Spectre's Blog

I’m still smartin’ from little ‘ol Hurricane Charlie, a mere Category I hurricane.

It cost me a new roof and spoiled food.  Fool me once shame on you, fool me after [3 hurricanes] shame on me! 

Since Charlie, we’ve added a Chain Saw & a 5500 Watt Generator.  As I mentioned in a previous weather blog, I have a two-wheeled Rubber Maid-storage container for my “hurricane kit.”

 In the box, I have spare matches, candles, Ziploc bags, duct tape, tarps, canned goods and extra flashlights.  We drink tons of bottled water, so don’t forget the H₂O!

 I store batteries in a cool, dark location and I have my weather radio on stand-by 24/7.

 In addition to the above preparation items, I purchased storm panels for all of my exterior windows.  During Charlie, I had to use fencing and Tapcons – not a pretty sight.  I’ve just about completed pre-installing all of the panel fasteners.  From now on, all I have to do is slap on the panels and tighten the wing nuts!  I’m fortunate that my neighborhood is served by natural gas.  I purchased a conversion kit and now I can run Tri-fuels if necessary! I poured a concrete pad with tie-downs for securing and wired (within code) to my 200A panel. ß The only item left for me to purchase is a small room window A/C 

 Since most of us are now certified hurricane “vets” what are some of your “lessons learned” or suggestions for the rest of us?  (Note – Having the FEMA 800 number on speed-dial doesn’t count)!

 Take advantage of the “Hurricane Preparedness Tax-free Holiday.”

 Here’s another useful resource:  http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtmla>