We had 3 Hurricane warnings since moving to the island of Hawaii six months ago.
Being caretakers on an island in the middle of the ocean comes with its own set of rules. One of the biggest is: “Always be prepared for the worst”. That’s why we (the property owners and us) have a large amount of water and non-perishable foods stored away.
A beautiful rainbow after Hurricane Lester visited HI.
Officially, hurricane season starts in June and ends in November, so if you have not already done your hurricane preparation work, it’s time to get started. The peak of the season is Aug. 1 through the end of October.
Please keep yourself updated on weather reports regarding the path of any Hurricane.
Visit this page from the National Weather Service, it explains what actions to take when you receive a hurricane watch or warning alert for your local area. It also provides tips on what to do before, during, and after a hurricane.
If a hurricane is traveling your way, try and secure all miscellaneous items in your yard. Board up windows and create sandbag barriers as needed. Put buckets out to collect water from roof leaks if they occur. Make sure you take the proper steps on stocking up on certain items that will assist you if a big storm does hit. The list below will help you to prepare.
Hurricane Survival Tips
Drinking Water:
One gallon per person/per day in unbreakable containers.
Avoid using containers that will decompose or break,l such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more. Don’t forget about your pets in an emergency.
Water for sanitation use:
Store extra containers of water to be used for flushing toilets, cleaning, and bathing.
Non-perishable Food:
? Maintain at least 3-7 days of food for each member of the family.
Emergency Supplies
? Small, preferably single serving cans (should not require cooking or refrigeration). Dried fruit, peanut butter and jelly, coffee, tea, soft drinks and pet foods.
? Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
? Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
? High energy foods like crackers, granola bars, trail mix
? Raw vegetables that do not need refrigeration
? A couple loaves of fresh bread
? Paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
? Aluminum foil
? Plastic storage containers
? Lots of ice (you can freeze your water supply)
? Pedialyte (to restore hydration if needed)
Baby Needs:
? Special foods (enough for several days)
? Formula (enough for several days)
? Extra diapers
? Medicines (get a copy of prescription)
? Blankets
? Diaper Rash Ointment
? Baby Wipes
? Powder
? Bottles
? Pacifier
? Favorite toy/blanket
? Medicine dropper
? Diaper-rash ointment
Sanitation
? Toilet paper, novelettes, soap, baby wipes, liquid hand sanitizer
First Aid Kit
? Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car
? Non-Prescription Drugs
? Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, Benadryl, peroxide
? Anti-diarrhea medication, Antacid (for upset stomach)
Prescription Drugs
? Heart and high blood pressure medication
? Insulin (enough for a 30 day supply)
? Prescription drugs
Entertainment
? Board Games
? Books
? Cards
? Extra batteries, coloring books, crayons
Miscellaneous
? Wind-up or battery-operated clock
? Your pet’s supplies (food, treats, medication, dog bed, etc.)
? Paper and pencil
? Cash or traveler’s checks
? Citronella candles
? Fill up the gas tanks on your vehicle(s)
? Make sure you also keep your phones handy and charged
Preparing the property for a hurricane.
Additional Tips: Have enough cash to sustain you through a minimum of 1 week period. Without electricity, most businesses (if open) will not accept credit cards and may not accept traveler’s checks. Keep your weather radio on during the storm and keep a check on your neighbors, especially if they are elderly.
How prepared are you for a hurricane or even a big storm? Leave us a comment.Â
Nick
Silke