Posts Tagged ‘hurricane’

Hurricane Kit

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

In the event of a hurricane or any tropical storm related disaster, it is recommended that you keep an emergency supply kit on hand. For those of us located on the coastline of Florida, it is especially important that you have such a kit handy at all times. A powerful storm can leave the areas that it hit devastated. Being prepared for such an event can literally mean the difference between life and death for you and your family. Below you can find the items that are recommended for a basic Hurricane Supply Kit:

  • Water, one gallon per person per day for at least three days(72 hrs) for drinking and sanitation
  • Food, at least a three day supply of non – perishable food items
  • A battery powered or hand crank radio NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
  • Flash light and extra batteries
  • First aid kit. The more comprehensive the better
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation in the event of plumbing, sewage or septic issues
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities. They will also come in handy for numerous other situations
  • Can opener for canned food

The above listed items are the most basic of necessities. You may also want to consider storing the following items as well:

  • Prescription meds and glasses
  • Infant food and formula
  • Pet food and extra water for pets
  • Important documents (Insurance, bank accounts, id etc…) It;’s a good idea to place these items in a water proof container.
  • Cash or travellers checks
  • Emergency reference materials (first aid books etc…)
  • Sleeping bag or blankets for each person.
  • Complete change of clothing
  • Household chlorine bleach. If diluted with nine parts water, it can be used as a  disinfectant.
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Hygiene supplies
  • Paper plates, cups and disposable utensils
  • Paper and pencil
  • Books games and puzzles or other activities for children.

Most of the information from this list was found in the Lee County All Hazards Guide for 2009 –2010.

Possibly related posts:

Hurricane Damage

Monday, February 8th, 2010

Most of us who live in wind or hurricane prone parts of the country know that there are 5 categories for the strength of a hurricane. What a lot of us don’t know is what the wind speeds for each category is. Below you’ll find the wind speeds associated with each category as well as a brief description of conditions that occur in each category. This is known as the Saffir-Simpson Scale and assigns the 5 categories based on both wind speed and damage potential.

Tropical Storm – 39 – 74 mph.

Category 1 – Winds of 74 – 95 mph.

Storm Surge 4-5 feet above normal. Damage to signs, unanchored homes, shrubbery and trees. Minor coastal flooding.

Category 2 – Winds of 96 – 110 mph.

Storm surge 6 – 8 feet above normal. Some trees blow down. Damage to some doors, windows, and roofs. Flooding to piers. Considerable damage to mobile homes

Category 3 – Winds of 111 – 130 mph.

Some structural damage to residences and utility buildings. Mobile homes destroyed. Flooding near coast destroys small structures. Flooding may come well inland

Category 4 – Winds of 131 – 155 mph.

Some complete roof structure and curtainwall failure. Major beach area erosion. Inland flooding.

Category 5 – Winds of 156 and up.

Major damage to many structures. Buildings and roofs blown away. Major and severe flooding events. Massive evacuations of residences could be required.

References: www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/basics/saffir_simpson.shtml