Or thar he blows... and Earl is his name. Being a Lyme patient and disaster worker isn't easy... especially when the time comes near. Added stress is NOT needed.. so here is a check list.
The most important message... GET OUT OF THE STORM PATH!!!
Hurricane Season Preparation List
Water - at least 3 gallons daily per person for 7-10 days minimum. At least one gallon clean water to drink and cook with per day and 2 gallons washing/cleaning/toilet water.
Keep freezer full by putting 2 liter water bottles in them to use to keep freezer colder and for extra water. Fill washer machine and tub with clean water for toilet and cleaning.
Fill coffee pot, coolers, pitchers, outdoor trash cans, sinks, buckets, pots with lids, water tank, etc. Set up buckets under rain gutters.
Food - Non-electric can opener, utility knife and at least enough food for 7-10 days minimum -- non-perishable packaged or canned food. Make green tea, juices.
Refrigerate as much canned food as possible to keep fridge filled and colder when electric goes out. Have snack foods, comfort foods and put on ice in cooler if needed. Put real perishable foods in cooler to eat first to prevent opening door of fridge/freezer.
Buy ice if needed. Fill bags with ice and make a good supply.
Fill BBQ propane tank.
Have cooking tools and wash scrubbies available. Have paper plates, plastic bowls or cups, plastic utensils and paper towels.
Have dish soap, towels and Clorox.
Don't forget- Sweeteners, drinks, nuts, green tea, packaged milk, tuna, crackers, garlic salt, pepper, salt and basic supplies.
Sleeping- Blankets and Pillows, sleeping bags, sleeping pad, etc.
Medicines / Prescription Drugs- At least 2 weeks supply of meds and supplements
Special Items - camera and supplies, charge Ipod, computer.
Make copies of all documents on CD's and mail saved discs away from area for safe keeping.
Flashlights / Batteries- Fuel for lamps, candles, rechargeable battery charger to use in vehicle.
Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio and extra batteries.
Telephones - Fully charged cell phone and cord to charge it- with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set available.
Cash (with mostly small bills), Checks and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods. Change for soda machines and launder mat if operating.
Keys- house and vehicle spares
Toys, Books and Games- Writing materials.
Important documents - Safe- Phone book, card containers insurance papers, passport, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.- in a waterproof container or watertight plastic bag .
Tools - keep a set with you during the storm.
Vehicle tanks filled- and fill cans normally used for weed eater, mower etc.- extra oil, windshield wiper fluid and fill tires with air.
Supplies
Fire extinguisher
2-4 tarps, ties, ropes
Pliers, tape, matches and lighters in a waterproof container, aluminum foil, plastic storage containers, signal flare, pen, markers, paper, needles, thread
Shut-off wrench, to turn off gas and water.
Whistle, plastic sheeting, tarps.
Map of the area (for locating shelters) and alternate routes.
Toilet paper, towelettes Soap, liquid detergent Feminine supplies, personal hygiene items Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation) Plastic bucket with tight lid Disinfectant 3 gallons chlorine bleach Lysol spray Lysol liquid Plastic trash bags Hat and gloves Thermal underwear/pj's Sunglasses Extra eye glasses Bug spray
Fill gas tank in car an extra cans, take trash to dump. Check supply list for food water, batteries, etc. Get cash and change. Refill prescriptions. Fill propane tank for BBQ. Save computer files on disc. Fill freezer and fridge. Wash all clothes and pack some. Bring in outdoor items that could blow away. Change cell phones. Recharge all rechargeable batteries. Bag up valuables. Make ice in trays and store in bags.
Be safe, not sorry!!!
[ 09-02-2010, 02:11 AM: Message edited by: Tincup ]
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Ms. Safety will also take this opportunity to remind everyone to check their smoke detectors now.
Be safe, not sorry.
Posted by Misfit (Member # 26270) on :
Good grief! Im exhausted just reading about getting prepared! So glad i dont live in a hurricane area. When one hits the right spot in the gulf we get the rain. I love the smell when its like that!
Posted by LightAtTheEnd (Member # 24065) on :
Gosh, I think it would be easier to just move.
Glad I am out of the hurricane zone.
Posted by just don (Member # 1129) on :
I 'thought' you were talking about 'EARL' the spider that lived in your keyboard years ago.
Not fair confusing the state of confusion.
You need to package and SELL that list,,,only thing I see missing is the taffy and potato chips
Posted by Misfit (Member # 26270) on :
I finally watched the news. Apparently earl is going up the east coast. Weve got a lot of folks on here from those areas. Yall be safe!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by just don: [QB] I 'thought' you were talking about 'EARL' the spider that lived in your keyboard years ago.
Not fair confusing the state of confusion.
You need to package and SELL that list,,,only thing I see missing is the taffy and potato chips
I lived in hurricane zones most of my life... getting spoiled here in the Midwest! We do get the remnants sometimes.
Hopefully, Earl won't go inland!
and just TRY keeping him out of your keyboard, TC! Posted by Elaine G (Member # 20735) on :
I live in Florida but decided to make a trip to New Jersey. Yep, those hurricanes are following me. My friends and neighbors in Florida will be so happy.
After going through Hurricane Charlie and the others that followed, we don't need any more hurricanes in Florida. We've had enough for 50 years.
Go away........please and stop following me.
Really good list TC, I got a few good one's, I've never read or seen in print before, from your list. Thanks
Posted by sizzled (Member # 1357) on :
Thanks so much for the list,TC.
Will get the fold-up chairs OFF the porch before they end up in a tree ..or on someone's head!! Posted by 2roads (Member # 4409) on :
No Tincup......on the top of my list (like Frog and Toad) will be to move in with Tincup. Then you can do the rest.
You are amazing, and I know where I wanta be when the you know what hits the fan.
Posted by just don (Member # 1129) on :
Thats a GREAT idea 2 roads.
If 'himacane EARL' comes within 100 miles of me I am going to go live with Tincup also!!!
Do I see Tincup shaking in her boots??? (from fright?)
I will even offer to take TUTU with me if she wants to go also!!!
Posted by 2roads (Member # 4409) on :
We're there! Posted by sometimesdilly (Member # 9982) on :
earl ain't a biggie. already downgraded. life goes on..
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I'm game, don! Is TC a good cook??
Posted by 2roads (Member # 4409) on :
Oh c'mon Dill. Let's crash anyway. Maybe Gael will come and bring some of her awesome soup just in case TC isn't a good cook.
Hugs Tincup.
Posted by just don (Member # 1129) on :
My first guess is TC is an EXCELLENT cook!!
Cant recall how I would know that,,but seems most likely to me!!!!
Anyone that can grow champion tomatoes VERY early in season can obviously cook one. Think early August or so which is 30 days earlier than 'here'.
I also think she is an accomplished naturalist. Never SAW her start a fire with two sticks but dont doubt she COULD!!!!!
And she does walk on water too!!!! (winter helps that)
Posted by Paul Mall (Member # 27581) on :
it's very rare that a hurricane makes it up here especially making landfall
the last time that happened was in 1985 I believe it was for hurricane gloria
but the difference is we don't build are houses out of mud up here and they actually have basements and foundations so hurcaines don't budge them... only the tree's drop causing power problems
haha
Paul
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
You all are too funny! Flying chairs? OH NO! HA!
Earl- 140 mph sustained winds... category 4 right now. NC coast mandatory evacuations. Virginia and Maryland under a state of emergency already.
I'd LOVE to go to the beach to watch and take photos and "feel it".. but it is Labor Day weekend and 250,000 additional people are expected to be there.. traveling on the road I would need to take. I know better than to get in that traffic!
As for coming to visit.. do come. But bring your own cook and dishwasher with you. Unless you like muskrat, clams, eels and crabs served on paper plates. HA!
The corn and tomatoes are good right now too.. and plentiful.
BTW- Please do be prepared. The list does seem intense but it is worth being ready. I use to work disasters, so had plenty of practice getting ready way in advance.
I expect flooding, loss of electricity, damaging winds, extreme tides and some rocking and rolling going on here (we are just above sea level here and are surrounded by water on three sides). So will catch you all later... hopefully not from the life boat!
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Taffy? Did someone say taffy?
Oh and Tutu... the other Earl, Earl Jr., is alive and well, living in the mirror casing on my vehicle.. the driver's side!
I absolutely can not get rid of Earl Jr. I've washed him over and over, sprayed him with the garden hose... and he just hides until the threat is gone. Then he comes out at night and weaves another web.
Woven in the last web were the words "Save Charlotte".
No one likes a smarty pants spider.
Posted by littlebit27 (Member # 24477) on :
Good post for people in hurricane prone areas or not hurricane areas since Earl might hit a few places that aren't used to it.
I live near the coast in GA so we always get the "be prepared" speech from the newscasters but I don't think people take it seriously. Some people won't take it seriously until it is pounding at their front door.
I'm waiting for one here, it's been YEARS since the coast of GA got hit dead on. My reasoning is...(don't laugh now), it had been 20 years since it snowed here, it snowed this year. It has been +15 years since we've had such how weather for so many days in a row, we almost beat the record of 45 days in the mid to upper 90s. Then it's been 15+ years since a hurricane hit. Seems like we're due.
Stay safe people in Earls (and all other upcomming hurricane) path.
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Just watch - the spider's web will survive hurricane winds.
Posted by sizzled (Member # 1357) on :
If I see tomoatoes and corn flying through the air...I'll know I'm not in Kansas anymore!!
Aunty Em! Aunty Em!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Paul... most any house will sustain bad damage with 140mph winds. But I don't think you'll get that mph where you are. Let's hope not, anyway.
TC.. So can you cook, or not? Are you going to make some gluten free biscuits for me? Or how about buckwheat pancakes?
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Hey! I almost spit out my cookie reading your post Siz... and would that be a crying shame or what? HA!
Littlebit... interesting ideas there. I do remember the last big hurricane that hit Georgia. It scarred the landscape for years on end.
I doubt you'll get hit this time (I'll pray you don't).. but had to laugh when I saw mention of Georgia.
A friend told me today they are going gator hunting there... and rather than go due "south" to GA from here (east coast) tonight ... they are going west to the mountains of Virginia, cross them, then going south. They don't want to chance running into Earl on the way.
I couldn't help think about the fact they aren't scared of hunting gators in a swamp (with a bow and arrow at night from a little canoe)... but they are scared of Earl!
Go figure!
So far we are great here. Had two bands come through so far.. and one absolutely beautiful sunset because of it.
Posted by merrygirl (Member # 12041) on :
I am 30 minutes to cape cod... State of emergency here. Its exciting to say the least.
We are close enough to the heavy winds. I am hoping to chat through the worst of it tomorrow night in lyme chat, anyone wanna join me >>?
I got some work to do in the am getting thinghs secure.
wish me luck.
Melissa
Posted by sometimesdilly (Member # 9982) on :
what a difference 100 miles away makes. we're not even expecting rain here, much less anything else.
stay safe, Tin.
Posted by just don (Member # 1129) on :
no Earl here either!!!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
If you're on the western side of it, you'll get a little of nothing.
Glad you're safe, dilly!
Don... you were really worried about this storm hitting you, right??
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Just checking in... all good for now.
The guys told me they were going to go to the maritime museum to find some old time harpoons.
They said they wanted to be prepared in case sharks came swimming up to the back door trying to bite me.
NOT funny! So I told them to BITE ME!
Right now, not a breath of air... and no rain.
Here are a few pics of the first bands of Earl coming through. I love taking weather and cloud pictures. The last one is of the sunset through the 2nd band last evening.
Looks like Earl is coming your way! Yes, exciting, isn't it? Like a date to go dancing on a Saturday night. Please review the list above, do what you can and be safe!!!!
Dilly- I've been watching the forecast for your area and yes, not even a mention of rain for you. Unbelievable... you are so close but so far in this regard. I'll give Earl a kiss from you as he goes by.
Just Don...
Maybe next time, eh?
Posted by sometimesdilly (Member # 9982) on :
tin- what gorgeous photos of Earl clouds.... wow!
yes, i am so close yet so far in this regard as in many others, no doubt. please do kiss earl for me.. i'm envious you get to say howdy to him.. i have the utmost respect for extreme weather, actually-- the ultimate power of earth on earth.
may your power stay on, Tin and Merry, and the winds be light.
Posted by Paul Mall (Member # 27581) on :
yea nice sunset color
Paul
Posted by merrygirl (Member # 12041) on :
yes I am mostly worried about the power, although we have a generator, but thats a pain.
just starting to get dark skies and rain.
Posted by littlebit27 (Member # 24477) on :
TC- That is pretty funny. LOL.
I knew Earl wouldn't hit us but I'm worried about the other ones that are developing, not Fiona.
I know it's weird reasoning, but hey ya never know. I know my electric bill has never been over $300 since I've lived here, lol. AC people have been busier this summer than they've been in years. We work with AC people.
I'm just weird Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Glad you liked the pics. But that was the whole thing. Just a few cloud bands. No wind and no rain for two days. None.
BUT.. about an hour ago the wind started kicking up pretty good and the electric started flickering. What's that about?
I just went outside and there are stars in the sky!
I added a couple more pics to the tiny collection... but unless something big happens ... it is over here. ??
Guess I'll be eating a lot of canned food for the next month or so! But glad I was prepared!
Littlebit... my kid has been in the Gulf for the past month working to help with the oil spill- due home next week.
He has top weather people there directing the work and said to forget Fiona for our area ... but watch the others that are forming.
So maybe save those canned goods for a little bit?
Posted by just don (Member # 1129) on :
I bought ALL the ocean front property in MY state (of confusion)
Goes to show you how good of plan THAT was!!!
I am always at the wrong place at the right time.
Today I am busier than a one arm paper hanger so gotta go!!!
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[lol]](graemlins/lol.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)