I realized rather a lot about hurricane survival when I lived by means of three hurricanes in a brief two-month interval. A few of what I gleaned I used to be ready to make use of virtually instantly because the trio of storms swept over Florida. Because it was written in a diary format, some conclusions within the first half have modified by the point you get to the top. You’ll want to learn all three components of this text about hurricane survival and classes realized.
I realized rather a lot about hurricane survival when I lived by means of three hurricanes in a brief two-month interval. A few of what I gleaned I used to be ready to make use of virtually instantly because the trio of storms swept over Florida. The next account is compiled from notes that I, Stephen McGehee, took throughout and after–Charley, Frances, and Jeanne–went by means of my space in 2004.
Because it was written in a diary format, some conclusions within the first half have modified by the point you get to the top. You’ll want to learn all three components of this text about hurricane survival and classes realized. Hyperlinks are at backside of this submit. Elements 1 and a couple of deal primarily with Charley and Frances; Half 3 is a file of Jeanne, together with adjustments I integrated primarily based on the primary two storms.
My Hurricane Survival Notes
Some Background
Hurricane Frances got here by means of final weekend. Right this moment is Friday September 10, 2004, and energy was restored right here right this moment at 5:15 p.m., six days later. Hurricane Charley got here by means of simply earlier than this, and energy was solely out about at some point.
Take into account that though being with out electrical energy and air con is a serious drawback for us, that is how a lot of the remainder of the world lives day by day. The issue is that we’re not used to it and they’re. A useful purpose is to make the transition from having electrical energy to not, as easy as doable till it’s restored.
The storm
Frances was a gradual transferring storm. Excessive winds began right here on Saturday afternoon. The best winds had been on Sunday, with rain bands and excessive gusts persevering with into Monday. This location is surrounded by massive oaks which function a wind display – until they’re blown over. The best gust measured at 30 ft right here was solely 46 MPH, however it was apparent from the motion of the oaks, that the winds had been a lot increased above the timber.
On Sunday, a twister touched down a pair hundred yards from right here. I couldn’t see it, however I heard it. A twister sounds identical to what it’s described as – the sound of a freight prepare, solely with out the “clacking” of the rails. Once I first heard it, my thought was, “Why on the earth would they be operating a prepare in the midst of a hurricane?” It took a couple of seconds to comprehend that it was a twister.
After the storm had handed, I noticed the way it had shredded enormous oaks and destroyed the utility strains. The street was utterly blocked, and I couldn’t see the home that I knew was behind the particles.
Let’s again up: Hurricane survival begins earlier than the storm
Along with the same old hurricane preparedness stuff, flip the air con down as little as you’ll be able to to chill the home. For those who’re cautious, and you’ve got a shady location, you’ll be able to preserve the home moderately snug for fairly some time with the home windows closed. Maintain the shades drawn, cook dinner open air, and preserve issues as dry as doable.
In case your air conditioner fan unit will not be very nicely shielded from wind by the best way it’s positioned, make sure to anchor it down. They appear like they’re rock strong, however they’re truly very light-weight. If it will get blown from its place, it takes the coolant strains with it. That is very costly to restore, and you might be with out air con for a complete lot longer than it takes to get the facility restored.