[JSRusso]

Hi everyone, I am new here in the Lake Denham area. I have never had to prepare for a tropical storm or hurricane and was hoping to get some advice from you all. What if anything should I have on hand, and any other helpful advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Velvet]

For example, do you leave the BBQ by the wall outside? I am not sure about this.
I have prepared with bottled water, dried food for several days, paper products, a manual generator with extension cords, 10 L gas in cans, charged up the iPhone and the power banks, car tank and cart tank full, checked on the neighbors if anyone needed help.
So far, in 5 years, I’ve never had to use any of it. I also have a Husky “card” table I can use for games or… it is strong enough to hold up the roof if it collapsed. I can get under it in an inner room in case of tornado. Fortunately the house is built high enough so no flooding, no big trees around and power lines are under ground.

[pikeselectric]

Hi there! Water bottles, non-perishable foods in case of a prolonged outage. We have been lucky in recent storms but you never know, power outages can happen at random. Also - Make sure your yard ornaments/furniture is locked away. Strong winds make those items projectiles.
From an electrical stand point - Be sure you have TVs/Computers/Valuable electronics unplugged. This is the best way to protect them from surge damage. Also, any outside lighting/items plugged in outside is most susceptible to surge damage and timers could need reset after an outage. Be safe! We are here for any needs you have after the storms! (352)748-6251 - Casandra with Pike's Electric

[EdFNJ]

I don't do much. Many people panic and over prepare which is why there is no bread or milk in the supermarkets (much like predicted snow storms up north). Bring in loose stuff from outside, turn my metal lanai table upside down and relax. Went through hurricane IRMA the 2nd year after we moved in and went through all the first time panic stuff including cases of water and filling the bath tub and while that was a real hurricane never even lost cable. Did have a 2 minute power outage. Most utilities (other than in the far north historic section) are buried underground. The "far northern areas" (aka historic section) really had it bad with a very long power outage. By the time the storms go over land to reach central FL they are lots of rain and wind. Of course there is a first time for everything but if I worried about every bad thing that could possible happen I'd have to renew my tranquilizers weekly.

This has always been my favorite "warning" video but it sortof applies here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6zaVYWLTkU

[tophcfa]

Stock up on water, gas, and beer/wine and buckle up!

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by JSRusso

Hi everyone, I am new here in the Lake Denham area. I have never had to prepare for a tropical storm or hurricane and was hoping to get some advice from you all. What if anything should I have on hand, and any other helpful advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Drive around town and buy as much toilet paper as you can. When you think you have enough, buy some more. (just kidding)

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Drive around town and buy as much toilet paper as you can. When you think you have enough, buy some more. (just kidding)

If you have a lot you can sell some.

[Randall55]

Originally Posted by JSRusso

Hi everyone, I am new here in the Lake Denham area. I have never had to prepare for a tropical storm or hurricane and was hoping to get some advice from you all. What if anything should I have on hand, and any other helpful advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

One of the worst things that may happen is you lose your power. While you can, get a large plastic container with a lid, fill it with water and freeze it. This will help keep your food cool a little longer. When the power goes out, do not open the door until necessary.

Do you have a bathtub? Fill it with water. You may need it to flush your toilet, wash some clothes, or other uses. If you find you do not have to use it, water your plants. No sense in wasting all the water down the drain. Do not use as ddrinking water!

Fill containers with water for drinking, cooking, brushing your teeth, making coffee etc. Sometimes, water gets contaminated. Bottled water is not enough.

You may not have electricity for days. It is hot as hell in your house, no lights, no stove, no television, no internet, no way to store perishable food. I don't wish power loss on my worst enemy, it is that bad! Find a fix for these things while you can. Living without is going to test your nerves.

Charge all your phones and tablets before the hurricane and have an emergency charger for back up. Your relatives and friends will want to call to check up. If they can't reach you, they will panic. Also, you may need to call them or to call 911.

Stock up on batteries for flashlights, lanterns, radio etc.

Don't panic if you lose electricity. Volunteer trucks from other states head to our border before the hurricane hits. They wait in a safe area and enter as soon as the hurricane passes. Trucks will be in your area quicker than you think. As long as there is no damage, your power will be restored immediately. Sometimes, it may take longer. But, they will work long shifts to get the job done.

Place all your important papers and medications in a waterproof bag. Put them in a place where you can grab them quickly if you have to leave.

You may have roof damage and leaks. Have buckets or containers ready to catch the water.

Unplug all unnecessary electric items and cover your outside HVAC if possible.

Pack some clothes or have them ready to pack.

Make sure your car's gas tank is full. Sometimes, there is a gas shortage for a day or two.

Eat food from refrigerator and freezer now. It may spoil if power goes out.

Can you tell I experienced many hurricane aftermaths? Some will advise you it is a waste of time to prepare. I tell you "life is hell if you don't!" I learned this the hard way. Don't be a fool! Better to have than have not.

Most importantly, do not believe your power will not go out because they are underground. Have you seen the large towers and lines that run down the turnpike? They are not underground, are they? Need I say more? Hope not.

[rjn5656]

When it gets bad, shut off filter for your pool. Power hits are not good for it.

[Gpsma]

We are all going to die!

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Gpsma

We are all going to die!

Sure sounds like it!

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Gpsma

We are all going to die!

Only question is when.

Will our house float? Asking for a friend.

[Caymus]

Make sure your EV doesn't get wet.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/to...58d6d31c&ei=42

[Bjeanj]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

Stock up on water, gas, and beer/wine and buckle up!

And chocolate. Don’t forget chocolate!

[Stu from NYC]

Above advise is right on. The media is talking about this on and on, scares people to death.

This place was engineered to move water as necessary to prevent flooding.

Follow basic precautions, stay indoors during the worst of it and you will be fine.