I saved this from an old post from last year and thought it is worth reposting now. I think it was Diane C who wrote it but not 100% sure IO just knew it was worth saving

Hurricane Plan

Part A - insuring personal safety -
1. Stay away during the height of storm season
2. If you are here - be prepared to take care of yourself (leave the kids at home) If you cannot take care of yourself, activate item #1 above.
3. Do not attempt to weather a storm in a boat.

Part B - taking care of yourself - evacuation?
1. Get out early if you plan to get out. Know where you are going, how you will get here and how you will pay for it. Government will not help you. US Embassy will not help you. Lines at airline counters will be long, and seats will be limited. International flight reservations will be honoured in order received. You do not want to ride out a storm at the International Airport.
2. Have cash-money available. Credit cards may not work.
3. Have ID (passports) on your person.
4. Have a cellular phone and numbers of airlines, water taxis etc with you.

Part C - Be prepared to be stuck in a hurricane.
1. Water - have at least two clean 35-gallon plastic garbage containers (with lids) on hand - if a storm threatens, put one in kitchen and one in a bathroom, fill with water.
2. Food - have an "action-packer" type container filled with food sufficient for (at least) a week for all occupants. High-energy foods like chocolate milk, energy bars, etc. are a must. Remember that you may not have a source of cooking-fuel for a while, so uncooked pasta and rice are not particularly useful during the initial phases of such an emergency. Consider a bar-b-q and some dry (?!) coco husks or a camping stove as a back-up for food prep.
3. Medical - have (at least) two weeks supply of necessary meds on hand - heart, insulin, etc.
4. Seeing - have spare glasses and contact lenses.
5. Emergency tools & equipment - hammer, hack-saw, crowbar, ax, hose, 200 feet of rope, life jackets, goggles.
6. Feet - thick soled, closed toe shoes for each occupant.
7. Hands - work gloves for after the storm, rubber gloves if you are called on to render medical assistance.
8. First Aid - fully stocked first aid kit.
9. Plastic bags - all sizes zip lock, many large garbage bags - to protect your stuff.
10. Duct Tape - taping windows, securing plastic bags, emergency repairs.
11. Communications - battery operated radio / well-charged cellular phone / walkie-talkies for use within the neighbourhood.
12. Flashlights - water-proof, have several on hand with plenty of spare batteries. Keep batteries in refrigerator for longer life.
13. Raincoats - one for each person

Insurance - keep policy in a location away from area that could be affected by storm
Document contents of our home - you will not be able to make a claim for contents damage if you have not done this in advance. Digital photos are very helpful.

Securing Property -
Cover glass windows and doors (outside) with plywood.
Put away lawn furniture and any other objects that could blow around.
Pull boats out of water - put on high land and tie with ropes to something that will hold them fast in a surge.
Turn off your electric breakers - town board will turn off power if a storm approaches, but do it on your own place too - this will help you avoid surges and dangerous downed live wires after the storm.
Knock down coconuts from trees - they are cannonballs in a wind.
Check your roof material now to see if it is securely fastened - flying roof tiles and/or flying zinc are deadly. A few extra nails now will also keep your house dry in a storm.
Assemble rags & long bits of foam to place at the bottom of doors - water will blow in below them regardless of the method of installation, so have something there to absorb it.


Who is in Charge during a Force Majeur?
National Emergency Management Organization = NEMO.
NEMO's word will be law - NEMO can commandeer your home, boat or vehicle for emergency service. They can arrest and detain. Local radio stations will turn into emergency communications networks. During Keith, LOVE FM broadcast 24-7.
You can access LOVE FM on your computer. Reef Radio is our local island station, and local NEMO Broadcasts will be made there. Broadcasts depend on people being available, power being available, broadcast towers standing tall and equipment remaining in place.


Keys - make sure you have a spare set of keys to your home placed somewhere that family members can locate.

Kids - make sure they have ID and family contact information on their person. Small laminated information cards are an excellent idea.

Phone Tree - have somebody you know who lives Outside the area be your point of communication. Tell all your family and friends that this is who they call for information about you after a storm. When the storm is over the phone lines will be very congested. If you can call one person in the US or Mexico or wherever, give them an update, they can call out to your family and can receive calls for you. Organize this now. If you have such a phone-tree, inform your neighbours of who is your initial contact person.


Food shopping - storm prep made easy ..
Each time you go shopping for food tell yourself that you are coming home with one or two complete hurricane dinner-style meals for yourself and family. In a short while you will have all you need and it won't have ruined your budget.
If you just go out willy-nilly buying canned goods you will end up with 10 cans of sauce and nothing to put it over, or a lot of tuna and no mayo - ick. You can do some amazing things (good ones) with smoked spam lite. Lots of lime and pineapple squash are good for a taste treat and to boost your energy. I also find that a couple dozen packets of Lasko food drink powder are invaluable - solid nutrition, no cooking, easy and the chocolate one is a feel-good food too.
DO buy a stock of liquid bleach - you may need it for your water supply.

OK - enough about storms. Prepare, stay informed and then relax.

A plastic tarp can be very useful, particularly if part of your roof is gone. Water from a swimming pool can be used to flush toilets. Get to know your neighbours, who needs help, who can give help, who belongs and who doesn't. Candles can be very dangerous, be careful.



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