TklDuo-Ann
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This is a bit late in coming. But, I've been busy with our own preps. Though this is only a cat 1 or 2 storm for most of us, the size and track of the circulation, topography of the areas being hit and duration of it will be problematic. Just thought I'd share some tips that might be useful...
Cooking in case of power loss...
If you have a gas stove, you should still be able to cook. If it has an electric ignition, just use matches to spark it. But, be sure you don't let the gas build up before doing so. It's best to light the match first so it's ready to use immediately. You can get a flash burn if you let the gas build while you try to light the match.
For those without gas stoves, even a small table top grill is useful for cooking. Be sure to include charcoal when you grab supplies if it's a charcoal grill. If it's a gas grill, be sure it's secure so the propane tank doesn't get slammed into things when the storm is in process. Just be sure to keep it away from the house and well vented so you don't end up with a fire or CO poisoning.
BTW...Stocked up on a bunch of canned stuff? Good for you! Well done! But, do you have a manual can opener to open it all with? D'oh!
On the topic of the fridge/freezer...
The more the better. Anything extra you have that can stay cold...water, soda, canned juices, gatoraid and the like? Stick it on in there! THe same goes for bread, which will keep longer if not exposed to warm, humid air. The more you have cold BEFORE power goes out, the longer the temps will hold once it does. Have an extra cooler with ice next to your fridge too. Then, anything you're expecting to use within a fairly short period of time can be shifted all at once to conserve the cold inside. Couldn't find any ice and have a few hours before Irene arrives? Fill ziplock backs with water and freeze them. Even if they don't get to freeze fully before power goes out, it will still help maintain things.
On the topic of water...
Pressure changes are possible during extreme weather situations. THat could limit your ability to get water in your home...and potentially allow backflow of any contaminated water. But, that's only only one of the concerns to think about. If power goes out or a water plant is flooded, water will likely be contaminated and undrinkable...possibly even with boiling. So, be sure you keep yourself informed as much as possible...and share any info with neighbors as much as possible.
Have a healthy supply of drinking water, cooking water, batheing water and flushing water. For flushing and quick sponge baths at the sink, have your tub filled with water and a waste basket or bucket to transfer it. For cooking, fill whatever large pots you may have with water in advance so it can be used if needed. Be sure to cover it if possible to protect it from contamination by pets, flying debris, etc. For drinking water, you ideally want to plan a gallon per person per day. That may sound like a lot. But, if you're working on storm clean-up, you'll likely use it. Remember that this is also the water you'll want to use for oral care.
Gas & money...
Make sure you have a full gas tank before the storm hits. If you need to evacuate at the last second, you may not find a station open. Even if you do find a station, if there's no power, the pumps won't be working. Also, with no power, ATMs and credit card scanners won't work. So, be sure to have some extra cash on hand in case you need it.
Projectiles...
Here in CT, we're expecting anywhere from 70 - 80 mph gusts. Most areas south of us will be stronger. That's more than enough to toss thing around. Think of it this way. If you can pick it up and throw it, so can these winds. ANYTHING...from lawn furniture to solar lights to garden decorations...can become projectiles when winds are sustained at that speed. That can take out windows, seriously injure people and generally cause problems. If you have a shed, that's an easy place to stash it. If not, a tight fit in your living room may be a better otption than no front/back window.
Vehicle protection...
If you're like us and have no garage, it's a good idea to try to find at least some protection from the above mentioned projectiles. We're fortunate to have a hedgerow of sturdy bushes on the driveway side of our house. So, our vehicles will be parked between the two to lessen the angles they can get hit from. Parking way from trees with potential falling limbs is also a good idea. And, if the area normally has lots of ponding water during rain storms, it's probably not a good place with the amounts of water many will be dealing with. If your only "sheltered" area may flood, weigh the expected damage from each and make a call...or flip a coin. lol
Lighting...
If your power goes out, you'll want some sort of light for evening/nighttime hours. Hurrican lamps and candles are an easy way to provide a little light. But, never leave them burning when not attended. That means, if you leave the room (unless there's someone in there with you), take the candle with you. You may be planning to return immediately. But firescan happen very quickly if a window blows out and it gets knocked over or you get side-tracked and forget. Also, be sure to keep candles in a fireproof holder and well away from any curtains, etc. Pets darting around investigatint the noises can easily knock them over as well. Be sure they're secure. If you have a battery powered camping lamp or flashlight, be sure you've got plenty of batteries.
Water issues...as in too much of it...
If you have an area close to the house that tends to pond in heavy rains, a pump with a hose run downgrade and away from your house is a good idea. It won't work if you lose power (unless you also have a generator). But, it could make the difference in keeping it low enough to minimize buildup once you do lose power. Just be sure it's attached to a proper extension chord and only plugged into a GFI outlet (one that kicks off if there's a break in the fault). Most states require all outdoor outlets to be GFI. But, some houses are older than the codes. Don't know if you have a GFI outlet or how to identify a one? It's the kind with the two little push buttons between the sockets. It;s also a good idea to keep the plug/ext chord union raised so it remains out of the water.
Power lines...
Whether it's the lines on the street or those running from your house to the street, it's likely that some will be coming down under tree limbs. Stay away from them! Don't go out to check them out! The ground will be wet and you WILL be dead! Stay indoors and call 911.
BE INFORMED!
First off...evacuations...
If you are told to evacuate your area, DO IT! They don't order them just to hear themselves talk. It means that your life is at risk if you stay. With this particular storm, this is especially true if you're near the coast or live in a low lying area. The amount of water this will be dropping AND the amount it will be pushing ahead of it in the storm surge will cause major flooding. Those near rivers/inlets aren't out of the woods. It's going to build up fast. Smaller ones will likely even change direction for a bit as the surge comes in. Once it starts, it's too late. And in most cases, emergency personelle will not be able to come help until after the storm is passed.
Even if you don't plan to evacuate, you may be forced to do so by conditions as they worsen. It's a good idea to be aware of local shelters...even if it's a neighbor with a more sturdy house. If you don't already know how to get to the shelter, drive it in advance so you know how to get there...including alternate routes to get around potential downed trees and power lines.
Know what's happening and what's coming...
Have a bettery operated radio or police scanner on hand with plenty of backup batteries. This will help you keep track of the storm as it approaches and passes. If you have a scanner, you can also keep track of cleanup and power restoration progress...with can better help you decide how quickly you want to go through whatever food/water you have on hand. When in doubt, plan for it to take more time than you actually expect. With this system hitting so many heavily populated areas, it's likely to take a while for crews to make their way to some areas. Then, you need to add to the mix the amount of time it will take to actually do the work. It could be weeks for many.
OK, there's lots more. But, I'm starting to zone. So, I'll quit here for now. Feel free to add your own tips.
Cooking in case of power loss...
If you have a gas stove, you should still be able to cook. If it has an electric ignition, just use matches to spark it. But, be sure you don't let the gas build up before doing so. It's best to light the match first so it's ready to use immediately. You can get a flash burn if you let the gas build while you try to light the match.
For those without gas stoves, even a small table top grill is useful for cooking. Be sure to include charcoal when you grab supplies if it's a charcoal grill. If it's a gas grill, be sure it's secure so the propane tank doesn't get slammed into things when the storm is in process. Just be sure to keep it away from the house and well vented so you don't end up with a fire or CO poisoning.
BTW...Stocked up on a bunch of canned stuff? Good for you! Well done! But, do you have a manual can opener to open it all with? D'oh!
On the topic of the fridge/freezer...
The more the better. Anything extra you have that can stay cold...water, soda, canned juices, gatoraid and the like? Stick it on in there! THe same goes for bread, which will keep longer if not exposed to warm, humid air. The more you have cold BEFORE power goes out, the longer the temps will hold once it does. Have an extra cooler with ice next to your fridge too. Then, anything you're expecting to use within a fairly short period of time can be shifted all at once to conserve the cold inside. Couldn't find any ice and have a few hours before Irene arrives? Fill ziplock backs with water and freeze them. Even if they don't get to freeze fully before power goes out, it will still help maintain things.
On the topic of water...
Pressure changes are possible during extreme weather situations. THat could limit your ability to get water in your home...and potentially allow backflow of any contaminated water. But, that's only only one of the concerns to think about. If power goes out or a water plant is flooded, water will likely be contaminated and undrinkable...possibly even with boiling. So, be sure you keep yourself informed as much as possible...and share any info with neighbors as much as possible.
Have a healthy supply of drinking water, cooking water, batheing water and flushing water. For flushing and quick sponge baths at the sink, have your tub filled with water and a waste basket or bucket to transfer it. For cooking, fill whatever large pots you may have with water in advance so it can be used if needed. Be sure to cover it if possible to protect it from contamination by pets, flying debris, etc. For drinking water, you ideally want to plan a gallon per person per day. That may sound like a lot. But, if you're working on storm clean-up, you'll likely use it. Remember that this is also the water you'll want to use for oral care.
Gas & money...
Make sure you have a full gas tank before the storm hits. If you need to evacuate at the last second, you may not find a station open. Even if you do find a station, if there's no power, the pumps won't be working. Also, with no power, ATMs and credit card scanners won't work. So, be sure to have some extra cash on hand in case you need it.
Projectiles...
Here in CT, we're expecting anywhere from 70 - 80 mph gusts. Most areas south of us will be stronger. That's more than enough to toss thing around. Think of it this way. If you can pick it up and throw it, so can these winds. ANYTHING...from lawn furniture to solar lights to garden decorations...can become projectiles when winds are sustained at that speed. That can take out windows, seriously injure people and generally cause problems. If you have a shed, that's an easy place to stash it. If not, a tight fit in your living room may be a better otption than no front/back window.
Vehicle protection...
If you're like us and have no garage, it's a good idea to try to find at least some protection from the above mentioned projectiles. We're fortunate to have a hedgerow of sturdy bushes on the driveway side of our house. So, our vehicles will be parked between the two to lessen the angles they can get hit from. Parking way from trees with potential falling limbs is also a good idea. And, if the area normally has lots of ponding water during rain storms, it's probably not a good place with the amounts of water many will be dealing with. If your only "sheltered" area may flood, weigh the expected damage from each and make a call...or flip a coin. lol
Lighting...
If your power goes out, you'll want some sort of light for evening/nighttime hours. Hurrican lamps and candles are an easy way to provide a little light. But, never leave them burning when not attended. That means, if you leave the room (unless there's someone in there with you), take the candle with you. You may be planning to return immediately. But firescan happen very quickly if a window blows out and it gets knocked over or you get side-tracked and forget. Also, be sure to keep candles in a fireproof holder and well away from any curtains, etc. Pets darting around investigatint the noises can easily knock them over as well. Be sure they're secure. If you have a battery powered camping lamp or flashlight, be sure you've got plenty of batteries.
Water issues...as in too much of it...
If you have an area close to the house that tends to pond in heavy rains, a pump with a hose run downgrade and away from your house is a good idea. It won't work if you lose power (unless you also have a generator). But, it could make the difference in keeping it low enough to minimize buildup once you do lose power. Just be sure it's attached to a proper extension chord and only plugged into a GFI outlet (one that kicks off if there's a break in the fault). Most states require all outdoor outlets to be GFI. But, some houses are older than the codes. Don't know if you have a GFI outlet or how to identify a one? It's the kind with the two little push buttons between the sockets. It;s also a good idea to keep the plug/ext chord union raised so it remains out of the water.
Power lines...
Whether it's the lines on the street or those running from your house to the street, it's likely that some will be coming down under tree limbs. Stay away from them! Don't go out to check them out! The ground will be wet and you WILL be dead! Stay indoors and call 911.
BE INFORMED!
First off...evacuations...
If you are told to evacuate your area, DO IT! They don't order them just to hear themselves talk. It means that your life is at risk if you stay. With this particular storm, this is especially true if you're near the coast or live in a low lying area. The amount of water this will be dropping AND the amount it will be pushing ahead of it in the storm surge will cause major flooding. Those near rivers/inlets aren't out of the woods. It's going to build up fast. Smaller ones will likely even change direction for a bit as the surge comes in. Once it starts, it's too late. And in most cases, emergency personelle will not be able to come help until after the storm is passed.
Even if you don't plan to evacuate, you may be forced to do so by conditions as they worsen. It's a good idea to be aware of local shelters...even if it's a neighbor with a more sturdy house. If you don't already know how to get to the shelter, drive it in advance so you know how to get there...including alternate routes to get around potential downed trees and power lines.
Know what's happening and what's coming...
Have a bettery operated radio or police scanner on hand with plenty of backup batteries. This will help you keep track of the storm as it approaches and passes. If you have a scanner, you can also keep track of cleanup and power restoration progress...with can better help you decide how quickly you want to go through whatever food/water you have on hand. When in doubt, plan for it to take more time than you actually expect. With this system hitting so many heavily populated areas, it's likely to take a while for crews to make their way to some areas. Then, you need to add to the mix the amount of time it will take to actually do the work. It could be weeks for many.
OK, there's lots more. But, I'm starting to zone. So, I'll quit here for now. Feel free to add your own tips.
