I live in VA Beach...how do you prepare for hurricanes?

[Superfly]

This is going to be my first big blow (weather, you perverts) and I was just wondering if anybody had any tips for a seaside denizen to get ready for the storm?

I was thinking that I am going to need beer, DVDs, Ho-Hos, and Vienna Sausages. What else should I do to get ready?

I live about 2 miles from the ocean and my house is actually at -2 feet MSL.

Brian

[nannygoat]

1. Brian, somebody sent me this link on Friday

Disaster kits
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/disaster/factsheets/html/96.html

I'm in Chapel Hill, NC so I'm a little farther out of range than you. Keep safe!

[short bus president]

4. Hey Nanny!

I'm halfway between you and Hillsborough (out by the Maple View Farms ice cream store ;-) ), and headed out this AM to charge a generator on the old credit card, if there are any left to be bought. This is gonna be a rough week for NC come Thursday or so. But bear in mind that Orange county was DEVASTATED by Fran-spawned tornados just about a decade ago, and Fran was a piddling little weak storm by comparison. Hope your preparations are going well. This is truly the LAST thing I need to be dealing with right now. Ugh.

[DarkPhenyx]

7. Fear mongereer! *smile*

Hey SBP. I'll politely disagree on the generator. Unless they are planning on keeping it for other emergencies, and can afford to to buy it with cash and pay for a professional install if they don't know how to do it themselves. Why put yourself into debt for a few days of lights? Candles and flashlights work just as well.

Now, I'm very pro generator and definately will ahve one when I own my own house...it just isn't something you should buy in a panic.

[DarkPhenyx]

2. I live in Raleigh, NC...

My advice would be to move further inland if you can. If not make sure you have a stock of food that dosen't need to be cooked or refrigerated. It would be a bad idea to get a little camp stove, rememebr the fuel, and then you can heat soup and what not. Plan for the hurricane the same way you plan for heavy snow, minus the shovels and heavy clothes, adn you should be fine.

Also, you mihgt want to run a tub of water to flush the toilet with.

DO NOT run out and buy milk.

[demnan]

3. You know what I would do if I were you?

Wednesday morning take a drive west about twenty miles to a nice hotel. Make the reservation today. By the time Virignia decides to evacuate the roads will be clogged with panicy people so plan your getaway now. Board up your house before you leave and secure any important papers in a bank box. Buy some bottled water, batteries and matches to take with you.

[short bus president]

6. 20 miles, hell

this storm is supposedly coming inland over the OBX, and the HURRICANE-FORCE winds extend 80 miles out from the eye. The tropical storm winds extend out 200+ miles at this point. It'll take quite a bit of running to get out ahead of this one.

[demnan]

8. I think you are right

This is a hugh hurricane and I just haven't been able to comprehend the scope of it.

Maybe I should get my ass out of DC. Shit! I have a class to go to this week that I've been looking forward to for months! It's being held in Crystal City. Would be just my luck that a $2300 course gets cancelled.

[DarkPhenyx]

10. Hell, head for the mountains early if you can.

And defiantely get a reservation today. I used to work in the hotel industry, and went through 3 hurricanes here in Carolina. If you don't get reservations you will definately be driving to the mountains looking for something.

[MUAD_DIB]

5. Make sure your home insurance

covers acts of destruction like hurricanes.

Buy everything that is on your list as well as batteries, water and a portable radio.

Don't forget to tape your windows in case they break. The tape will slow down flying glass...I hope.

Then leave your house and rent a room somwhere inland.

[Dover]

9. I don't think Isabel is the storm to practice your survival skills on.....

If you think Isabel is heading for your neck of the woods...BUG OUT.
And I would go much further inland than 20 miles. Have any friends that live around 50 miles inland? It might be a good time for a visit. But do bring the Ho-Hos.

[trof]

11. Ever had flooding in your immediate location?

Ask some old timers, if there are any.
-2' MSL does not sound good. I don't think the tidal storm surge will get as far as 2 miles from shore, but the runoff probably will.

Are you "all electric"? Got a propane grill? Full tank(s)? Or enough to eat for a couple of days that doesn't require cooking? If you have a bathtub, fill it for flushing and drinking. You can boil it for drinking if you have a heat source, but personally I'd drink/cook with it out of the bathtub if that's all I had.

Don't count on electronic entertainment to keep from being bored. Get some books, whatever kind of batteries you need. In spite of warnings to the contrary, I'd get some candles. Just don't go to sleep with one lit and exercise common sense (which you must have or you wouldn't be here ;-)) After it passes don't be surprised to see a lot of snakes and other critters you haven't seen before.

Good luck.

[markus]

20. The hell it won't

It all depends on the topography between him and the shoreline. Yeah if he's inside a depression surrounding by a 20 or 30 foot ridge, he just has to worry about having a couple of feet of rainwater.

But if there's nothing between him and the shore, don't assume that the storm surge won't go two miles inland.

[JHB]

12. A place to evacuate to, ...

and know how to get there...

Think more in terms of power & water being out for days or more, possible structural damage to your house.

For the house, stock up on

canned goods (and mechanical can opener), and stuff that can last without refrigeration;

DRINKING WATER. this includes filling up the tub with tap water shortly before it hits.

Batteries, flashlights, "hurricaine lamps".
boarding & duct tape (to cover or at least tape up youir windows so if the glass is broken it doesn't shatter all over the place

Battery-powered radio set to local storm emergency frequency (or at least local news)

A chain saw may come in handy afterward.

If you can move valuables (or anything especially vulnerable to flooding) to higher floors (or higher ground) ahead of time, do so.

CASH: hit the ATM before the storm (and possible power outage), and before everyone else does (i.e., do it today or tomorrow). Have some ready cash available jsut in case.

For your car: a full tank of gas (fill it now, and top it off every day, depending on how much you use normally), and a "storm kit" with several days worth of clothing and as much of the "house" items as you can fit, and the aforementioned destination (whether it's a local storm shelter, a relative's place, or some motel on high ground, just have a place to go)

If all goes well, then all you'll need is the beer & sausages (not som uch the DVDs if power outage is likely). But if not -- and you sound like you're in a prime location for a "not" -- then most if not all of the other things will come in very handy

[theHandpuppet]

13. First of all...

DVDs won't be much good to you when the power goes out.

Second, if I were you I'd pack up and head west -- book yourself a nice hotel room in Charlottesville! Don't wait too long... I lived in Norfolk for ten years and know that you'll never get out of there if you wait until the storm is upon you. Too many tunnels and bridges as the only exits out of town!

If you DO stay -- which I personally think would be unwise -- make sure you have the following on hand:

1. Cash. Banks and ATMs will be unavailable.
2. A full tank of gas.
3. Bottled water, at least 3 gals per day per person
4. Canned food which does not need to be cooked.
5. A radio powered by batteries, crank, or solar.
6. A flashlight, either battery or crank-powered.
7. Tape or board all windows.
8. Remove anything from your yard which could become a projectile in hurricane-force winds, like trash cans, wind chimes, etc.
9. Check all your gutters and down spouts to make sure they are free of any obstruction.
10. Get yourself a camping lantern or any lantern that can operate with lantern oil. Candles are good to have on hand but they can be a fire hazard. Also get some waterproof matches. Any of these items can be had at any store which handles sporting goods.
11. First aid kit.
12. A packed "Grab-n-Go" bag, just in case you need to evacuate quickly.

Hope this helps.

[Iris]

14. I live in Atlanta and every time there is a hint of snow,

the stores run out of bread and milk.

So, apparently, you must have those items in case of an emergency!


But seriously, good luck. Be safe.

[Superfly]

15. Thanks, everybody!

We are going to take your advice. My wife is making reservations in Charlottesville (are the Cavaliers in town?) and we are going to weather the storm from a safe distance.

Thanks for all your input!!

Brian

[trof]

16. Go to the Michi (sp?) Tavern

and the Boar's Head Inn.

[Superfly]

17. Yes, Sir!

I am sure that beer will flow this week!

[trof]

18. Maybe the best fried chicken I've ever had

at the Michi Tavern.

[supernova]

29. Mmm, Michi Tavern

:9 :9

[JHB]

21. In that case, before you go...

...board & tape the windows, make sure gutters & drains are clear, clear the yard of "projectiles", protect as best you can agaist flood damage (move things high, or if small take them with you), collect the phone numbers of you neighbors (phones may be down, but if not anyone who stayed might be able to give a quick account of any damage; AND it's right neighborly of you to check up if THEY came out OK and offer to pick up things they may need on your way back :evilgrin: ).

And picking up the other supplies ahead of time may still be worthwhile in case services in your area are out for some days afterward.

[markus]

19. You get in your car with a full tank of gas and drive inland

Boarding up windows is good if you're the owner. I only taped when I rented, and moved everything that would not enjoy immersial as far from windows and up off the floor as possible, with a tarp over in case the roof goes.

But then you get the hell out.

At -2 feet MSL, you should expect the first floor to be underwater. At least.

Go soon. The roads will fill up before you know it.

[Divernan]

22. Bob Boudelang says "Lots of Duck Tape".

Seriously, tape your windows and get the hell out of Dodge, kiddo because this is a mega 'cane. The eye alone is 45 miles across! FEMA staff are expecting emergency deployments of six weeks.

[maxanne]

23. get Pat Robertson

to pray it away. :evilgrin:

[JHB]

24. Objection!

Last time he (claimed he) did that, the storm came my way.

[maxanne]

28. oops

Sorry JHB.

[JHB]

33. Don't worry, it's not your fault.

it wasn't HIS either, but I can't stand that smarmy "I have a hotline to *od" act of his.

[MojoKrunch]

25. Not making fun, but...

Being from Louisiana orginally, I'm often entertained by the *OH MY GOD IT'S A HURRICANE, ***BUY MILK*** response I see here in Raleigh.(actually justified given the conditions... hills make for flash flooding and all of the trees simply fall down in high winds)

What I remember as a kid in La. is playing outside in the flooded yard during the hurricane and people throwing parties on the beaches while being able to actually surf in the Gulf for a change.
lol

Flood and high winds.
Prepare to lose electricity.
If you're inclined, buy a generator and extra fuel.
If not, candles, flashlights/batteries and a gas/charcoal(lighter fluid and matches) grill will help.
Pack your freezer with brown paper bags to insulate the food and don't open it again until the electricity comes back on.

Charcoal/gas grill.
Cookouts are the best during a blackout.
Bottle beer/soda will keep relatively cool if left out in a bucket of rain water.

If you are really concerned about flooding you can try sandbagging your entrances. Home Depot sells sand for about $5 a bag, IIRC.
Just plop them down in front of the doors.(if the city is giving away bags you might want to pick some up)

Remember to unplug all of your expensive electronics after the power goes out, just in case.

To recap:
Flashlights and batteries.
Gallons of bottled water.
Water in the bathtub for flushing.
Tape the windows.
Park your car on high ground.
Put the cat/dog in the house.
I wouldn't leave unless I had small children to worry about.

Whatever you do, don't panic.

:)
Mojo

[JHB]

26. No, don't panic, but...

...right now Virginia Beach looks to be a prime place for the storm surge, so that's not a good place to be, especially for inexperienced storm hands, especially in a flat lowlying area.

[Buns_of_Fire]

27. Bristol is nice this time of year

I had some friends who used to throw "hurricane parties" until I showed them these pictures:
Richelieu Apartments (Pass Christian, MS) Before Hurricane Camille
Richelieu Apartments (Pass Christian, MS) After Hurricane Camille

(Larger pictures are available at http://sciencepolicy.colorado.edu/pielke/camille/gallery.html )

I've ridden out four hurricanes (out of necessity), and I vote for gettin' the hell out of Dodge. Be safe.

[Interrobang]

30. Heck, even I'm getting worried...a little...

You probably need to take some serious precautions. I just looked at the NOAA map, and if Isabel doesn't peter out by Friday, even I'm going to get hit a bit. Of course, she'll probably be only a storm by the time she hits here, but likely a bad storm. I figure the worst of it will hit my area around 6pm on Friday. (Note to self: Leave work early on Friday if the weather looks bad.)

If you look at the NOAA map, see where the centre is supposed to be around 8 pm on Friday? I live about 100 km from there -- basically right in the centre of the "arrowhead" of Southwestern Ontario. You can see the map here:

[arwalden]

31. Full Tank Of Gas, DRIVE TO Kentucky!!!

Get out now! Run for your life!! (I live just south of DC and I'm heading out.)

-- Allen

Make like a baby and HEAD OUT!
Make like a tree and LEAVE!
Make like a drum and BEAT IT!
Make like a banana and SPLIT!

[Raven]

32. Is it my imagination or is this storm

beginning to make a turn toward New England? Just the littlest hint of a turn. Anyone notice this?

[electricmonk]

34. Flood zone map for Hampton Roads

Flood Map Might want to check it too see where you fit in and how high you need to move stuff upwards before you leave.

I had a camping trip planned for this Thur.-Sunday but it looks like I'm going to have to wait till Saturday before I leave depending on the track. I don't think 4000 feet up is a good place to be with tropical storm strength winds.

[amazona]

35. make plans for mandatory evacuation -- you won't be allowed to stay

If the storm follows a likely track, you will likely be placed under mandatory evacuation and forced to leave your home. You are not going to need any beer or any other alcohol, as you will need to be prepared to drive away with what possessions you can take with you.

Some people disobeyed the evacuation order for Camille and held some oceanfront "hurricane parties." There is word for those people -- dead.

If you do not own a car, you had better see if you can rent one, because there might not be any cars left later in the week. Fill the car with gas and keep it topped off. Get a pet carrier for each of your pets. Get your Rx refilled so you will have enough medicine. Get some small amount of emergency cash. Have some bottled water and some easy-to-eat food like canned food or your Ho-Hos. Contact friends or family inland and make plans to stay with them in the event you are evacuated. If you have no friends or family in a safe place, make a motel or hotel reservation NOW -- when the evacuation order is given, you may not be able to get a hotel room at any price.

Large ships can actually be pushed onto your (or into) your house during this event. It happened with Camille. Water is almost a given. Lots of my friends with beachside property took water during Hurricane Georges.

Buying a generator is overkill. You will likely be out of power for 2 weeks or so. You can deal with that. If your home is destroyed, presumably the generator would be swept away as well. It might be better to keep your money free for emergency funds. If you do not have flood insurance, you will not be covered for damage caused by flooding. However, normal homeowner's insurance and perhaps rental insurance will cover damage caused by wind, tree fall, and theft (looting). If you are left temporarily homeless, your homeowner's will put up in a hotel until your home is habitable again, but while they are also supposed to cover your meals, they didn't cover mine. Keep in mind, homeowner's insurance is a loss leader for insurance companies, and since they don't make money on this product, they may skimp on getting you back financially where you need to be. So don't waste money!

Do not become intoxicated or high until you are well out of the path of the storm. It is dangerous to be impaired when you might need to move quickly.

I'm a real buzzkill, huh?

We survived Tropical Storm Bill, but it nearly took down our house (with us in it) -- and this was a Tropical Storm. You are talking about a Cat 4 -- possibly a Cat 5 -- Hurricane. You should not attempt to ride it out.

[cosmicdot]

36. don't forget the TP ... I grew up (and still have relatives) ...

about where that T is near Fort Story, Cape Henry, Va Beach