Hurricanes bring many possibilities into the minds of people. There are feelings of awe to panic. And the people who live within the cone of probability their focus is more of uncertainty. Have I prepared for the worst outcome possible?
If you are a paddler, backpacker, outdoors-man/woman then you probably are more prepared for a hurricane disaster. When a hurricane knocks down your door it becomes apparent that one thing will keep you alive. It is CALM. Panic kills in every emergency. And outdoor people sometimes are better-suited and prepared for natural emergencies. Being calm is one part and the other part to the survival plan is gear.
Run from the water. Hide from the wind.
The storm surge is what you have to be most concerned about during a hurricane if your residence is built to withstand hurricane force winds.
June 1st Florida Hurricane Season Begins
- Sales Tax Disaster Preparedness Sales March 28 through June 10, 2022.
- Examples of tax-free items include:
- <$2 cans / pouches of wet pet food
- <$15 manual can opener, Collapsible or travel-sized food or water, bowls for pets, Cat litter pans, Pet waste disposal bags, Hamster or rabbit substrate
- <$20 Reusable ice, Leashes, collars and muzzles for pets, Pet pads
- <$40 Portable self-powered light sources, Pet beds
- <$50 Portable self-powered radios, two-way radios or weather-band radios, Gas or diesel fuel tanks, Batteries, including rechargeable batteries
- <$60 Nonelectric food storage coolers, Portable power banks
- <$70 Smoke detectors or smoke alarms, Fire extinguishers, Carbon monoxide detectors
- <$100 Tarpaulins or other flexible waterproof sheeting, Ground anchor systems, Portable pet kennels
- <$1,000 Portable generators used to provide light or communications or to preserve food in a power outage
- Find a full list of tax-free items at FloridaRevenue.com/DisasterPrep and a complete disaster supply kit checklist at FloridaDisaster.org/Kit
Gear
The gear you would take into the outdoors is almost identical to survive after a hurricane makes you homeless. It could take weeks before electricity and clean water are available after a direct hit from a hurricane.
FOOD – at least enough for 7 to 14 days
- Non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
- Foods for infants or the elderly
- Snack foods
- Non-electric can opener
- Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 7 to 14 days
- Medicines / Prescription Drugs / First Aid Kit
- Cooking tools / fuel
- Paper plates / plastic utensils
CLOTHING
- Clothing – seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
SHELTER
- Blankets / Pillows / sleeping bag, et cetera
- Tent
TRANSPORTATION
- Tools – keep a set with you during the storm and in your vehicle
- Vehicle fuel tank filled days before the hurricane hits. You can not get gas if there is no electricity.
- Chainsaw with fuel, and or handsaw
- Give a plan on where you are traveling to to friends and family
HYGIENE
- Hand sanitizer
- Water purifier
- Toiletries / personals / wipes
- Extra diapers
- N95 mask
SAFETY
- Flashlight / Batteries / hand crank flashlight
- Radio – Battery operated / hand crank / NOAA weather radio
- Telephones – Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set to be used in the home. And texting works better when cell phone circuits are busy.
- Cash (w/ small bills) Credit Cards and ATMs do not work without electricity
- Keys
- Lock down your boats and other things in your yard that could go flying
- Cover you home windows with plywood or hurricane shutters
- After the hurricane passes lookout for downed power-lines, broken glass, shards of metal, waterborne pathogens, et cetera. Don’t risk injury, infection, or illness.
CALM
- Toys, Books, and Games
- Important documents – insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, et cetera, in a waterproof container or watertight plastic bag
REMEMBER PETS not all shelters are pet friendly!
- Pet care items
- Have proper identification / immunization records / medications of each pet
- Have ample supply of food and water
- Pet carrier or cage
- Muzzle and leash
Thinking of getting on the water
Remember stay calm, listen to the weather reports, prepare for the worst, get out of the area if you are told to go. Your stuff can always be replaced. And if you do decide to go boating, kayaking, surfing, during the hurricane surf warnings, think first. Is the water worth the risk?
During hurricane season Sean sometimes has professional surfer friends fly in from California and Hawaii. I have also been known to go paddling with a few select friends to hone our skills. Sometimes when we get to the water, and after calculating the current, tide, wind, and surf conditions, we look at each other then the water and say “not today”.
Remember one thing if you choose to ignore small craft advisory warnings and are on the water. In the event of an accident; and you require assistance, you are not only putt yourself at risk you also are now risking the lives of the people who come to rescue you when the powers of nature surpass your skills. – Jeff
Florida O.A.T.S. 