In addition to my hurricane preparation tips post from a few days ago, here is a new level of preparation information that I posted on Facebook this morning:
Preparation update:
As Irma moves closer and remains a category 4 storm, here are additional suggestions for your next phase of preparation. I will post a link to my previous list at the end of this update. Evaluate your own situation and plan accordingly.
As Irma moves closer and remains a category 4 storm, here are additional suggestions for your next phase of preparation. I will post a link to my previous list at the end of this update. Evaluate your own situation and plan accordingly.
Preparations should be complete by late Friday or early in the day on Saturday as the winds will pick up later in the day on Saturday and the worst of the storm will hit on Sunday. (This is written with the Palm Beach County area in mind-adjust for your geographic location)
Stay off of the roads, at this point, don't attempt to travel far away from home. If you do not feel safe in your home, today is the day to go to a shelter or call friends and family who live in a secured home. It is too risky to leave now. The demand for gas far outweighs the supply for the entire state of Florida and hotel rooms are in short supply.
1) Shutters-it is time to put them up. Complete this task by Friday or early Saturday morning.
2) Safety- Be cautious using tools, climbing on ladders, roofs, in the attic, lifting and hauling furniture, etc. There are so many preparation and clean-up related injuries that can be avoided. A trip to the ER is not something you want to add to your hurricane adventure. If you don't know how to use a power saw- get help.
3) Gather all of your important paperwork such as insurance and medical. Review the insurance paper work and know who to call if/when you have damage to your property. Store these papers in water proof envelopes/containers.
4) Pets- Give dogs a bath. Stock up on food, treats, and medicine. Have a special toy or object that brings them comfort. Make arrangements for where your pets will stay and how/where they will have potty breaks.
5) Freezers and Refrigerators- turn to coldest setting and fill all empty spaces in the freezer (see post in link below)
6) We may experience power outages before the storm hits. In fact, this is something I have experienced with every storm. With this in mind, on Friday, do the following:
*Turn down your A/C and get your house cool.
*Charge all of your electronics
* Wash all laundry and do any cleaning that requires electricity and/or water
7) Prepare your "safe room". This is a room in your home without windows where you will stay during the worst part of the storm. A walk-in closet, a bathroom, etc. Make it comfortable as you may be there for awhile. If you have children, this is something to have them help with. When my children were young, we turned this part of preparation in to something fun, like building a "fort" or playhouse. They gathered a few activities, games, snacks, along with their blankets. In one of our homes, we put a mattress in the safe room and the children were able to sleep through the storm. Have children bring something to the safe room that brings them comfort. If possible, have a surprise toy, flashlight, book, game, treat for them. Wrap it up and have them open it once all the preparations are complete.
8) Clear your yard of anything loose-furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, pool toys, hoses, coconuts, loose branches/limbs, decorative items-everything. All loose items become projectile missiles and do great damage to your home, cars, and those in your neighborhood. Be a good neighbor-clear your yard!
9) Before the storm hits, if you can't park your car in a garage, park it in between homes or buildings. If not, park it up next to a building.
10) Involve your children and family in all preparations. Communicate what the specific needs are for your home and work together to
11) Even if you have shutters, prepare for roof damage and for water to get inside your home. Even a new roof can have a tree fall on it and cause a hole. Remove photos/art from your walls and place in large sturdy trash bags that can be secured. The same way you are securing your photos and documents should be done for framed art and photos.
12) Prepare for clean up after the storm passes. Have gloves, trash bags, rakes, shovels, insect repellant, sunscreen, hats, water, gatorade, wasp spray, fire ant treatment (the fire ant piles float in the water), first-aid supplies
13) Take a nice warm shower/bath while you still have electricity and running water. Ensure that everyone in your home does the same. Enjoy!
14) Cook a few meals and freeze them. This ensures that you will eat well with a minimum of preparation.
15) Use all disposable eating/drinking utensils, dishes, etc. I use the disposable aluminum pans for cooking.
16) SNACKS- have everyone's favorite chips, cereal, cookies etc.
17) GAMES- take time to sit down and play some card and/or board games. Hurricanes in Florida are like snow days up north. Stay inside and enjoy the time at home with family and friends.
18) MOVIES- Catch up on a movie everyone will enjoy. Although don't count on using electricity. Conserve it as there could be many days without electricity.
19) READ, WRITE, SLEEP ( you will be tired from all of the preparation and need energy for the clean-up)
20) Give everyone their own flashlight. Perhaps a different color for each person in your house Remember the extra batteries. This helps children feel secure and more in control of a situation that has so many unknowns.
21) Don't assume your children know the facts about the storms path. Communicate with them and share the facts and your plans to be prepared.
22) Turn off the news and only check for updates. Having the TV on with constant storm broadcasting raises anxiety for all-especially children who will hear phrases they may not understand.
2) Safety- Be cautious using tools, climbing on ladders, roofs, in the attic, lifting and hauling furniture, etc. There are so many preparation and clean-up related injuries that can be avoided. A trip to the ER is not something you want to add to your hurricane adventure. If you don't know how to use a power saw- get help.
3) Gather all of your important paperwork such as insurance and medical. Review the insurance paper work and know who to call if/when you have damage to your property. Store these papers in water proof envelopes/containers.
4) Pets- Give dogs a bath. Stock up on food, treats, and medicine. Have a special toy or object that brings them comfort. Make arrangements for where your pets will stay and how/where they will have potty breaks.
5) Freezers and Refrigerators- turn to coldest setting and fill all empty spaces in the freezer (see post in link below)
6) We may experience power outages before the storm hits. In fact, this is something I have experienced with every storm. With this in mind, on Friday, do the following:
*Turn down your A/C and get your house cool.
*Charge all of your electronics
* Wash all laundry and do any cleaning that requires electricity and/or water
7) Prepare your "safe room". This is a room in your home without windows where you will stay during the worst part of the storm. A walk-in closet, a bathroom, etc. Make it comfortable as you may be there for awhile. If you have children, this is something to have them help with. When my children were young, we turned this part of preparation in to something fun, like building a "fort" or playhouse. They gathered a few activities, games, snacks, along with their blankets. In one of our homes, we put a mattress in the safe room and the children were able to sleep through the storm. Have children bring something to the safe room that brings them comfort. If possible, have a surprise toy, flashlight, book, game, treat for them. Wrap it up and have them open it once all the preparations are complete.
8) Clear your yard of anything loose-furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, pool toys, hoses, coconuts, loose branches/limbs, decorative items-everything. All loose items become projectile missiles and do great damage to your home, cars, and those in your neighborhood. Be a good neighbor-clear your yard!
9) Before the storm hits, if you can't park your car in a garage, park it in between homes or buildings. If not, park it up next to a building.
10) Involve your children and family in all preparations. Communicate what the specific needs are for your home and work together to
11) Even if you have shutters, prepare for roof damage and for water to get inside your home. Even a new roof can have a tree fall on it and cause a hole. Remove photos/art from your walls and place in large sturdy trash bags that can be secured. The same way you are securing your photos and documents should be done for framed art and photos.
12) Prepare for clean up after the storm passes. Have gloves, trash bags, rakes, shovels, insect repellant, sunscreen, hats, water, gatorade, wasp spray, fire ant treatment (the fire ant piles float in the water), first-aid supplies
13) Take a nice warm shower/bath while you still have electricity and running water. Ensure that everyone in your home does the same. Enjoy!
14) Cook a few meals and freeze them. This ensures that you will eat well with a minimum of preparation.
15) Use all disposable eating/drinking utensils, dishes, etc. I use the disposable aluminum pans for cooking.
16) SNACKS- have everyone's favorite chips, cereal, cookies etc.
17) GAMES- take time to sit down and play some card and/or board games. Hurricanes in Florida are like snow days up north. Stay inside and enjoy the time at home with family and friends.
18) MOVIES- Catch up on a movie everyone will enjoy. Although don't count on using electricity. Conserve it as there could be many days without electricity.
19) READ, WRITE, SLEEP ( you will be tired from all of the preparation and need energy for the clean-up)
20) Give everyone their own flashlight. Perhaps a different color for each person in your house Remember the extra batteries. This helps children feel secure and more in control of a situation that has so many unknowns.
21) Don't assume your children know the facts about the storms path. Communicate with them and share the facts and your plans to be prepared.
22) Turn off the news and only check for updates. Having the TV on with constant storm broadcasting raises anxiety for all-especially children who will hear phrases they may not understand.
You are welcome to share this information. This is collection of valuable tips I have learned from others and my own experiences. It is not comprehensive and should be adjusted for your own needs. See link below for additional information.
It is going to be a long weekend. Stay in touch with friends and family for updates, special needs, and offers of help. We are all in this together.
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