ARE WE TOO COMPLACENT ABOUT HURRICANE PREPARATION?
- If You Are Staying in Your Home:
- Clean large containers and bathtubs to store water. Use duct tape to seal bathtub drain before filling the tub.
- Stock about one gallon/day/person for cleaning and flushing toilets. Save large plastic bottles for this purpose.
- Use your freezer to put several plastic jugs of water in it to freeze. Set fridge and freezer settings to highest possible setting in case power is lost. Open freezer door as infrequently as possible so food/ice will last longer if there is no electricity.
- If flooding is a possibility, turn off electricity at the main breaker. Know how to do this ahead of time.
- If using a small generator, the directions must be carefully followed. Make sure that it is outside and that exhaust and carbon monoxide does not enter your home or that of any of your neighbors. Remember others in your association will have their windows and patio doors open and that the exhaust and carbon monoxide from your generator can kill or injure you or your neighbors. BBQ’s should never be used indoors or on a balcony or lanai.
- A few days in advance, prepare food that does not require refrigeration in case of power loss.
- Have materials on hand to soak up water that may penetrate window and door frames, including sliders. High winds will drive water in and around window frames and doors. Be prepared to keep your home dry.
- During the storm stay inside and away from windows. Opening windows will NOT equalize pressure. Interior rooms are the safest. Venturing outside to test the wind is foolhardy. Not only can you not withstand hurricane force winds, but also a roof tile or an airborne coconut traveling at more than 100 miles per hour is a lethal missile. Stay inside!
- Stay tuned to weather advisories on your battery-powered radio or TV. Wait until an all clear is given. Remember, if the eye of a hurricane passes directly overhead, the wind may cease and the sun may shine briefly before the hurricane resumes with enormous and renewed intensity.
- Help each other as the good neighbors that we are.
