Actual non-trolling question about hurricane prep

[Geauxfish]

Okay, why are tarps so handy during the storms? I feel Im missing something here, other than for your damaged roof?

Mostly from roof damage. But, I've used a stack of them inside of an apartment too for water that was running inside the ceiling space between floors. Again, it was roof damage, but not the typical tree falling on a house type of damage.

 

[dantheman]

Dont forget that during clean up there will be a snake under or in everthing you pick up.

Snakes , Racoons , Nutria , Fire Ants , you name it .

 

[DBMJR1]

A couple things not mentioned:

Powdered milk

Canned fruit

Solar LED garden lights work great to light the house at night. Safer than candles and can be recharged the next day.

Harbor Freight infrared driveway alert alarms offer night time security.

 

[03protege]

http://www.amazon.com/waterBOB-Emer...923641&sr=8-1&keywords=bath+tub+water+bladder

This bath tub water bladder is pretty sweet. Turns what would otherwise be utility or desperate measure drinking water into a potable water asset.

Please be familiar with the chainsaw prior to having to use it in a disaster event, so many people are hurt with these things and during a hurricane is not the time to cut your knee cap in half or half your foot off like some people I know.

I saw motor oil listed and I think that is a great suggestion, We keep a supply of gas but never any oil, I lucked out with the gas station down the street carrying what I needed (and still being open moments before the storm). Most modern car oils are WAY to thin for the gennys.

Another safety PSA, always operate your generator in a well ventilated area! Never in the house and if you have it under beam (a porch for instance) make sure it the exhaust end pokes out a little bit. Eventually the fumes make it back into the house via the attic if allowed to travel straight up.

We have precut boards stacked in the garage buried behind 3 metric tons of crap and we dig them out for the bad storms, the house has all double insulated windows and we believe a storm is what broke many of the windows seal.

 

[Mxav]

Great thread.

 

[03protege]

Another option I've heard of is to get a dryer cable and put the recepticle on it for the generator. You can back-feed your generator to your electrical system through the dryer outlet in your wash-room.

CAUTION: Just remember to ALWAYS throw (turn off) your main breaker from your breaker box. That will also eliminate your killing of an electical company worker when they are fixing lines that they believe to be discharged.

DISCLAIMER: I take no responsibility for anyone who attempts this. I do no support it in any way!!

I have heard of some electrical utilities cutting your power lines to the house if wire in this way.

 

[HiCapMag]

Nice thread.....few more things

Wakawaka light.... Best thing since sliced bread.

Make sure your TV is set up for over the air reception as a backup and you have a generator that produces clean power to run it. The little Honda and Yamaha gennys are great, quiet and sip gas.

Pop tarts... I dunno why, we just get them for hurricanes

 

[AustinBR]

A few things that haven't been mentioned:

A mobile battery pack that can charge a cellphone or tablet.
Extra batteries for your non iCrap phones are good to have around too
Cards / poker chips / board games - no power for days will get boring towards the end.
Lanterns / glow sticks / small LEDs to illuminate dark rooms at night while using minimal batteries.
One or two badass "instant sun" flashlights - Not that you need an excuse, but being able to light up the other end of your neighborhood can have advantages...and can get attention if needed.
BUG SPRAY
MORE BUG SPRAY
BUG REPELLENT CANDLES - you will likely end up being outside at some point. All the rain makes the vampire bugs happy and when they are happy they breed...and then feast.
Stocked up paper towels - no means to wash stuff for awhile means cleaning up messes with disposable stuff that can just be tossed / burned.
Rubber boots - walking around in slightly high water after a storm.

I'm sure I will think of more things later, but other than items, here are a few things to do before the storm:

Cut your grass. Clean up low hanging branches and anything that looks like it could damage your house under high winds. Move anything that could become flying debris (lawn equipment, patio furniture, et cetera). Clean your house really well on the inside. Having a clean house and no power is much greater than starting off with a dirty house and no means to vacuum. Wash all of your clothes, towels, and whatever. If you have indoor dogs - bathe them. No AC means you will smell them more so than before.

 

[noob]

There's some really good info on here!

They sell table top stoves at the Asian markets in New Orleans.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000G6S8Y8/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1410932339&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

Similar to this


And is this for fuel

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001D7FYCI/ref=pd_aw_sims_2?pi=SY115&simLd=1


I use mine regularly for "hot pot" at my house

 

[Geauxfish]

If you have more than one vehicle, I would park one in a different driveway or along the street (or a parking garage if you have one). I had both my vehicles blocked in once when a tree fell across the driveway.

 

[kingfhb]

This thing works. Just FYI. It's part of my "pack". - http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/the.../pid-1180235?N=401310245&Ntt=mosquitp&Ntk=All

Also, at Harbor Freight, has a small solar panel kit... it's $199.99 (but they always have 40% off coupons everywhere). It will at least provide you with sustainable lights or more. Three 15 watt panels, lights, and the regulator. All you need to do is add a 12v car battery (or a series of them) with an inverter (the larger the better). Excellent and portable (roof, window, car, etc.) solution.

http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-68751-8527.html

 

[kingfhb]

If you have more than one vehicle, I would park one in a different driveway or along the street (or a parking garage if you have one). I had both my vehicles blocked in once when a tree fell across the driveway.

...and thus the need for the chansaw as mentioned in previous posts!

 

[Emperor]

If you have more than one vehicle, I would park one in a different driveway or along the street (or a parking garage if you have one). I had both my vehicles blocked in once when a tree fell across the driveway.

If you have more then one vehicle;.........

and you stay: Put one on high ground or even better, in a second story (or higher) parking garage.

and you go: Take both or see point above.

 

[kingfhb]

If you have more then one vehicle;.........

and you stay: Put one on high ground or even better, in a second story (or higher) parking garage.

and you go: Take both or see point above.

You could always let the storm move it for you....

 

[DBMJR1]

Time we mention toilet paper? It's one thing to go two weeks without electricity another thing entirely to go two weeks without toilet paper

Sent from my Motorola death box.

 

[Geauxfish]

...and thus the need for the chansaw as mentioned in previous posts!

Good point and would work as long as the limb misses the vehicle.

 

[Vermiform]

Time we mention toilet paper? Which one can you go two weeks without electricity another thing entirely to go two weeks without toilet paper

Sent from my Motorola death box.

Baby Wipes FTW!!

 

[general mills]

Also, can we talk about the sleep you get after a storm? Don't have to go to work for a couple days, and the whole house is dark? I could sleep till noon!

Not so lucky. Night shift here and the job still wants you in. Somehow they think you should have no problem going home and sleeping with no power while it's 95 degrees and coming in ready to work. Not to mention leaving you family home in the dark! Personally, I burn up some sick time and take some occurrences when this happens.

 

[Dave328]

You could always let the storm move it for you....

That pic looks very familiar. Chalmette post K?

 

[noob]

That pic looks very familiar. Chalmette post K?

I lived in Meraux most of my life, and after katrina, we found cars EVERYWHERE, Had a work van with trailer attached in mine and my neighbor's pool. Also had a Silverado sitting on top of a fence, just perfectly balanced. Also a WHOLE 2 store house, moved into the middle of the intersection. Made it look like a cul de sac.