(Moderator)

Wed Aug 28 2019 01:08 PM

Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

This is where to post questions, answers and information with regard to preparing for Dorian. Questions, answers and information sharing such as "Where to buy bottled water?" "Should I plan on taking off work?" "What routes will be open/closed" "School closings," etc. are all appropriate here.

(Registered User)

Wed Aug 28 2019 01:56 PM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

To: Colleen (Moderator):

I too have not posted in forever. Nice to see everyone is still here!

I would also suggest your son have a small first aid kit among his storm supplies. Also I don't know if his apartment complex has communal bbqs on site or even allows them on property but, if he has a small bbq (whether propane or charcoal) to make sure he has gas/charcoal/lighter fluid/matches.

I would also highly recommend he purchase dry ice (sold at most Publixs) and keep in his freezer until (if) power goes out. 2 coolers - One with nothing but ice (left in the bags) this can be used to put in drinks, used for compresses (god forbid) or drink if they run out of water and the other cooler put in the dry ice at the bottom and then a layer of aluminum foil then any perishable items on top.

Obvious but sometimes overlooked: Always eat everything from the fridge & freezers first (as they go bad first) before breaking into the dry/canned good supplies.

The fuller his fridge/freezer are the longer they'll stay cold. Fridge unfortunately will only keep temp about 4-5 hrs before it starts dropping however a full freezer will stay for approximately 48 hrs. If neither of these is full, pack all the food in both as close together as possible so it will stay colder longer.

He might want to have some plastic tarps & duct tape on hand. Could come in useful if say a window in his apartment or car gets broken.

Holly

(Weather Watcher)

Wed Aug 28 2019 01:59 PM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

This is a list that I have put together of how to prep for Hurricane Season, Although some of the advice here presumes that you have time, many of the items listed are things that you should consider to get ready for any storm at any time.

Mike V.

(Moderator)

Wed Aug 28 2019 02:32 PM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

Thank you so much! I will send him a picture of your reply because he will NEVER find all of this information since there are so many different places to look on this website, lol. I remember the old days when you just went to one place but things have changed a LOT. Which is why I don't post much on here anymore but I do love the website. He's smart - he'll figure it out. Thank you again for your help. :-)

(Registered User)

Wed Aug 28 2019 03:10 PM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

Hey Colleen!

I'm in the Gainesville area and used to work at UF. Here's a website for their Emergency Management. They have a lot of good information for both the kids and staff. https://emergency.ufl.edu/preparedness/be-informed/hurricane-preparedness/

(Weather Watcher)

Wed Aug 28 2019 03:21 PM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

This is to inform those who aren’t aware what occurs when their frost free refrigerator defrosts after a lengthy power outage. We lived through the 3 hurricanes which hit Central Florida in 2004. (almost 4, but Ivan decided to turn north into the FL panhandle)

Frost free refrigerators do defrost, but are designed to “dry” the minimal amount of water released from the defrost cycle into a pan. That’s a good thing. But, now for the bad, and I mean bad thing. Since power has been lost, the refrigerator cannot “dry” the water. The result is a continuous defrost and an overflow of water from the pan. I learned this the hard way. We had recently installed a faux wood kitchen floor prior to the storms. By the time I noticed water seeping out from under the refrigerator the damage was done! The water had leached under the flooring resulting in swelled, lifted planks. After power was restored (love those power company linemen or line-women!) we did our best to dry the flooring with fans, but after it dried damage remained so I put down a throw rug to cover the damage.

I prepared for the next 2 storms by stuffing old towels, blankets, etc. under and around the refrigerator...removing them as they became soaked. So...be prepared. I now live directly on the Mississippi Gulf Coast where Katrina gave this site a 32 foot storm surge! The gulf is across the street, US 90. I am keeping a watchful eye on Dorian just in case she crosses Florida into the very warm Gulf.

(Registered User)

Wed Aug 28 2019 03:34 PM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

My suggestion after Andrew and all the other storms that visited Broward is to get cash by Saturday. if your area gets a hard hit you will be in an area where debit and credit cards will not help. ATMs will be emptied by Saturday as the cone narrows.
.

(Weather Watcher)

Wed Aug 28 2019 04:25 PM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

Start freezing blocks of ice in gallon jugs, plus smaller and larger containers than that, if possible. Block ice lasts WAY longer than cubes.

Peanut butter and bread! (or anything spreadable and non-perishable)

(Weather Master)

Wed Aug 28 2019 04:56 PM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

Keep your phone charged as long as possible, texts might go thru when calls will not
Glow sticks work great as night lights when the power is out
Fill the bathtub with water to use when you flush the toilet
Fill as many container with water as possible and freeze them, use these to kept foods cool and then drink as they melt
Make sure you have gloves, there will be broken glass and tree limbs to move
Make sure you have gas because when all else fails just drive someplace else
Assume your camping for 3 to 4 days and must be self relent for that time period, after that the roads should be passable
Take video and or pictures of everything inside and outside your residence for insurance claims later
Get to know your neighbors you might need to share resources

(Moderator)

Wed Aug 28 2019 07:43 PM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

Thank you very much. I appreciate the information.
Colleen A.

(Registered User)

Thu Aug 29 2019 02:15 PM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

A weather radio with a crank on the side to recharge the battery will usually have a USB port to charge cell phones as well. After Katrina, we could not call, but text went through. So have a way to keep your phone charged.
When leaving, take anything that is irreplaceable. I lost my high school and college yearbooks because I didn't take them. Take pictures, heirlooms (size permitting), insurance paperwork,birth certificates, deeds, etc.

(Moderator)

Thu Aug 29 2019 04:16 PM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

Thank you. My son has taken the pictures of their furniture, tv's, etc. They have all their important information in envelopes. It's only a 1 bedroom apartment and most of their stuff is still here in Lakeland. They got some really good information from UF and he's taking charge. They have made some really good neighbors so he's not sure yet if he's coming home or not at this point.
Meanwhile, here in Lakeland (the home of Publix) the stores are running out of water and people are lining up to get gas and are very irritable. That's why I always say it's better to be prepared than not. We go through this every year and at the last minute people panic. Someone was yelling at me today because I was topping off my car on gas and he said "You're taking TOO LONG!" Oh well. It's hurricane season. Thanks again for the extra advice.

(Weather Watcher)

Thu Aug 29 2019 06:22 PM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

I now live in Long Beach, MS. We purchased a slab lot after Katrina hit (only thing remaining on US 90) You survived two of the worst storms to hit the US. My hat is off to you. The stories I’ve heard about Katrina broke my heart. Houses can be replaced, but people and heirlooms cannot. You give sage advice on what to take if evacuated. Antebellum homes reduced to nothing. Apartment buildings became match sticks. People lost loved ones, if not directly tied to the storm, due to heart attacks from the stress.

Long Beach and Pass Christian were swamped from a storm surge over 30 feet! The horror story of a man who survived Katrina by grabbing onto to something which floated by. Trouble was his skin was being stripped by all the debris slamming into him. Or the 911 operator who could only weep while listening to the screams coming from those who waited too late to evacuate. Rescue personnel cannot venture out after a wind speed goes over 50 mph. I recall Long Beach’s mayor at the time stated in so many words “News photos cannot show the true devastation. It’s as if a bomb was dropped on us!”

http://www.photosfromkatrina.com/

The storm Dorian, with its sights on Florida is a storm you don’t shake your fist at. Take heed people of Florida.

RedingtonBeachGuy

(Moderator)

Thu Aug 29 2019 08:53 PM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

Heres a few tips from a local.

You don't need the green camping stove fuel. Hand held propane torches have the same thread.

Can't find water? How many of those plastic storage totes do you own? A small grey one is 18 gallons and Walmart has a full stock of them.

Have a small john boat? You have a spare fuel tank.

If you have kids, you have crayons. If you have crayons, you have candles.

If the water lines break, make sure you have bleach. 6 drops per gallon and let it sit for 30 mins. Now you have sanitary water. Might taste like hell, but you won't die from it.

If you have a plug in your vehicle, you have 120v if the power goes out.

Download PDANet+ and unlock it ($7.99) from the app store for internet if the cable goes down.

Almost every phone now has a flash...therefore, has a flashlight.

(Moderator)

Fri Aug 30 2019 02:09 AM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

Don't bother with taping up windows. Study after study finds this practice futile, at best, and actually a potential hazard, as glass can then break into bigger, more lethal wedges.

Disastersafety.org recommends to shut the doors on hurricanes, and putting up shutters - or boarding up (as a last resort) - over windows well in advance, so not to do so when rushed.

Quote:

Protect windows and doors

If you have shutters, monitor weather conditions to ensure you have enough time to deploy them before the storm hits your area.
Use plywood in place of shutters only as a last resort.
Use 1/2 in. to 3/4 in. CDX plywood available in 4 ft x 8 ft sheets. Plywood should not be used to cover openings larger than 4 ft x 8 ft unless additional framing is added. Use two layers of 3/8-in. material to obtain the same effect as one layer of 3/4-in. material. Orient Strand Board (OSB) is not recommended.

Note: Taping windows provides no protection and wastes time.

(Moderator)

Fri Aug 30 2019 02:24 AM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

From former NHC Director and current TWC Hurricane Specialist Dr. Knabb tonight on Twitter
Get supplies for a long duration event.

(Weather Watcher)

Fri Aug 30 2019 02:56 AM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

You are so correct, with a play on the Borg’s words (Star Trek NG) taped “resistance is futile”. I cannot believe we once did so in the belief tape would keep the glass intact! Most definitely futile and a bear to remove the adhesive if left to bake from the sun! A garbage can left out becomes a missile from the high winds and could slam into your windows. BTW, by now all items, cans, chairs, grills, dog houses, etc. which can be lifted and moved by 1 or 2 people will become those missiles.

Also please don’t forget to bring your pets inside. Wait for lulls in the storm to take them outside to do their business. I cringed when I heard about someone leaving their pitiful dog chained outside during the 2004 storms!

(Moderator)

Fri Aug 30 2019 11:01 AM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

I'm with Dr. Knabb. I'm literally mentally exhausted...but I'm ready.

(Weather Master)

Fri Aug 30 2019 01:55 PM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

Highlands County - Public schools are closed Tuesday and Wednesday, Polk County Public schools are closed Tuesday and Wednesday, Sumter County Public schools closed Tuesday

(Verified CFHC User)

Fri Aug 30 2019 02:14 PM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

Obviously my thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is about to bear the brunt of Dorian. Your safety is far more at risk than mine. That said, though, my two small granddaughters (and their parents) live around the corner from me in Hilton Head, and apparently I am not quite senile enough to lose my status as decision-maker for the "grandparents, parents, grandchildren, golden doodles and cat" parade which is now on standby. Any thoughts for my planning would be gratefully accepted. It is difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff as to the extent of wind and rain we will get (major surge seems unlikely), and I don't want to unnecessarily bail out to the West and deprive someone from FL of accommodations they have a greater need for.

On the other hand, there's a ton of big pines around our houses, and we are supposed to get a bunch of rain unrelated to Dorian before he/she becomes an issue. no water or electric for an extended period, even if we don't get stomped, would not be cool. no pun intended.

(Weather Master)

Fri Aug 30 2019 04:07 PM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

Citrus, Pinellas and Hillsborough County Schools all now also closed Tuesday

Quote:

Highlands County - Public schools are closed Tuesday and Wednesday, Polk County Public schools are closed Tuesday and Wednesday, Sumter County Public schools closed Tuesday

(Storm Tracker)

Fri Aug 30 2019 05:44 PM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

Snow Day!

(My wife is a teacher in Pinellas County.)

She expects Wednesday will be closed too since everyone is scrambling to get things done this weekend. But if Dorian is a total miss and we enjoy a beautiful four day weekend, school should be on for Wednesday.

(Weather Master)

Sat Aug 31 2019 08:25 AM

Re: Dorian Prep ASK/TELL

GasBuddy 7am ET #HurricaneDorian Gas Update. Stations w/o gas in #Florida:
Miami/Ft Laud: 72% ⬆️6%
Gainesville 67% ⬆️9%
Ft Myers/Naples 64% ⬆️1%
W Palm Bch: 59% ⬇️1%
Orlando/Dayt Bch: 49% ⬆️0%
Tampa: 49% ⬆️0%
Jacksonville: 25% ⬆️4%
STATEWIDE: 30.5% ⬆️5.1%

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