Preparing for a hurricane

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First off, while many of you know I live in Calfornia, fortunately I’m far enough away from Southern California that I will probably receive a bit of
[See the full post at: Preparing for a hurricane]

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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jburk07, KB6OJS, opti1, cyberSAR

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WOW I could write for days! Depends on the event and how much warning you have along with the climate and threats. Of course a generator with at least a few days fuel supply and window units/heaters/fans etc. I have a new Tri-Fuel being delivered Tuesday. Living 3 months on a gasoline generator is not fun!

Life vests and inflatable boat if you don’t have a larger vessel for flooding. One thing I didn’t see on that list was bug spray/mosquito repellent. Definitely a godsend down here in bayou country!

One thing I really love to have in 1st aid kit is a tube of Arm & Hammer baking soda toothpaste! Works wonders for bee stings and such and sticks better than a paste of baking soda. Of course an epi-pen and at least some Diphenhydramine HCl (Benadryl) for allergic reactions and some Ibuprofen and Aspirin.

Wishing all of you in the path safe passage!

Never Say Never

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jburk07, wavy, opti1

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A sat phone is nice too. During Katrina we lost all comms – phone, internet and cell. Had to drive at least 30 miles to get a cell signal to let others know we were OK and convey info. Of course that was a few days after the event when we could finally navigate some roadways.

And, on the computer side multiple backups in multiple locations! Have someone in a different location you trust with at least partial ability to take over any services you are responsible for and to communicate with clients.

One more thing. Fill bathtubs, washing machine large pots and everything you can with water. If you are on a well or tree roots take out water lines you can use to flush toilets and even drink if necessary

Never Say Never

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Roger3

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bleach to kill baddies in the water and a dropper to measure

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Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.

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TechTango

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Fill fuel tanks for the grill, generators, vehicles

Charge batteries for laptops, tablets, phones, power bricks, portable radios (Amateur 2M,  FRS two-way, AM/FM)

Flashlights

More batteries (9V, AA, AAA, …)
Update Google offline maps and standalone GPS units
Matches & lighters

Candles

Pay online bills early in case Internet access becomes inaccessible for an extended time

Bottled water, cooler, food (leave in freezer/ fridge as long  as possible)

Paper, pencils, pens

Manual can opener (if food requires it)

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Alex B

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Amateur 2M,  FRS two-way, AM/FM

Been thinking about getting suitable radio.  I only have a cheap AM/FM now.

I’m not sure I need “FRS two-way”.

I’ve been looking at this for a couple of years:

https://ccrane.com/products/ccradio-2e-enhanced-am-fm-noaa-weather-2-meter-ham-band-portable-radio

Suggestions?

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KB6OJS

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FRS is fine for “family” communications.  No license required, but it’s not as widely used as CB or Ham radio.   FRS (“Family Radio Service”) is usually used by friends, family members or groups.  I’ve seen them often at places like Disneyland where families want to keep in touch without having to use their phones.  My wife and I, although both licensed ham radio operators, use them as a sort of “intercom” so we don’t have to yell to each other at home.

Ham (amateur) requires a license, and there is a written exam for that license.  It’s not a difficult license exam, but it is required.  Do not get a ham radio transceiver unless you either have a license already or are so intent on getting one that you are planning for when you get it, but do NOT use it until you have your license and callsign.  The fines from the FCC are STIFF.

The radio you mentioned from C.Crane has receive-only capability on the two-meter amateur band, so you’re safe with that one even without a license.  I might get one myself, so thanks for the information!

//Steve//

 

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TechTango

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Living in west central Florida, I’ve been through 20 hurricanes in my lifetime, of which the eye of 5 passed over our house.  In 2004 we had 4 hurricanes in a six week period.  The paths of Charley (August 13), Francis (September 5) and Jeanne (September 26) crossed about 8 miles east of my house.  In Florida, it doesn’t really matter where the hurricane makes landfall, anywhere in the state is going to get some of the effects, if only lots and lots of rain.  These are huge storms.  They can spin off swarms of tornadoes of various sizes, as well.

We were without power for ten days after Charley, but I had a generator that I back-fed into the house and could run ceiling fans, the refrigerator and freezer and all the electronic gadgets, but no A/C or hot water.  My gas grill sufficed for all cooking needs.  I was on DSL at that time, and phone lines were all underground, so internet was still up and running.  In 2017 we had Irma, and the city government had decided to cut power when winds got to 55 mph to avoid blowing up lots of transformers.  We were without power for five days, but again, I had a generator that I back-fed into the house, and again no A/C or hot water, and a gas grill for cooking.  But hurricanes come along when the weather is hot, so cold showers aren’t so bad.

After Charley, I had to get on the roof for cell service, but by the time Irma came along, cell service was available at ground level.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We were all once "Average Users". We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems, we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

Computer Specs

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cyberSAR, TechTango

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I’ve been through 20 hurricanes in my lifetime, of which the eye of 5 passed over our house.  In 2004 we had 4 hurricanes in a six week period.  Charley (August 13), Francis (September 5) and Jeanne (September 26)

I’m also in Florida east coast and got smacked with all these storms except Ivan and  Charley.  But, I remember watching the path of Charley when it suddenly veered off it’s predicted path traveled up the center of the state.

In 2022 last a very late season, the eye of  Hurricane Nicole passed dead center over us.  Was only a Cat 1.  Non-event however.  Never lost power.

 

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And if you get flooding, watch for snakes and other critters and have a way to whack them. Back in my SAR days I was bitten by a moccasin, but fortunately on the top of my rubber boot. The blistering and degradation on the boot was crazy weird. During Ida a few years ago had a couple swim up to within 3″ or so of my open office door and I had to restrain my dog from getting involved until I could kill and dispose of them.

Also, have a way to protect yourself, family and property from looters. Yes the low-life scum will try to take advantage of the situation.

Never Say Never

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wavy, opti1, TechTango

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I have detailed hurricane prep checklists built over many years. Here’s some of the essentials from these lists and key hardware I’ve found to be essential for POM.

Electrical:
DeWalt Jobsite Battery Fan – Lith-ion battery pack (24-hour power) two packs. Very versatile.

Two Power Stations:
EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station 3600Wh DELTA Pro (runs fridge 24hrs).  Smaller ECOFLOW PS (runs fridge 6 hrs)

Honda es7000i Inverter generator – 5500 running watts. Provides power through the breaker box and covers the essentials — Portable A/C, ceiling fans, coffee maker, plus charges the Power Station batts. I have a GenTent so I can run it in the rain if necessary. 3 cans of stabilized gas.

USB led light bulbs.  Work long and strong from a small Lith-Ion brick.  I have two.

Digital:
Update encrypted containers and park in cloud, plus copious external local disks/ssd’s in tight plastic bin plus one to the safe deposit box.

Basics:
Gas up the car.
Fill 3, blue five-gallon water jugs.
Fill both bathtubs (the pair provides about 40 flushes)
Have some cash on hand for severe prolonged power outs.
Close hurricane shutters.

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oldfry, Myst, cyberSAR

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This might be helpful, as once posted by @kathy-stevens
Emergency preparedness tips

MacOS, iOS, iPadOS, and SOS at times.

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Kathy Stevens, cyberSAR, TechTango

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The article was good, but remember to have chargers for your devices that work on solar as well as AC. I have a little radio that has not only broadcast but weather alerts, AND is solar powered, USB-rechargeable, AND has a crank recharger. PLUS it will recharge USB devices. I think it only cost me $25 or so online. I haven’t used it in disaster-type conditions, but I know it works and I keep it fully charged and ready.

I also keep a really good regular radio handy with plenty of batteries (it’s even shortwave-capable, but that’s besides the point. There are always TONS of batteries handy in the house, because the grandkids are always asking me for batteries for their stuff at Christmas and I never want to be short on those…. (There are six words that are terrifying to me at Christmas: “Batteries Not Included” and “Some Assembly Required!”)

Admittedly, I’m a ham radio operator (KB6OJS), and so is my lovely wife (KC6NGO), so preparedness is a by-word for us both. We have a small generator and some spare fuel. All our computers are laptops, so we can grab and go. We’re even set up so much that if, God forbid, we have to evacuate we’ll just hook up the travel trailer and throw our essentials in, and take off for wherever FEMA tells us to go.

//Steve//

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opti1

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cyberSAR wrote:

A sat phone is nice too. During Katrina we lost all comms – phone, internet and cell. Had to drive at least 30 miles to get a cell signal to let others know we were OK and convey info. Of course that was a few days after the event when we could finally navigate some roadways.

And, on the computer side multiple backups in multiple locations! Have someone in a different location you trust with at least partial ability to take over any services you are responsible for and to communicate with clients.

One more thing. Fill bathtubs, washing machine large pots and everything you can with water. If you are on a well or tree roots take out water lines you can use to flush toilets and even drink if necessary

One thing regarding phones: if you’re just sending a routine “I’m Okay” message, use a TEXT instead of a regular voice call.  They use FAR less bandwidth than a voice call, keeping the system clearer for more critical traffic.  Just a note….

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opti1, cyberSAR

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Yes but texts also didn’t work. All of the cell phone towers were down.

A bunch of good suggestions in this thread and the other. One I haven’t seen is to have a chainsaw if you are capable of using. Can’t tell you how many times I had to use one to clear roadways for passage. I also leave an axe in the attic just in case!

Never Say Never

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wavy, KB6OJS, Myst

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If the cell towers are down, neither text nor voice communications will work, so that isn’t a factor in my suggestion.

//Steve//

 

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A good axe can be handy year-round. I keep a 36-inch fireman’s axe in my garage, which is probably the best all-round axe, and a good hacksaw and a couple of different hand saws as well.

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cyberSAR

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See the AskWoody topics

Hot Weather – How is your PC’s power supply?  At   https://www.askwoody.com/forums/topic/hot-weather-how-is-your-pcs-power-supply/

A geomagnetic “storm” is coming – are you ready? At     https://www.askwoody.com/forums/topic/a-geomagnetic-storm-is-coming-are-you-ready/

 

 

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opti1

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Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Additional Emergency Supplies

• Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
• Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler’s checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each personbbbbb

• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Source   https://www.ready.gov/kit

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jburk07, SueW, oldfry, KB6OJS, opti1

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Really good information, thank you for that!

//Steve//

 

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Lucky me living in Europe. We don’t have hurricanes – only a severe storm every now and then. And sometimes a small, very local, twister. ‘Hurricane Hilary’ would have been a great campaign slogan when she ran for presidency 🙂

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KB6OJS

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I was so afraid someone would make that connection “out loud.” 😝

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ALERTCalifornia

A camera on Catalina Island.

Other cameras can be viewed here: ALERTCalifornia

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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TechTango

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We use a VPN and just routed our internet service via a server in San Francisco.

We then logged into our cable television network and are looking at local San Francisco news even though we are thousands of miles away.

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cyberSAR wrote:

Tri-Fuel being delivered Tuesday.

Gasoline, LNG & propane ?
Nice especially if you have gas to your house

🍻

Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.

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cyberSAR

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Yes I do. Always planned on converting my other to NG but the loss in output stopped me. This one is larger so will output more on NG than the old on gasoline. Looking at purchasing large propane tanks as backup in case a tree takes out gas meter or something.

Never Say Never

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This should be an interesting season for us.

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cyberSAR

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Oh, if this high lifts out we are in trouble with the Gulf temps boiling. Now we’re dealing with excessive heat and drought never seen in our lifetime. I can’t tell you the money I’ve spent with the almost daily power outages. Replacing electronics, UPS, A/C issues! Very fortunate I could handle repairs myself!

Lost a couple hens due to heat. They always hit the same laying box together and with this heat they succumbed.

 

Never Say Never

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Picture is worth 1000 words. Five! Count ‘m. 5! And it’s not even peak season for another month or so.

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Charlie, cyberSAR

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Not just those (they shouldn’t impact our area) but the train is lining up

And it’s HOT HOT HOT

Never Say Never

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KB6OJS wrote:

we’ll just hook up the travel trailer and throw our essentials in, and take off for wherever FEMA tells us to go.

Maybe the best thing to have, it can be prestocked with most of the emergency stuff and most of that you would want for just camping!

🍻

Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.

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One other thing I just thought about adding to your first aid kit. Anti-fungal sprays, creams etc. With floods, heat, etc athletes foot and jock-itch can certainly be an issue. Worked a flood incident once and 4 days of being constantly wet and hot gave me the worst case of athletes foot I’ve ever seen.

Never Say Never

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TechTango

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I just read this

a 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck northwest of Los Angeles at 2:41 p.m.

As if the storm was not enough. Stay safe.

🍻

Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.

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cyberSAR

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Never been through an earthquake. I imagine that is really weird/frightening, and then to have it during a cane would really stink!

Never Say Never

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I have experienced several earthquakes, and since none were strong enough to cause any damage where I was, I was never afraid. I was fascinated more than anything. Had one been strong enough at my location for me to perceive it as an actual threat, I may have thought differently.

Most of them ended up being relatively minor shakers that didn’t cause much damage to anyone, which appears to be the case with this 5.1 mw event in Ojai… but the 1994 Northridge quake was an exception. Even though it happened early in the AM, I was awake when it happened, though I was 68 miles from the epicenter. It was enough to awaken my deep-sleeping roommate and knock some items off of my TV, but no more than that at my distance. The power went out a bit after that… not right as it was happening, but just a bit after, so I could not put on the news and see what had happened. When it came back on (not too much later… maybe it was out an hour or two), I could see the toll it had taken in the San Fernando Valley.

As for my own preparedness, it’s not much, but there are not many threats out my way. Hurricanes can’t get this far inland, tornadoes are very rare and limited in intensity (never been a violent tornado out here), snow almost never happens, and it is not a seismic hot spot, nor are any active volcanoes close by. We get heat warnings each summer, but that’s nearly every day for two or three months, so it’s something we’re all adapted to.

The only real nature-related threat we usually face is the errant severe thunderstorm, which can happen during the summer monsoon or the winter rainy season. Last year, a severe thunderstorm came through and downed over a mile of power lines, and we were without electricity for four days. We bought a gas generator at Harbor Freight the next morning (waited at the store for it to open… along with about 20 others). That was enough to run the refrigerator, microwave oven, TV, laptops, and the all-important room A/C, without which it would have been unbearably hot. My cell phone provided the internet (about time it be useful for something after paying 40 dollars a month for the last couple years!), as I had intentionally selected a plan where all of the data was available for wifi hotspot tethering. I have 25 GB a month available, and it was more than enough, even with some video watching (I reduced the resolution to 720P though).

Now we have the generator in case it is ever needed again. It has been stored with fuel stabilizer in it per manufacturer’s instructions. Hopefully that will be enough, since ethanol-free fuel (which is much better for long term storage) is not AFAIK available anywhere around here.

We do have food to last us for quite a while if needed, though the bottled water supply has, erm, dried up, so to speak, and needs to be replenished. Water in toilet tanks and the water heater is potable if needed, so there’s that.

 

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cyberSAR, TechTango

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One more thing to do in preparation for a pending natural disaster – say the prayer,

Protect us from Goblins and Ghosts and Things That Go Bump in the Night.

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wavy wrote:

I just read this

a 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck northwest of Los Angeles at 2:41 p.m.

As if the storm was not enough. Stay safe.

the magnitude 5.1 earthquake took place in Ojai area in Ventura County, California
around before 3pm Sunday 8/20

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-08-20/5-0-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-ojai-area

well the hurricane (downgraded to a tropical storm when it arrived in Southern California, were I reside, btw) has left. recovery efforts are ongoing and local schools in the LA unified school district (LAUSD) are closed Monday August 21 (mainly for safety reasons and because of hurricane Hilary)

https://ktla.com/news/local-news/lausd-schools-will-be-closed-monday-due-to-tropical-storm-hilary/

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Going back to the subject of grapes and other things grown in California – grapes sell for $5 to $6 a pound here on the East Coast of the U.S.  I guess they’ll be going up even more after all this.

Being 20 something in the 70's was much more fun than being 70 something in the 20's.

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