Reply #75: My list for if you are in an area where you might lose power

[Digit]

(if you are in an area for direct hit, I would evacuate...this list is for a level under that)

I am not at the coast and not in Florida, but what tends to happen where I live is losing power from limbs hitting power lines. I don't think they have the tree problem in most of Florida.

I have been hearing that the ground is saturated up north and if the wind is severe, it might topple trees which increases the possibility of losing power. I am not in a low lying area, so don't have to worry about water. If you are, you might want to hang out with friends or relatives. Lots of rain at once can overwhelm the system and water can rise rapidly.

If you have a gas stove, you will still be able to use the burners so I have spaghettios, top ramen and things like that to cook. There is always the PBJ which would not need refrigeration (Jam) for such a short time. Neighbors use their gas grills to cook....since I didn't have one, we used to use the camping stove outside. I traded out the electric stove for gas when it died.

If you have a basement and it has ever flooded, get your stuff off the floor. If you have a sump pump and no battery backup, it will fail in a power outage.

Your portable phones will not work if there is a power outage so make sure your cell phone is charged (it might not even work) or you have a land line. Have plenty of gas in your vehicle.

I always keep lots of candles on hand for obvious reasons, plus some flashlights.

I also keep paper plates and paper cups handy.

If you have things which can get blown around, secure them. This includes trash cans, wind chimes, plastic furniture, hanging plants, you get the idea. You don't want something blowing into your balcony door and cracking the glass.

Have some cash on hand...the ATM might not be working.

Get your shower in before you lose hot water. Cold showers are not fun.

I start filling an ice chest with ice ahead of time using the ice maker. If the power goes out, ice will be in short supply at the stores...that is if they even open.

Batteries for a portable radio are also a good idea. The last hurricane, the announcers used it to advise of where you could get food, ice, or shelter in case your home was damaged, etc.

Don't go driving around in the midst of this. I was listening on a police scanner during my first time and heard of all the trees coming down over the roads making them impassable. I don't want anyone out there risking their lives to sight-see.

Stay safe, don't panic. Think of it as possibly camping indoors, but without the mosquitoes.

Expect to see lots of babies born about 9 months after this event....lol.