, granola bars, cereals, instant tea and coffee,canned juices, fresh fruit, bottled drinks, koolade, cookies, pastries, canned puddings, apples, onions, tomatoes, eggs (you will need to hard-boil these), canned stews, chili, pasta, tuna, bean salad, soups, canned chicken, fresh fruit, dried fruit, and canned evaporated milk.

Hard boil your eggs to preserve them.

Prepare some sandwiches in advance for quick meals over the next day or two (put in coolers).

Refill your prescriptions.

Communicate with all family members.

Withdraw extra cash from the bank. Cash machine may not have power later. (2 wks worth)

Recharge all battery packs and rechargeable batteries.

Have important papers in waterproof containers and ready to go if you have to evacuate.

Check on elderly neighbors and help in their preparations.

Refill your propane tank.

If you use fresh whole bean coffee, grind enough for two weeks or have a manual grinder.

Identify radio stations the will give you the best general and local information and monitor for up-dates.

Prepare your vehicle for evacuation if it becomes necessary.

Hurricane Warning
(A Hurricane is Expected Soon)

Finish all laundry

Finish loading refrigerator with mass (bottles of water, canned goods, etc.)

Buy additional ice and load your cooler with drinks and food items.

Tie down or bring in loose items from outside. (Bring in your front door mat).

Close your attic vents.

Close your storm windows.

Draw down the window shades and close draperies.

Cover windows ( especially the safe room) with 3/4″ plywood.

Bring the necessary items you’ll need to the safe room.

Test your radios, flashlights and have extra batteries ready.

Distribute a headlight and a flashlight for every member of the family.

If you have to evacuate, be sure to shut off all your utilities before leaving.

Brace your garage door using plywood and 2x4s.

Monitor radio broadcast about the storm.

During the Hurricane

All interior doors should be closed.

Unplug all appliances once the power is lost and post a note on each saying so.

DO NOT ANSWER ANY LANDLINE PHONES DURING THE STORM! (Sometimes lightning is inducted into the phone lines at the pole which might cause the phone to ring. This could cause electrocution.)

Stay off the phone during the storm unless there is an urgent need. Don’t tie up the lines.

Avoid opening the refrigerator. Use the cooler instead.

Monitor local radio broadcasts – particularly stations that usually give the best local information.

Stay away from windows, especially on the up-wind side of the house.

Keep all shades and draperies closed during the storm.

Stay in the safe room during the storm.

Be aware of the “eye of the hurricane” (Don’t venture out if it should pass over your location.)

(Hurricane winds on the other side of the eye wall will come from the opposite direction very suddenly.)

After the Hurricane

This hurricane preparedness list also considers a few thoughts regarding the aftermath…

Be sure that all stove burners have been turned (it’s best to unplug the stove when the power fails. After some prolonged power outages, house fires have occurred because the outage began while cooking was in progress. Later, during the power failure, items had been carelessly left on a non-operating stove and when the power was restored the heating elements ignited them.)

DO NOT GO NEAR ANY DOWNED POWER LINES.

Don’t eat any food from the refrigerator that has gone above 40 degrees.

Pay extra attention to sanitation after the storm. Paper plates and plastic utensils should be used during the recovery period. Keep surfaces clean using disinfectants and practice heightened personal hygiene.

Check for damage to the house, photograph it and begin making repairs.

Use alternative ways of cooking outdoors (gas grill, butane stove, charcoal, Sterno stove,etc.).

Test your CO and smoke detectors.

Conserve your battery power. The duration of the power outage may be a long one.

Check on your neighbors.

Call on family members.

124 Comments

  1. Here in NC the stores are already low on supplies, bread and water aisles cleaned out. I went to costco over the weekend and saw people hurriedly trying to buy generators , fuel, etc. I sure hope the bother to learn to use them before the lights go out. It amazes me, meanwhile I did an inventory and started my generator to make sure the battery was charged.

    1. next year make sure to check your geni before hurricane season starts. A lot of people in FL were in full panic at the local repair shop because their carburetors were all gunked up from old fuel in the lines.

    2. Kim,
      Good for you for being among the few who are prepared, and agree with WC that it’s better to have your generator running (and serviced if needed) over the summer so that you know you are ready to roll come hurricane season. Sending good wishes to you and yours ahead of what looks like a monster storm – be safe!

      1. I don’t live in a hurricane prone area. Out of curiosity, when is hurricane season?

  2. Checked all those above.
    Security
    Also Security can become a concern during a Major event.
    Last year 24 hours before Erma Governor Scott Came on TV and announced that he was suspending CCW Laws basically anybody can carry open or concealed. That was nice, so I placed my holstered full size 9 across my belt on the owb and just had a button down shirt over it. It slightly printed but at that point I was still legal.

    2. The Governor also issued the warning that no police, fire or medical would come to our aid during the storm so You are basically “On your Own” That includes dealing with looters of course I broke out the big guns at that point.

    3. Even after emergency services were restored the cell grid and land lines were down for a week. Again you are on your own at that point.

  3. I’m following the storm religiously as I have a daughter and 3 brothers in SE Virginia. DDs step dad took her aside and told her in no uncertain terms she was to take her Mom and go to her sisters house in Richmond. First sensible thing I’ve known of him to say in the past 23 years.

    I did order her a second Sawyer filter only this one has a gravity feed bag with it. As much as I hate taking business away from Mom and Pop stores it is nice to order on Amazon Prime and get it there in a day or two.

    Good article Ken and I will be suggesting that my family review it. They are all ahead of the curve as far being prepared for this sort of stuff but it ever hurts to review your preps.

    1. I’ll add that as the hurricane passes wind direction will shift. So should your position in the house. If it looks like the house is going to go down cover your self with blankets, sleeping bag or whatever to provide padding against flying objects. Every little bit helps to lessen the chance of sever injury.

      Filling in the tub is a great idea but please consider lining your trash cans with big plastic bags and filling them also. A filled trash can is not likely to blow away but the lid might blow off. Twist the top of the closed and use a piece of wire as a twist tie to keep it shut. Tie or duct tape the lid on. Although they might not blow away flooding could carry them away so keep them in the garage if you have one.

      If flooding is a concern have life jackets available. 3 main types of life jackets are type 1, type 2 and type 3. Type 3 looks like a vest and offers the least degree of help if you are in the water. Type 1 is on commercial boats and is the best but expensive and hard to come by on short notice. Wallyworld doesn’t usually have them in sporting goods. Type 2 is the orange rectangular one with a hole for your head to go through. They are inexpensive and many thrift stores have them. A good boat is also a plan but may blow away. If it is a typical rowboat or canoe plan on filling it with water. They can be bailed out afterwards. Chain it to a fence, trees are likely to be blown down. Even a cheap PVC blow up boat from Wallyworld will be better than being in the water. Obviously you don’t want to be in a boat with 130 mph winds blowing but flooding after the storm is frequently gong to be a problem.

      As a kid I went through 3 hurricanes on the east coast. None of them were as bad as Katrina, Sandy or Maria. This one could easily beat out the ones I went through. I wouldn’t want to go through another one.

  4. Hi there, Honeymom from North Carolina, If anybody remembers Hurricane Hugo—North, South Carolina & Virginia really NEED YOUR PRAYERS. I can say that I have NO STRESS over this.
    Because I have been prepping for a while. Went to sisters yesterday & she was stressed due to son
    in college near Fayetteville & Cape fear river.
    She started asking me if I had flashlights, batteries, water, food etc.
    I said yes to all. Only thing I need to do is gas vehicle up & get some cash.

    Thank you so much for this site & all that EVERYONE HERE has taught me.
    I give ALL OF YOU A BIG HUGE HUG!!!!!!

    1. Honeysmom,
      Good for you for being calm and as ready as you can be!
      Hoping you & yours make it through with minimal damage – be safe!

  5. Last I looked this lovely is to hit between 8 and Noon Thursday.

    I’m wondering if the masses will wait till Wednesday Afternoon to declare “OHHHH Crapo, maybe I should get some more McDonalds and Coke for the Kids?”

    Does that sound sarcastic? Or does that sound like the truth?

    We see it every time with Hurricanes, Fires, Earthquakes, Flooding, you-name-it.
    And guess what will follow, Riots, Looting, Murders, Rapes, you-name-it. Ohhhh and let us not forget the Martial Law that will probably be declared afterwards, plus the loss of liberties that accompany it.

    Km in nc, Thank you for being one of the “Prepared” I applauded you and others that use their heads and see what “MAY” happen, and guess what, if you don’t get nailed, GREAT, you can always use the “stuff” for other things.
    The ones I find hard to believe are those you described at Costco, the ones that believe that a single generator will “save the day”, YES they are doing something for sure, but so did the kid with his finger in the dike trying to hold back a dam with his finger.

    Preparing, is not something that one does with one trip to Costco and a few cases of Water.
    Please people, all sorts of trouble is coming, one never knows when they will need that Backhoe and a Bag of Lime or the 600 rolls of TP worth $millions-US in Venezuela now BTW.

    Have a Month’s of food and water stored up, learn how to build a fire and keep warm, KNOW when it’s time got get the hell out of Dodge or when to stay put.

    AND for crying out loud, please Please PLEASE, don’t be ignorant and get killed doing something stupid.

    Y-all have 3 days till TSHTF, what are you doing to save your own butt?

    1. NRP,
      Hahaha! Not really pregnant – Ha!
      And yes, it seems like every time there is a big storm predicted there are people who just don’t take it seriously. They think they can roll into the store and get everything they need at their convenience – and then complain to the reporters camped out in the area that it’s the stores’ fault for not having enough supplies for everyone when the shelves are empty. Every time. Never fails.

  6. Good piece Ken,
    Thanks much for the reminders! I found myself checking off items as i went down the list. Got to go over some more stuff today, we are still looking at a tropical storm here, and believe me, while nowhere as major as Florence, Olivia and tropical storm force winds will knock everything out here in the islands. Our infrastructure is awful, peoples homes in most cases are surrounded by potential missles, they put the cushions away from the patio furniture but have stuff laying around their yards like it wont move. Is going to be interesting,

    Most likely will be out of contact for a while as most of the power will be down and the cell sites are all only battery backups for short duration and almost all are in real vulnerable locations. So if the storm follows the path its on i suspect anywhere from a week to maybe a month before they get the coms back up.

    Got more scaffolding to take down, have been working on the house so had built a scaffold all the way around it, made it easier to deal with the roof at the second floor level its at, thinking im going to take the tops off a few trees around the house to pre treat for heavy winds,

    Its gonna get messy

    1. Tommyboy;
      You be safe there Son.
      We’ll be thinking of ya.
      Keep us updated if you can…..

        1. Tommyboy, will be praying or your safety…and waiting on your post.

    2. Tommyboy (still getting used to the new name),
      Hang in there – hope you get only the mildest of hits. Please be safe!!!!!

      1. Thank you SocalGal,,,
        I think this is the one, people are already making comments like “its not going to do anything”

        1. Tommboy,
          ” it’s not going to do anything”, yup. It probably will be the one. Be safe, you are in our prayers.

        2. Thank y much MJ,,, about now im wishing i was over on the western slope again

    3. Tommyboy
      Power was just restored due to our power pole being replaced. Have been keeping up on the storm headed your way. Keep your family & yourself safe over there, will be waiting to hear how you & yours fare through all of the weather.
      AC &ACDH

  7. Tommyboy;
    You be safe there Son.
    We’ll be thinking of ya.
    Keep us updated if you can…..

  8. Heres one a friend of mine who is a fireman told me,
    He said to write your name, address, and SS# on your forearm with a sharpy just in case,,,
    Sorta a tongue in cheek comment as i know he has had to dig people out of piles of debris.

  9. Thanks, I actually start it once a month and it runs on propane. A lot safer and easier to store.

  10. To all my MSB friends facing down a Big Storm, be as safe as you can be. Your preppers and so I expect that basics are well covered. Think, Pray and do not react in fear, you are in Gods Hands.

    I have very limited sympathy for those who know of the storm and have the ability to prepare WELL Before the storm and Choose to stupidly suffer. A lot of good EMS will suffer keeping their sorry A$$es alive to be just as stupid next time.

    I will pray for you and look forward to hearing from you as soon as you get internet again.

  11. Any tips on getting my Berky up and running? Dont have a primer, should i soak the black filters in a container before sticking them in the chamber?
    Just curious, going to pull out the new one today and get it going, havent needed it but for this storm i want to get it going, the path of this storm should trash the area that our water treatment plant is in and i dont have any faith in our county to leave the water on, i bet they turn it all off to make it easier on themselves.

    1. Tommyboy put it together fill it with water. Filter candles snug NOT cranked on. You can break the threads or warp the seals. Wait and in a few hours filtered water is ready.

      First run or so maybe contaminated with filter dust so Re-filter and move on.

      Worked that way for me when I used it two years ago and cleaned and dried it out for storage.

      1. Thank you NHM and all,,, much appreciated, i been lazy to use it, been just using the Brita and tap water but an planning for the worst, so had a few questions on that sorta stuff i should have dealt with long ago, hey, no time like the present eh!

    2. Tommyboy;
      When I got my Big Berkey, I simply assembled it and filled with water, as NH Michael mentioned, don’t over tighten the threaded Filters.
      I dumped the first full run, and have had zero problems since, I use from 1 to 1/5 full runs a week.

      1. Tommyboy;
        Ohhh yeah, I forgot to add, you fill the Upper Tank, not the Lower one… HAHAHA
        I know you Old Folks may have some issues with that.. LOLOL
        One other idea, set it sideways and let those 150 MPH winds/rains drive the water through the Filters :-)
        Any other help I can be of service you just let me know Buddy :-)

      2. OMGosh..I fill my Berkey every other day. I cook with it and make a pitcher of tea every day.

    3. Just install the filters and fill the upper tank. It will eventually saturate and flow. No biggie. At least that procedure works for me and my black filters…

      1. It usually helps to read the instructions, it’s not that complicated…

    4. I took a typical store water bottle and squeeze fed the filter until it was weeping water the full length. I had to place the tan donut gasket on the filter, took a small bath a couple of times until I got the technique down, slow but works, should have used a turkey baster, but this time brute force wins over niceness.

  12. Being on the West Coast in the stupidest-state-ever of CA, we don’t have to worry about hurricane’s, thank God! Thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the path of this storm.

    Reading over Ken’s list it reinforces the preparedness mind-set… most of the items would be on hand for anyone who’s ready for SHTF. Goes to show, being ready for one disaster gets you prepped for many types!

    Thanks Ken!
    Rob

  13. Be it Hurricanes, earth quakes, EMP or CME, the concept of being prepared has been publically discussed an endless number of times. Yet we see people (the sheep) still have to run to the store to buy a little water, a few batteries and TP – and saying we are safe FEMA is on the way. Stupidity. Wait until some real unexpected unforeseen type of emergency hits. Then we all will see a real culling of the herd that is so badly needed. By the way I am in Jasper Canada this week and i see/listen the same entitlement mentality.

    1. Texas Boy,,
      That mentality is everywhere.
      The mayor of Honolulu actually said for people to not over buy supplies, they cant even deal with the thousands of homeless on their streets now, wait till theres no power, sewer, or water and they have to deal with a few hundred thousand tourist that they so nicely rely on for revenue……
      Buncha retards

  14. “The Aftermath” might be yet another category of preparedness. Here’s some things to do NOW to prepare for the aftermath:

    1) Do a walk through of your house now with the video in your cell phone, inside and out. This will help with the adjusters after-the fact. Easy task that will take only a few minutes….

    2) Make sure you have at least two (2) spare tires for the car/truck you plan to ride around in after the storm. Why? Roofing nails, those big flat headed nails that blow off roofs in the millions. They are everywhere after a storm. And the nice big head helps them stand up with the pointy end facing your tire. Normally I use old tires for spares, the best one or two of the set that was taken off last time I changed them out, but even a used tire on a junkyard rim will work just fine – at least until you have the time to get your flats fixed. This year was unusual in that I got a brand spanking new spare tire for my van on closeout at Walmart for 50 bucks (lots of Walmarts close out their tire inventory every year starting right after labor day). What luxury!

    3) Double check your inventory of Chainsaw chains and bars, bar oil and premixed gas. You may need this to get out of your house or down the street!

    1. Bogan good points about roofing nails and cheap tires. Been a while since I’ve been in a Hurricane zone.

  15. Very timely post. Glad I am in the Dakotas and I do not need to be worried about Hurricanes. Prayers going out for those who may be effected.

  16. – yes, thanks for the comprehensive list, Ken –

    “Pretend, assume, presume that a major hurricane is going to hit right smack dab in the middle of South Carolina and is going to go way inshore… ”
    – South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster

  17. TB, batten down the hatches brother, saying a prayer for you and your family safety, hoping it goes North of you per the link video. Safety thoughts for the Carolina folks too.

  18. Since we are eternally prepared for any disaster we have no list. Exception is gathering up and storing all outdoor gear, furniture, and tools for a hurricane.

  19. Spent the day brush hogging both sides of the road and both side’s of the drive way up to the house. Made sure the culvert (3) under driveway are clear and good to go. As we live only a few miles South from the N.C. line we will be getting some rain at least. Yesterday cleaned the gutters and down spouts plus roof valley’s of all leaf and pine needles. L.P. company is coming to top off the tanks and BBQ bottles tomorrow morning. It just started raining so now the soil will be saturated before the storm even gets here. O bother!

  20. Update here in NC, clearing some branches from power lines and some neighbors congregated.
    1 neighbor said I was just pissing in the wind for doing the work
    Another mentioned they would just get a hotel downtown if the power went out..? I dont even have a reply for that one.
    Then the next door neighbor asked if he could piggy back off my generator…I explained it was to small for that. All things we can expect post shtf….

    1. KM in nc, it’s always interesting to discover the mindset (or lack thereof) of one’s neighbors…

    2. “””Another mentioned they would just get a hotel downtown if the power went out..? I dont even have a reply for that one.”””
      Like my neighbor that said she didn’t need a Berkey..she has a whole house filter!!!

  21. If your basement or first floor is going to flood out, then put some pool shock on a brick in the center of the room.. When the water gets to the pool shock, it will semi-treat some of the water that goes into your walls with chlorinated water rather than that brackish, swamp, sewer water that you have to clean out later.

  22. KEN, Just so you now. I have shared the hell out of this article! Via email and text.Thank you

    1. Thanks Larry. Hopefully it gets the wheels turning in the minds of others who are considering their own lists or what to do. Hurricane Florence is looking to be a real monster. 140 mph winds, Cat 4. That will be insanely destructive, especially if zeroing in on population centers.

  23. Put a trail camera facing your house in a tree. If looters show up to your house, maybe you can get their license plate and some pictures.

    1. More effective is a sign announcing videotaping. Our police department will not accept surveillance camera video as evidence.

        1. The guy laying face down in the mud with your stuff in his hands and the muzzle of your 12 gauge against the back of his head

  24. I can’t take credit for this. Saw it via Yahoo……
    Before you bail out for higher ground:
    Fill a small Styrofoam or plastic cup almost full of water. Put in freezer. When water is frozen place a quarter on the ice. (Leave cup in freezer.) When you come back after the hurricane, or vacation, or cruise, check the cup. If the quarter is still on top, everything in fridge is probably good. If quarter is on bottom and water is frozen, power was off for too long. Might as well toss everything. If water is frozen and quarter is gone, your kids have been in the fridge. Toss them.

      1. Goes to show ya I haven’t read ALL the articles on this web site. LOL

    1. You can also find out if the electricity is out in your home when you are away if you have an answering machine on a land line. If the electricity is out the machine will not be operative but the land line will.

      1. And if someone answers the phone you’d better get home pronto.

  25. Yesterday, I made my monthly trip to town, stopped at the big store as much as I hate to, but choices are limited here. I am 300 or so miles inland from Florence projected landfall. Don’t expect much here, likely 40 mph wind, several inches of rain, possibly some degree of floodwaters on low ground. Would not surprise me if power gets knocked out from felled trees.
    Almost everything that could be eaten without electricity was gone, bare shelves. Every single hand held flashlight, gone. Every battery that would fit a flashlight, gone. Only lights left were a few low end head lamps. I must admit, I was surprised.
    I heard one man in conversation on his phone, while he looked at pop tarts, he asked “what flavor do you want?” He said to the party on the phone, ” we can eat them with no electricity”.
    It’s a good thing I didn’t really need anything. I did intend to buy a few batteries, not because of Florence, but because I exhausted a set a few nites ago after a storm when I was out till 4 am. Not really a problem as I have several sets in stock, and a couple rechargeable lights. When shtf it will be a show like we have never seen before. You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make him think. Poor people.

  26. Mornin all,
    Storm came apart late yesterday, is really not doing anything here, just a little rain over night, other parts of island got a bit more but nothing major.
    Looks like we got lucky again!
    Topography plays a huge role, Mauna Kea at 14,000+, Mauna Loa at 13,000+ and Haleakala at 10,000+ are to these storms what a brick wall is to you or me. We barely even got any wind yesterday as Haleakala blocked it from our location.
    Mother nature!

    1. I will add that we are not completely out of the woods though, rain wise deep convection is re building off the north eastern flank of the storm center, so there is still the threat of heavy rains.

      But nothing like the Carolinas and east is facing, to you folks on the east coast, Be safe! Florence is huge

  27. FYI
    MSN is running a poll on being prepared…really…no joke.

    The ‘let me mess’ with this pole side could not resist, ok!! I had fun marking the “I do not know” or the NO with a couple of yes’s just for good measure. rowl

    1. Data collection on those who respond. Who can be targeted in the event of.

    2. AC
      Was there any answer of, “No, I have faith in my gooberment to rescue me.”?
      That would be a fun pol(l)e to mess with!

      1. Joe c
        Wish that had been one of the questions but alas …no.

        If I recall one of the questions
        Do you have more than a 1 weeks worth of food in your pantry? answer was NO
        Of course NOT, that would make me one of those crazy people…lol

        1. AC
          LOL. Or rowl
          I agree with Lauren…..
          I think to that their just fishin..

  28. To Ken: Thanks for the reminder of what to do and what to gather before the storm. It was a good reminder for me.

    To Kim in NC and Sandismom: Thanks for the updates from you folks on the ground. Some of us will say a prayer and light a candle for you folks out there in the storm region. I am glad some folks could access this site and read about steps to prepare your body, family and soul for impending storms.

    This was a site I discovered after relocation in the aftermath of the Economic Tsunami in California in 2008-2009. Over the years I have posted about some of the things I learned and tools I used in order to live, survive and thrive off grid for 3= years when I was in my 20’s.

    I hope this site will continue to serve as an information source for people to access in uncertain times. Lastly to NRP: Are you sure you are not pregnant? ( did that test strip turn blue?)

    1. The mood swings, the morning (after) sickness…I’m betting on yes.

      1. Lauren;
        I do NOT!!!!! have mood swings… I’m always an AZZ-HOLE!!!!!
        I just try to behave myself here on MSB. :-) :-)
        As far as the morning sickness, that’s just the Gin HAHAHAHA :-)

  29. Impressive satellite images this morning of Hurricane Michael about to hit Florida Panhandle (Category 4, 145mph!)

    Hurricane Michael Satellite Image 10-10-2018

    Hurricane Michael Satellite Closeup Image 10-10-2018

  30. This storm seems to know where I live and is currently predicted to knock on my door. I am not near water and live in a single story concrete wall home of new design. I look forward to actually using my preps for the power outage I expect, and figure I can spend time sweating on my back porch reading an actual book, as I wait for the power to come back on. Of course, I will be very put out…if my roof decides to fly away.

  31. ‘Been there, Done that’.
    Batten down the hatches, ride it out.
    The sun always comes out afterwards.
    Ride it out.
    Soldier on.

  32. There was some disagreement when I suggested that some people were buying RV’s for mobile temporary shelter when the SHTF.

    I bet there are many in Florida that may not have a hardened house against the hurricane, now wishing they had that RV option.

    But don’t worry, FEMA has thousands of them trailers for you to live in. You just have to survive the first few weeks on your own before the units are set up in large camps. And don’t worry about the infested trailer you are supplied with – it is a gift from your government you know. /s

    1. A couple of cans of ant & roach…a gallon of DEET…and two pallets of Instant Noodle cups. And a copy of The Rise And Fall of the Roman Empire….

  33. Sitting here watching folks sit in line for 6-8hrs for 10 filled sandbags.
    Y’all are outta your minds lol. Dig a trench in your yard and fill your own bags.

  34. Watching the storm path closely as we may almost be in the direct path and are beach side. Are stocked and ready to stay or go as the need arises!!
    Do work at wally world and what a mad house the last 2 days!! No water left at all!! Got propane delivery today and went through 144 tanks in less than 2 hours!! No more til Saturday!! People are freaking out and are freaks!! Those poor souls don’t have a clue!!
    Another beautiful day in the neighborhood!!

    1. sunstateboy Good luck to you and the others living down there.
      Y’all all touch base afterwards when you can and let us know what works and didn’t. I heed and need them lessons.

      I’m constantly preaching time management to my clan especially in emergencies that are foreseeable like ice storms, hurricanes etc.
      I wonder how many filled a single jar, pitcher, Gatorade bottle, Tupperware container, bathtub or other vessel with tap water that woulda produced more water than those 4 cases it took hours to buy.
      I wonder if younger folks outside my clan even save jars, ice cream tubs, butter dishes etc. ? I get teased sometimes at work for bringing grapes in my lunchbox in a used cottage cheese dish lol.
      Weird old guy, I know I know.

      2 weeks notice and you couldn’t find a lifestraw? Finding water after a hurricane usually ain’t an issue.

      Just like the time management on them sandbags. Go out in the yard and dig and fill. That doubles the water you stop on your place. Landscaping can be redone.

      Bread flying off the shelf. Y’all know you can freeze bread right? When you thaw it just rotate it, by rolling it every so often, so the moisture comes back in evenly. I did this for years cause I’d buy loaves of it discounted at the hostess seconds store near the army base I lived at when I was making all that taxpayer money in the E-4 mafia.

      It just seems that spending 16hrs to get 10 sandbags, 4 cases of water, loaf of bread and a tank of gas isn’t proper time management when they started talking about this a week ago.

  35. Thanks for the repost, Ken. Timely and time-proven good advice, deja vu all over again.
    – about pre cut 5/8″ plyboard for windows- (1/2″ does seem a little thin for a hurricane), pre-drill and maybe pre-set plastic mollys if you have a brick wall?
    And I think I would probably cut in some lookout portals like 3″ × 14″ or so to peek out of. Store the boards under mattresses. With a can of spray paint so you can write something on the plyboard like “damm you Dorian”.
    Labor Day Weekend, 2019.

  36. Former Canadian PM ( Kim Campbell)says she’s ‘rooting for a direct hit’ of Hurricane Dorian on Mar-a-Lago
    What apiece of $ hit this ( lady) is

    1. Second recon and all in harm’s way

      Take care. We’re with you as best we can be.

  37. Looks like both the Space Coast and Treasure Coast are on the X, with the Space Coast worse off because it will be in that Northwest Quadrant.

    Good luck Secondrecon.

    Here’s a tip. if you need to get somewhere protected from the wind that is up and out of the rain and flooding, and there are no rooms at the inn: Find a multi story parking lot and pull in one story up, perhaps next to the stairwell to break the wind. A local example in the Space Coast is the municipal parking lot in downtown Melbourne.

    1. Well Sheriff Ivey has just issued an evacuation order for the Brevard Barrier Island starting effective Sunday morning. If you are beachside, I’d heed that one! And if I were on Merritt Island I’d leave too, its only a river’s width away!

      1. Bogan,
        I know that area well.
        Merritt Island and Satellite Beach were my old stomping grounds.
        My retired Marine buddy lives on Merritt island. He left this morning in his RV to visit the grandkids in Tennessee and Texas.
        The last hurricane he did the same thing.
        Didi out of there ahead of the horde.
        Went and helped him clean up and built some preps for this time.
        That’s good advice you gave to clear out…

  38. I think Dorian is going to be pretty bad, as it is a SLOW mover. If it becomes a Cat 4, and just crawls along, taking two days to entirely pass a point, I think I shall become very familiar with my insurance policy and the company administering it. I imagine having 130mph winds blowing about my home for two days will scare my wife to death and damage even our concrete block home. If the storm blows out a door, or window, or takes off the garage door…it will probably destroy most of my stuff…as I huddle with my wife in my hardened walk-in closet, hoping the roof doesn’t vanish above us.

    What an adventure! I think we will live, and we are not in a flood zone, but…with this slow moving storm hanging around to constantly dump water by the foot…I can imagine this will overwhelm things..and water may enter my home. What will we do then, sleep on the kitchen counter? If my home is devastated, I will send my wife away and call in my sons until we get things right again.

    This will be a good time to loose those excess pounds, I think.

  39. Now the word is starting to emerge that this might be a Category 5. That would be utterly devastating. Please take no risks folks! The smart ones will be beating feet today, not waiting for the traffic jams that are sure to happen starting Saturday.

  40. 27 years ago Andrew roared through Homestead at 155 mph winds. Lucky it was a fast moving storm. We got to see the eye for 13 minutes. Power for us was out 30 days and land lines 3 months. We were in a concrete house so we stayed. Never forget the sounds of that freight train. That was one of the many reasons we moved to the “Redoubt ” in 96. Still have family there, good luck to them and all in harms way.

    1. Wow, I’m amazed that your home withstood that! I remember seeing images and video of the devastation there! Crazy!

      Just read that Andrew destroyed 63,500 houses and left 65 people dead…

  41. I’ve never understood this… If it becomes confident that one’s home is going to be in wind fields of 130 mph (just an example), why is it that most apparently stay home, to possibly die. In 130 mph winds, if a door or window blows out, it’s probably going to end up destroying the house. Why not drive out to an area that will likely be outside of the strongest winds and hole up in a hotel or someone’s home who you know?

    I have a feeling it might be due to the News always hyping up a storm into a end-of-the-world frenzy, and when it doesn’t come to pass in such a devastating catstrophe, eventually people become conditioned?

    Or maybe some people don’t have a grasp at the damage that could be done? Or the risk of actually losing their life or becoming severely injured?

    It could also be the desire to hunker down and stay in one’s home. I get that. It would be hard to leave (a psychological thing).

    There’s also the excitement/adrenaline factor. I, for one, marvel at the power of natures fury. But somewhere I would draw the line with regards to risk/reward.

    Anyway, food for thought…

  42. I was in Homestead FL a couple months after Andrew roared through. It was a Cat 5. As I looked out of the window of the office I was in, I could see a huge field of perhaps 500 acres in size on which every single tree had been neatly decapitated about 5 feet off the ground. Tens of thousands of them. There was nothing on the ground taller than knee high, all emergent vegetation. It was probably a forest before the storm hit. That made quite an impression.

    1. The person who built that house had access to leftover concrete from the Fla Keys water pipeline build. Flat roof, interior walls, heck even the kitchen cabinets were from poured concrete. Made for interesting remodels. Afterwords it look like an atomic bomb went off. Ken, with a storm this size, you’re likely going to get stuck on the road in the of those million last minute people evacuating.

      1. Bogan, did you get to see what happen to Homesread AirForce base after the storm. The power of Mother Nature is something to be respected.

        1. Yes. I was on Homestead AFB when I observed the incredible “decapitated tree field” .

  43. I figure if Dorian gets me, when I am in the middle of the state, in a newly constructed cement, single story, home…it will have gotten thousands…not just 63. Imagine bugging out, only to be stuck in a Motel 6 in Alabama, as your spared home..is ransacked by the Section 8 people, living a short distance away.

    It shall be rough, I assume, but it is still a transient event…where outside forces are marshaled to restore civilization. Naturally, this is the event I have always prepped specifically for and I lack for nothing. Even if my roof flies away…I can still occupy my ground without having to obtain anything more..for months.

    I will probably have read the entire Harry Potter series again…by the time my computer works again, as I expect the power to be off for a week or two. If it is longer, so be it. But, it may only be off for a couple of days…as I am inside the city limits, and this is the first place it shall be restored.

    I guess, I shall take the advise from above..and make sure I have a indelible marker..to scribble my name on my forearm…if I doubt living through this.

    1. Ision
      Just a comment. I don’t know your situation, but I hope you are not putting the value of stuff over family security.
      I have seen pictures of 2X4 studs driven through concrete walls by high winds. Cat 4 or 5 hurricane may be more than you bargained for.

      1. I know it will be more than I bargained for, but my city is where they send those evacuated during a hurricane, it is one of the safest cities in Florida for them. No#8 out of the top ten. Just me and the wife to worry about…and I couldn’t get her in the car to flee..unless it was by government order, or already too late to do so.

        Both of us have faced death more than once. Our children are grown and prosperous. Besides, why let cancer have all the fun? Letting Earth’s fury have a chance at us, just seems fair.

    2. If you’re in the middle of the state, you’ll be fine. For some reason I thought a previous comment implied near the coast. You’ll get LOTS of rain, winds for sure, maybe power out, but not the landfall event of those who live near the shore. I would think that a long power outage might be your worst issue. No AC in Florida during the summer?! (I’m sure you’re used to it though – unlike me who lives about 1500 miles north of you…)

      1. I am completely climate adapted to Florida. I worked outdoors for years with Walt Disney in the worst Summer heat on a daily basis, responding to Yankee tourists, who had passed out from the heat. One could always cool off using the A/C in your car, as you listen to the radio people screaming…one escapes the bugs this way too. Or, simply turn on one of your portable fans, which runs on battery power. I will use my car to power my inverter to supply power to my refrigerators and such…while recharging batteries…on a timed basis. I think I will be okay…but, I will still have a black marker around.

  44. If you are anywhere near a hurricane strike area you know you are in for trouble. Last year when Hurricane Michael hit just outside Panama City as a cat 5 it was a fast moving hurricane. It was still a cat 3/ cat 4 some 60 miles inland from the Gulf Coast. People here said it would die out or be tame before it got this far. We still have piles of tree debris, destroyed homes and business structures being hauled out. Three weeks without power and water and I am still chain sawing the downed trees on our property. This is why we prepare! This is why we come to this site to learn and get ready. Any precautions are well spent time and if you luck out and don’t need them this time there will be another chance coming up.

  45. I think the storm is too heavy to move suddenly to the North, like everyone hopes. So far, all the predictions have been wrong and the storm just keeps a totally flat, moving directly West, if not dipping more toward the South. “Stirring Winds” being talked about are probably too weak to suddenly, and dramatically, shift this storm to the North. I think it is going to keep going West directly into Florida and completely across the state into the gulf….THEN it might go North, after getting a boost from the gulf waters and re-cross Florida, like at the panhandle…and go into Alabama. If is does turn North before the gulf, it will probably directly up near the center of the state and diminish to a 3 before it leaves Florida. The predictions demonstrate how the models are always wrong about the force of the “Stirring Winds,” as they keep pointing the storm North..and the storm just going directly West. Heavy and slow, with record winds…the main effect on this storm is Earth’s spin, not some upper altitude breezes.

    Anyway, that is my pessimist view…which is my constant view of just about everything. I always expect the worst, and am usually pleasantly surprised when things are not as bad as I thought.

  46. Just wondering how the MSB’ers in hurricane prone areas are doing?

    Luckily, Dorian has weakened since becoming a 3 this morning. We’re sitting here in the beginnings of the storm. Still have power. Probably won’t for long.
    The heavier winds will start in a couple of hours. We have our windows shuttered. Preps are always ready. So we’re sitting here in a darkened house and eating all the leftovers.

    Hallway (safe room) is ready with air mattresses, etc. So, we’re relaxing and it’s time for a Julep. luv ya’ll, Beach’n

  47. Ken one thing in your list (Hurricane watch) I would suggest changing is buying you hurricane supplies (way) more than two days before a probable strike hitting you home area. I have seen too many people in a panic a few days before a possible hit in stores to wish that experience on anyone, besides nearly every thing is gone by then. I usually purchase extra when the storms are far out in the Atlantic or Caribbean. Just a suggestion.

    1. Deep south,
      People just dont get it, we will have a storm headed for us and they are buying steaks and beer,,,
      Just because we havent been hit in a long time doesnt mean we wont, ill bewatching from afar as the masses are out panic buying

      1. Kula, yes I see this also. Even those who should know better do this and think it won’t be too bad “this” time. (sigh).

  48. I post this in August of 2021, for historical reference only.
    Once again, Many thanks to those folks who take the time to prepare and have time to post what they did in the path of an impending hurricane. Those of us that do not live in the high impact zones can learn much from what you share on this site. ( and we have learned much from you folks in the SE portion of the US as this was originally posted back in 2018.) This is interesting to see the difference b/t those who are trying to burrow in versus bugging out.

  49. i have been through a few, flooding in low lying areas, spin-off tornadoes, a saturated ground with trees on it that are blown over onto roads or houses are the most often causes of damage or deaths.
    really i could tell horror stories about what i have seen, a body in the water for a week is not a pretty sight.
    if you are in the way of one LEAVE, NOW, make plans NOW. do not wait.
    get the hell away from there!

  50. Ok so hurricane henri is headed to northeast coast with possible landfall on Long Island (all those crazy Hampton’s people who spend thousands to rent summer cottage for weekend) affecting NYC and also Massachusetts
    A little unusual but people waiting 3 hrs to buy a generator and then another 2-3 to pick up (neighbor just spent all day doing this ) I guess better late than never

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