Pages

30 June, 2008

Rainy Season Preparedness

Follow-up for Dry-Lok - Yesterday, I was able to get a good second coat on the problem area. I think we're in like Flynn now. Dianna should have no further problems - unless we get a storm surge or something. But, from normal (for here) rainfall, it should be a done deal. Yea!

Speaking of preparedness, I put together a Hurricane Evacuation Checklist for our household. I tried to import it as a PDF, which the Blogger software didn't like at all. If you think of anything I've forgotten, please let me know. So here's the text:
-------------
Hurricane Evacuation Checklist
Before the Hurricane
  1. Prepare small plastic bin of cables, etc. for laptops.
  2. Keep valuable documents in portable file box, including:
  • Bank account and credit card numbers
  • Birth certificates
  • Immigration paperwork
  • Immunization records
  • Insurance policies, including vehicle, homeowners, and disaster insurance
  • Land Certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Military service papers
  • Passports
  • Photos/video of our home and any valuable items
  • Social security cards
  • Tax records
  • Vehicle titles
  • Wills.
  1. Mark satellite dishes to enable easy repositioning after hurricane passes.
  2. Prepare burglar bar boards and bolts, nuts, and washers.
  3. If we get a safe-deposit box, consider removing items from it till after the hurricane.
  4. Position travel backpacks for easy retrieval.
  • Roll-up travel pillow, blanket, two towels, and washcloths in each backpack.
  1. Prepare large plastic bin for the following:
  • Flashlights, including large black lantern light , mini-headlamps, and spare batteries
  • Solar/battery/dynamo-powered radio
  • Position large blue first aid kit
  • Toilet paper in plastic trash bag
  • Roll of Trash Bags
  • Small tool kit and multi-tool (e.g., Leatherman).
  • Hatchet (doubles as hammer)
  • Rain gear
  • Plastic Drinking Cups - package
  • Baby wipes for general purpose use
  • Disinfectant soap/dispenser
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Can/bottle opener
  • Awning-tent (may need it as shelter for us and/or pets)
  • Hurricane lantern, kerosene, candles and lighters/matches.
  1. Prepare large ice chest filled with non-perishable food.
  2. Ensure 5-gal. water containers are ready and properly stored.
  3. Keep Isuzu at least half full of fuel at all times.
  4. Keep generator ready for use.
  5. Keep several empty 5-gallon cans for gasoline in well house for safety. Use for generator and/or vehicle.
  6. Take digital photos of interior and exterior of house and belongings. Do this well beforehand; keep as digital files for later reference for insurance purposes.
  7. Ensure each family member knows how, when, and where to turn off gas, current, and water.
  8. Trim coconuts from palms and secure so they don't become deadly missiles during a storm.
  9. Use Dianna's Dad as our out-of-area contact, in case we get separated.
When the Evacuation is Ordered
  1. Emergency Records File Box.
  2. Laptops, adapters, mice, pads and cables (have small plastic bin of cables to take).
  3. iPods, player and adapter.
  4. External hard drive (put it in a plastic bag and tie it up).
  5. Place 5in1 printer in plastic garbage bag and secure.
  6. Dismantle satellite dishes and store downstairs.
  7. Digital cameras, bag and memory cards.
  8. Put up burglar bar boards and secure with bolts.
  9. Flashlights, including large black lantern light , mini-headlamps, and spare batteries.
  10. Cell Phones and chargers.
  11. Solar/battery/dynamo-powered radio (should be in bin already).
  12. Large ice chest filled with non-perishable food.
  13. Travel backpack of clothes, shoes, toiletries for each of us; ensure roll-up travel pillows, blankets, towels and washcloths are in each backpack.
  14. Prescriptions and other meds for us and pets.
  15. Eyeglasses.
  16. Cash, checkbook, credit cards.
  17. eReader, charger, and books.
  18. Everything downstairs up off the floor and away from windows/doors.
  19. Unplug all appliances and electronics.
  20. When leaving house, turn off main power switch.
  21. Cover appliances (TV, VCR, etc.) with plastic trash bags; secure with duct tape .
  22. Stack and tie down all outdoor furniture and other loose objects.
  23. Lock all doors.
  24. Move generator and fuel container upstairs; store away from windows/doors.
  25. Just before evacuation, fill the empty 5-gallon cans in the well house.
  26. Turn off Butane bottle.
  27. Remember to take large plastic bin and contents.
The Pet List
  1. Travel containers for cats..
  2. Dry dog/cat food in Ziploc bags or waterproof containers.
  3. Cat and dog toys including tennis balls for Cindy and Secret.
  4. Food/water bowls.
  5. Leashes and chains
  6. Litter box and litter (need 5-gal plastic bucket-type with fitted lid).
  7. Pet prescriptions.
After the Hurricane
  1. If we evacuated, and the house has been vacant for a period of time, enter with caution.
  2. Beware of snakes, insects, and other animals driven to higher ground by flood water.
  3. Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry out the house.
  4. Check refrigerated foods for spoilage.
  5. Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents and for insurance claims.
  6. Check for gas leaks when turning butane back on.
-------------
Something else that I just ordered from the States - a whole house surge suppressor. Should be easy to hook up to the main power panel. And, it should protect the ceiling fans and such from surges, spikes, etc. With all the power failures and fluctuations we have, it should pay for itself in no time. I'll have some pictures of its installation when we get it. Just in case you were wondering, I already have a UPS for all the computer stuff.

That's all I have for right now. I'm running around this afternoon, getting vaccination updates for the kitties, and buying stuff to go in the evacuation kit, and paint, and groceries, and (well, you know, the list goes on).

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

D & D:
With all your emergency gear and daily living equipment, are you sure you can get it in one vehicle with 2 adults, dogs, and cats? Better do a trail run to see if everything fits.
Jeanette