Hurricane Preparedness: Kits and Planning for "the BIG one"

Dave

Dave

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Living in the south, "hurricane season" is a yearly thing. Like earthquakes (more on that HERE), wildfires, and tornados in other parts of the nation, destructive weather is part of life in the southeast. But, they can also hit the west coast and central Pacific (typhoons).

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Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season (includes Baja): May 15-November 30.

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Atlantic Hurricane Season: June 1-November 30.

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Central Pacific Hurricane Season: June 1-November 30.

Last year, we got hit by Hurricane Sally.

At landfall here in West Florida, it was about 2 MPH shy of the Category 3 hurricane mark. And since it was a slow moving storm, it sat on top of us for almost TWO DAYS before moving on. We had repeated tornado alerts throughout the first night (!)... several tornados touched down just a few miles from our home. All while the wind and rain was cranking. It was dark, the rain was coming down sideways in buckets, and it was NOT safe to be outside as it was literally hitting the fan. All you could do is hole up, and hold on. Hurricanes aren't just a coastal thing either, these storms move inland a raise hell with wind and rising water.

I'd never seen anything like it.

Luckily, we were ready with provisions laid away in advance to include a generator and fuel for the aftermath. But had that storm been much worse, it might not have mattered. It's a scary thing when it's on top of your house testing out every shingle, brick and board.

When the next one hits, I hope we're all ready not only to ensure our own well being and that of our families, but to be leaders in the community who help our neighbors. Our rigs, our gear, our background and our skills as Adventurers make us particularly suited to "rising to the challenge" of a regional or even national emergency. As such, a proactive approach is best and "being ready" or "prepping", while nutty to some, just makes sense. And it's worth educating your friends and neighbors about.

This thread is dedicated to being ready.
 
Hurricane Knowledge

First, know your hurricane facts and understand common terms used during hurricane forecasts. Storm conditions can vary on the intensity, size and even the angle which the tropical cyclone approaches your area, so it is vital you understand what the forecasters and news reporters are telling you.

Tropical Depressions are cyclones with winds of 38 mph.

Tropical Storms vary in wind speeds from 39-73 mph.

Hurricanes have winds 74 mph and greater.

Typically the upper right quadrant of the storm (the center wrapping around the eye) is the most intense portion of the storm. The greatest threats are damaging winds, storm surge and flooding. This is in part why Hurricane Katrina was so catastrophic when bringing up to 28 foot storm surges onto the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines.

Here are some important terms you may hear:
  • Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions are possible in the area.
  • Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible in the area.
    Watches are issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds.
  • Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the area.
  • Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the area.
    Warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of tropical storm force winds.
  • Eye: Clear, sometimes well-defined center of the storm with calmer conditions.
  • Eye Wall: Surrounding the eye, contains some of the most severe weather of the storm with the highest wind speed and largest precipitation.
  • Rain Bands: Bands coming off the cyclone that produce severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind and tornadoes.
  • Storm Surge: An often underestimated and deadly result of ocean water swelling as a result of a landfalling storm, and quickly flooding coastal and sometimes areas further inland.
During a watch, prepare your home and evacuation plan in case a warning is issued. During a warning, carefully follow the directions of officials, and immediately leave the area if they advise it.

In the event of an Extreme Wind Warning/Advisory, which means that extreme sustained winds of 115 mph or greater are expected to begin within an hour, immediately take shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.

Hurricane Forecasts

Predicting a tropical cyclone's path can be challenging; there are many global and local factors that come into play. The storm's size and path can directly influence what sort of wind patterns guide, enhance or hinder its growth, and vice versa! Forecasters have computers that take huge amounts of data and try to predict where the storm will go and usually can calculate 2-3 days out fairly accurately. This is where you hear the terms computer models and spaghetti models being used. Generally the forecast track or path is given with the average consensus of these models.

Hurricane Names

Hurricane names are picked randomly, then rotated and recycled every 6 years. If a hurricane was catastrophic or severely deadly and costly (i.e. Charlie, Katrina, Irene, Ivan) it is officially retired since use can be confusing when naming current storms.

The National Hurricane Center has the most up-to-date information on tropical cyclone developments, forecasts and weather alerts, discussions analyzing the data and more. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
 
Hurricane Kits
It is important to create a kit of supplies that you could take with you if you are forced to evacuate. This kit will also be useful if you are able to stay in your home, but are still affected by the storm, such as through the loss of power.

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One common trend seen when hurricanes are approaching is a wide-spread panic. When this happens, people rush in large numbers to get all the supplies they think they need. However, if you prepare your kit ahead of time, you can alleviate a lot of the potential stress of a very chaotic situation. You should create your kit in a bag that you can easily take with you. Some recommended items to include are:
  • Non-perishable food (enough to last at least 3 days)
  • Water (enough to last at least 3 days)
  • First-aid kit (include any prescription medication you may need)
  • Personal hygiene items and sanitation items
  • Flashlights (have extra batteries on hand)
  • Battery operated radio (again, have extra batteries)
  • Waterproof container with cash and important documents
  • Manual can opener for food
  • Lighter or matches
  • Books, magazines, games for recreation
  • Special needs items: pet supplies and baby supplies if applicable
  • Cooler and ice packs
  • A plan for evacuation and for if family members are separated
 
BEFORE THE STORM:

Know your evacuation zone.

• Purchase a NOAA weather radio.
• Trim trees and shrubs around your home.
• Make plans to secure your property.

Securing Your Home

Know how to secure your home in the event of damaging winds, storm surge and flooding.

• Cover all of your windows, either with hurricane shutters or wood. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• Although tape can prevent glass from shattering everywhere, be warned that tape does not prevent the window from breaking.
• If possible, secure straps or clips to securely fasten your roof to the structure of your home.
• Make sure all trees and shrubs are trimmed and clear rain gutters.
• Reinforce your garage doors.
• Bring in all outdoor furniture, garbage cans, decorations, and anything else that is not tied down.
• If winds become strong, stay away from windows and doors and close, secure and brace internal doors.

Five Days Prior to Expected Landfall

• Review your family disaster plan.
• Get your survival kit and important papers ready.
• If you or a family member is elderly, handicapped or has special care needs, be sure you are ready to implement your special needs plan
• Take photos of your property from all angles. It may not look the same after the storm passes.
• Begin work to prepare your home and yard.
• Check for, fix or remove loose items on your structures/homes.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and down spouts.
• If you live in an evacuation zone, know where you will go and how you will get there. As a storm moves closer, the accuracy of the forecast improves.

Three Days Prior to Expected Landfall

• Double check your disaster kit and make necessary purchases to avoid lines and traffic.
• Gather special supplies for infants, children, seniors and pets.
• Be sure you have all materials and tools necessary to shutter windows.
• Shop early.
• If your plans are to evacuate, make arrangements, book reservations and pack what you can in your vehicle. About 48 hours ahead of a storm, forecasters will issue a hurricane watch for areas within the cone that can expect hurricane conditions. Again, because hurricanes can be erratic, everyone in that area must prepare as if the storm is headed directly for their home. If the storm changes path or speed, the time between a watch and a warning might be only six hours. During a watch, the focus should be on preparing for the warning.

*If you are in an evacuation zone or a mobile/manufactured home, the goal is to be fully prepared to evacuate one or two hours a head of the warning being issued if needed.
*If you live in a non-evacuation zone, the goal is to complete all preparations within one or two hours after the warning.

Hurricane Watch versus Warning

Hurricane Watch: A Hurricane WATCH indicates that hurricane force winds and conditions may be experienced within 36 hours.
Hurricane Warning: A Hurricane: WARNING indicates that sustained winds of 74 mph are expected within 24 hours or less.

Hurricane WATCH actions:

• Fill vehicle gas tank.
• Get cash and secure papers and valuables.
• Refill medications.
• Fill containers and tubs with water, even if evacuating – you may need the water when you return.
• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools.
• Shutter your windows.
• Prepare boats.
• Help neighbors with their preparations.
• If your plans are to evacuate out of the local area, make final preparations to secure your home so you can leave as soon as an evacuation order is issued.
• If you are registered for transportation to a public shelter, be sure you have everything you need for your “go bag”.

A storm will be about 36 hours from impact when the hurricane warning is issued. Emergency management officials may issue official evacuation orders not long after a warning. Whenever any evacuation is ordered, all manufactured home residents should evacuate. For those not in manufactured homes, be sure to know your zone so you can understand and follow official emergency instructions.

Hurricane WARNING actions:

• Stay tuned to local news and get your weather radio ready.
• Complete any final preparations.
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep the doors closed.
• If your plan is to travel out of the local area and you can leave at this point, do so now to avoid traffic jams.
• If you are registered for transportation to a public shelter, have your “go bag” ready.
• If evacuation orders are issued, determine if your residence is affected.
• If you are evacuating locally, leave for your designated safe location. If you are utilizing a public shelter, be sure to check which public shelters are open.
• If you are not required to evacuate, prepare a safe room in your home and stay off the roads to enable evacuation traffic to clear the area.
• Notify your designated out-of-town contact and let them know where you are sheltering.
• Avoid using the phone, except for emergencies.
 
Power Outages
In the event a storm should leave you without power, there are a few things to consider and help you be ready and stay safe outside of your normal hurricane preparedness.
  • Gas: Make sure your tank is full far in advance of an approaching storm. Most people wait until the last minute, rush to get extra gas for cars and generators, and subsequently gas stations usually run out early.
  • ATMS: Have extra cash on hand in the event no ATMS in your area are accessible or working.
  • Cell Phones: Charge your cell phone and limit use after power is out.
  • A/C: This can be the most uncomfortable side effect of losing power during a storm. Try to prevent as much light from entering and warming the house by covering up your windows on the inside. If you have back-up or battery operated fans, don't run them unless you are in the room. Fans create a difference in perceived temperature but do not cool the room; instead they create a cooling effect by dispersing the heat off your skin. It is said they can actually add heat to a room just by running.
  • Water: Fill bathtub and large containers with water for washing and flushing only.
  • Food: Turn your fridge temperature down and/or freeze any food or drinking water that can be frozen if you expect a power outage. Here is a guide on freezing food: Freezing and Food Safety. Have a cooler with ice packs prepared to cool your drinks and snacks after power has been out for more than 4 hours. And importantly, check out this food safety guide for when to discard your perishable food: http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/refridg_food.html
  • Health/Safety: The CDC has a great guide on how to stay safe in the event of a power outage: Power Outages
Remember, any severe storm can be deadly and destructive. If you've survived a landfalling hurricane, you know the inconvenience and distress it can cause. One of the best tips to be prepared is knowing the cycle of a cyclone - Approach, Arrival & Aftermath. Prepare ahead of time and listen to the directions of officials for the approach. Secure your home, or find a safe shelter for its arrival, and know how to proceed safely during the aftermath.
 
Having lived for several years on a barrier island off the coast of Texas I can agree that being prepared for a hurricane (or any other natural disaster) is not something to be taken lightly.

We actually had two scenarios set up and this might be something that other people want to consider:

1. At Home - Don’t just have 3 days of supplies ready. Make it at least a week. This not only includes food but water, gas, propane etc. Remember that if you have to leave when you can come back there may not be any basic supplies like food, water or even electricity available for quite some time. You do have a generator right?

2. Mobile Unit - Have your truck packed with, once again, at least a week’s worth of supplies including enough fuel for 1000 miles if you can. If, for some reason, you decide to wait until the last minute (dumba$$!) you could easily run out of fuel while you’re parked on the interstate in 90 degree weather and 95% humidity. Have a place already figured out where to go to like a relative or friends house. Also bring any important documents with you. Hopefully you have scanned all of them and are stored in the Cloud but you might need to prove residency upon trying to return.

The last thing that we did was to predetermine when to leave. For us it was if we were in a Cat 3 storm’s cone of impact with less than 72 hours. Material things can be replaced your lives cannot.
 
Keep those battery solar power stations topped off and ready to go.

Plus add in whatever protective tools you have from post disaster mal-intent human factors too.
 
In late 2024, Hurricane Helene (Category 4 at landfall) was devastating. So was Hurricane Milton (Category 3 at landfall).

Some lessons learned during two back-to-back hurricanes this year:

Have more than one "plan". Think PACE plan (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency). Disasters rarely behave as you think they will. Many had generators but no fuel for them. Some had food but not enough for more than a week and no way to cook foods that could not be eaten raw. Many had fully charged cell phones, but cell towers were down.

There may be no cell service, no power, and no way to leave town. We think we are well connected for communication in 2024 but Helene and Milton prove we are not. Every system can fail. Even HAM radio was limited due to repeater towers being down.

Without power, credit and debit cards are useless. Fuel pumps won't work. No cell signal. No WiFi. Have a plan to function in an analog world again.

No amount of money can protect you. Multimillion-dollar, modern homes in Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee were destroyed. Those with cash on hand would be able to purchase supplies but there may be no supplies to purchase. That said, always have cash on hand for when supplies are available again, or for use while evacuating when supplies are available but there is no power to use credit and debit cards.

Water is a necessity not a luxury. Flooding destroyed infrastructure (pipes) meaning no running water, not just contaminated water (which can be dealt with). No water is a much worse scenario. This is a reminder, "life straws" do not work in flooding scenarios, only a water purification system helps and that is if you can get to water that is not contaminated with sewage and chemicals. Food preparation, pets, toilets, dishes, laundry, babies needing formula, and just hydration, all need water. A few cases of bottled water are not enough.

Power outages can last for weeks. Five days after the storm hit, 1,000,000 customers were still without power. Remember when you hear a million that is customers not people. Include the average number of people per household there were more than 3,000,000 people without power. Two weeks after Helene arrived, hundreds of thousands of people were still without power.

Cities can be cut off from help. Roads and bridges were damaged beyond immediate repair making access to towns a major chore. There may be no access possible to check on loved ones or for first responders to get through with help, food, and water. Supplies were being brought into North Carolina by helicopter.

Food supplies can run out quickly. A run on stores for supplies and food (toilet paper!) is one thing but what happens when the store is destroyed? Food in stores will spoil in a day without power. In a flooding event, the contents of the store may float away as they did in Asheville and other areas. A tornado or fire will completely destroy anything in the store, leaving NO food.

Store foods that do not need to be cooked and are light weight. Should you need to evacuate, have emergency foods stored in a separate backpack or container that can be grabbed as you leave. These should provide calories and be enough for you to feel you have been fed and not still hungry. Consider emergency bars and MREs for your "grab and go".

Freeze dried and dehydrated foods are worthless without water. These cannot be reconstituted and eaten without water. Eating them dry without reconstituting is dangerous as it can cause severe dehydration.

Fuel supplies, gas, propane tanks will run out and there may be no way to replenish them.

Wind isn’t the only threat from a hurricane, the rain can create much more chaos.

Two disasters can occur at the same time. Helene not only spawned flooding but also damaging winds and tornadoes. Fires were caused by explosions and transformers blowing up.

You are on your own for days or weeks, not 72 hours. Three days following landfall Asheville 911 was receiving 1,200 calls a day for wellness checks but could only reply to 110 per day.

Emergency shelters fill up. There are only so many hotel rooms and shelters in any area, after they are full, you are on your own.

Preparing for more than one way to deal with a disaster is essential. Many may have prepared for a power outage with a generator, but fuel may not be available when the fuel stored runs out. No gas or propane could be found in Asheville and the surrounding areas after Helene. You may have propane and a grill or camp stove but what is plan B when the propane runs out?

Evacuate when you are told to. So many did not heed the warnings, and they ended up on their roof, or in the attic, and unfortunately many lost their lives. Losing every possession is hard but losing your life or the life of a family member is not worth any possession.

Looting happens. Remember, you are only 4 missed meals away from MAYHEM. Two legged critters will go feral very quickly.

DO NOT rely on the government to come to the rescue. We are on our own with the help of family, neighbors, and friends.

FUN FACTS:

500-year storms can happen more than once within a year.

Every state in the United States has experienced tornados.

Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Texas and Florida have the most recorded large-scale floods, but every state has been the victim of flooding disasters.

Since 1900, earthquakes have occurred in 39 states.

There is no state in the United States that never experiences earthquakes.

Every state has experienced a wildfire disaster.

Every east coast and gulf coast state has been affected by a hurricane as well as California. This is not the whole story as the rains and winds from hurricanes have affected most eastern, central and southern states with flooding and tornadoes they spawned.

There is no state in the continental United States that has never experienced a snow or ice storm. Even Hawaii has snow. Only the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands have never had snow.
 
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