Quiltingboard Forums - Hurricane Tips

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Make sure you have a battery powered/hand cranked radio. You will need communication from weather stations/civil defense/Red Cross if you have no electricity.

I know this is a silly question but how long does a hurricane usually last?

Stay out of any room with medium to large trees located outside. Try to convince any elderly neighbors to come stay with you during the storm. I know they will be reluctant, but I can't tell you how many times and ways my dbil (NC firefighter/emt) has put himself in great danger to rescue elderly that refused to leave their homes, but were not capable of taking care of themselves and pets. It is so much safer than trying to get to them in the storm when you think they may be in trouble.
Also Do Not let your teens badger you into letting them go down by the beach Before or After the storm to just "see the water,waves, damage". For many the water can be irresistible with tragic results. Stay safe,we are all praying here in Florida and realize how fortunate we are to have Irene pass by us.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeaninmaine

I know this is a silly question but how long does a hurricane usually last?

I believe it can't be predicted how long a hurricane will last. It depends upon the strength as well as how quickly it's moving. Keep watching your news or radio to listen to the latest news because they have the most updated info put out by the NOAA and the National Weather Service.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeaninmaine

I know this is a silly question but how long does a hurricane usually last?

Depends on the size of the storm. They are saying this could be 1/2 day coming and a 1/2 day going. However I think they expect it to pick up speed after NC so maybe won't be that long. Won't be hurricane winds the whole time mostly tropical storm but with higher gusts. It just seems to go forever. The power going out makes it seem worse. But most places cut the power off on their own when the wind gets a certain speed. Thats a safety thing Give each child his own flashlight. Make a game of it with the kids. Built a quilt fort in an interior room and camp out!! If you are calm they are calm. If you are asked to evacuate, do so. Do what you would do for blizzard but stay to interior rooms as hurricanes can spawn tornados. This is what we do when it hits the Gulf Coast. The worst part is the clean up. No power; hot weather and everyone seems to be better off than you are. You laugh about it later. You and the neighbors become better friends 'cause you help each other out. You have stories forever !! Stay safe!! You should be fine!!

Bamagal, thanks for answering. One advantage to living in Maine is that the hot weather doesn't last too long.

My husband and I covered the truck and my car with large tops and anchored them down with cords so they won't fly off. The tops we used use to be our pool covers.

Thank you....#14 was taken care of first. HEEHEEHEEHEE!!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bamagal

Having seen my fair share and prepared for the same here are a few Hurricane tips for my friends in the NE.

1.Start making ice. Store Cubes in ziplock bags. Make Blocks of ice in plastic containers.

2.Charge laptops and cell phones

3.Get a non electric can opener

4. Bathtub full of water. (if water system goes out at least you can flush the toilet)

5. Move garbage cans and patio furniture. Anything that will blow around. (Flower pots etc)

6. Fill propane tanks for grill or stock up on charcoal. If you lose power, don't try to save your freezer, eat out of it. (Don't rush to the store to buy food!!)

7.Blue Tarps for covering damaged roofs and nails or staple guns to attach it.

8. Locate and put in a safe place all of your homeowner insurance papers, phone numbers.

9. Cash a check. If power goes out so does the ATM

10. Fill car with gas. It takes electricity to run gas pumps.

11. Turn your refrigerator and freezer to a cooler level now in anticipation of power outages.

12. Candles are not safe. Visit a camping store and purchase battery operated lanterns. Look for table top propane stove. I have one that works off a canister the size of a hairspray bottle, called Mr. Stove. It's great!

13. Make sure you have a good pair of work gloves for the cleanup and a good first aid kit for minor cuts and scrapes.

14.Lots of adult beverages help too!!

15. Tornados spin off of hurricanes. Stay away from windows, in the center part of your house.

Good luck and stay safe!! You are in my prayers.

I hope others add to this list!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bamagal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stitchnripper

I got a sterno camp stove and cans of sterno and was able to do a little cooking. Very simple stuff but we got tired of peanut butter sandwiches fast and you can't grill scrambled eggs!!!!

I boil water, then pour the water over the filter basket that holds the coffee in my coffee maker. I can't function without coffee!! :D

I did that during Charlie. Had the neighbors wondering how I got my Mr. Coffee to work without electricity, lol, until I let them in on the secret.

Great list! We also brought the RV near the house, so if/when the power goes out, we'll be able to use the generator and large water tank in it, as well as cook if we so desire. We are not looking forward to cleaning up the tree debris- we have a 200 ft. row of old elms just waiting to drop their dead limbs on our side of the line this time. So I personally would add- make sure the chainsaw is ready for action :(

Just enjoying the wait here on the board, until the thing passes!