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Hurricanes/Tropical Storms

(@bowe1634)
Posts: 3
New Member
Topic starter
 

Just wondering if anyone could tell me of some essential items/brands that work for getting through our first tropical storm/hurricane season in the upcoming months, here in the islands.

Obviously one can only read so much before realizing that I should just ask a 'seasoned' islander. My girlfriend and I are trying to figure this out currently, so I'd appreciate any and all help with this subject.

Thanks,

Ryan

 
Posted : February 13, 2012 10:54 pm
(@dougtamjj)
Posts: 2596
Famed Member
 

Hi Ryan. Someone made a good list on this forum a while ago. There were things that I didn't even think of. Things that come to mind are:

Perscription medicines
Lots of bug spray
We store a few weeks of food and water
Food and water for pets
Flashlights and batteries
Battery operated radio
Important documents in a waterproof container
A safe interior room in your house or a safe house with friends
A plan on where to go in your house or a friends house
Medical supplies in case of injury

I have a ditch bag ready to go with documents and medical and food supplies that I keep ready all the time. I throw it in the trunk of my car when we go anywhere. it has water, energy bars, sunscreen, first aid supplies and a little cash. It's amazing how many times I have had to use it. I have a child and he's always into something.

 
Posted : February 13, 2012 11:27 pm
(@SunnyCaribe)
Posts: 495
Reputable Member
 

Well, which island are you on and what are your living arrangements? If you're a young couple renting an apartment you could do very well with a small suitcase style generator, some rechargeable battery operated fans, LED bulbs in your preferred lamps, etc. If you're a homeowner or in a family way, you'll appreciate larger electrical capacity to run a water pump and washing machine at the same time. Pitcher water filters are always a good idea, especially during storms. This assumes you have a gas stove, of course.

 
Posted : February 13, 2012 11:30 pm
(@BajanBlood)
Posts: 74
Trusted Member
 

A great way to store stuff you want to keep dry is in 5 gallon buckets with lids. I get them free from contractors, painters and restaurants. Holds a great amount of stuff in a easy to carry form. I have one filled with first aid, one with food, one with flashlights, batteries, radio, walkie talkies (16mile), tools, and other things I think I may need, and one with clothes. They are easy to strap down through their handles. Just write what is on them on the lid and everything inside is going to stay dry as long as you snap the lids on all the way. I do have an opener for them, that is tied to one, to make it easier to get in. You can get the bucket openers at Home Depot I believe.

 
Posted : February 13, 2012 11:50 pm
(@speee1dy)
Posts: 8873
Illustrious Member
 

sanitary products/diapers, cash , baby wipes for a quick wash

 
Posted : February 14, 2012 12:33 am
(@the-oldtart)
Posts: 6523
Illustrious Member
 

diapers ...

Even if you don't have babies, diapers can be a great sopper-upper. I always keep a big pack of the largest to be found on hand. During heavy rains when window and slider door seals (and even the best roofs) can often leak, lay them down and you'll be amazed at the amount of water they can absorb. When they're fully bloated just toss them into the sink and, once the worst is over, you can just hand-wring out the excess water and then dump them. Much more effective and labor-saving than using even the heaviest mop and bucket routine!

 
Posted : February 14, 2012 1:40 pm
(@islandjoan)
Posts: 1798
Noble Member
 

Chamois cloths and sponges are even better, because you can re-use them instead of adding more trash to the landfill. Chamois cloths especially because they absorb a ton of water, too.

 
Posted : February 14, 2012 1:43 pm
(@JulieKay)
Posts: 1341
Noble Member
 

Hey, finally a use for that ShamWow! Thanks islandjoan! 😀

 
Posted : February 14, 2012 1:50 pm
(@the-oldtart)
Posts: 6523
Illustrious Member
 

Chamois cloths and sponges are even better, because you can re-use them instead of adding more trash to the landfill. Chamois cloths especially because they absorb a ton of water, too.

They're fine for smaller jobs but I've been faced many times with MAJOR leaks which in no way could have been dealt with by chamois and/or sponges. I'm all for conservation and living green but ...

 
Posted : February 14, 2012 1:50 pm
(@BajanBlood)
Posts: 74
Trusted Member
 

I always keep diapers in my first aide kit for any big bleeders! They are clean and ready to go when you need them. Pair one with some vet wrap and you have a bandage that can handle even a chain saw accident. 😐

 
Posted : February 14, 2012 3:06 pm
(@islandjoan)
Posts: 1798
Noble Member
 

hey Old Tart - for MAJOR leaks, you would be best served by a wet/dry ShopVac! (of course provided the power is on...hmmm) Or, get those repairs done now before hurricane season starts, to mitigate whatever causes the major leaks.

JulieKay - I miss the ShamWow guy! haha!

 
Posted : February 14, 2012 3:07 pm
(@the-oldtart)
Posts: 6523
Illustrious Member
 

hey Old Tart - for MAJOR leaks, you would be best served by a wet/dry ShopVac! (of course provided the power is on...hmmm) Or, get those repairs done now before hurricane season starts, to mitigate whatever causes the major leaks.

Yes, I have a large wet/dry vac but of course in a power outage (and for the benefit of those who've never gone through a major hurricane here, WAPA shuts down the grid until the worst is over) that's no help. And the leaking roof in a few of those circumstances was indeed a major issue which was a perpetual work in progress. But even in "normal" conditions when one's roof is solid and one thinks one's sliders and windows are well sealed, hurricane force winds and driving torrents of rain can create havoc. I learned the diaper trick many years from a seasoned local so like to pass it on as it's been invaluable for me over the years.

 
Posted : February 14, 2012 3:23 pm
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