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Thaarr she blooowwwws!! (Dorian)

WPMac

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Greetings VU fam! Many of you don't know me as I mostly confine my posting to the builders forums. But I'm here for a little moral support and hopefully to spark a discussion to help everyone now and in the future!! I have 4 major storms under my belt (Hugo, Isabelle, Charley, Irma) and I'm hoping my experience can help someone else.

Prep for the storm!! If you live in Florida, or the southeastern USA in general ... Hunker down, be prepared, and stay safe!!
PicsArt_08-30-09.26.35.png





Hurricane Box: At the start of each season (may/june) go through your box and make sure you have enough non-perishable supplies to last a week.
If you haven't already done this the stores will be emptying out soon, if they haven't already ...

IMG_20190830_095630-2.jpg

High protein foods: Canned meats and beans, protein bars, Peanut Butter, ect ...
Water
Canned fruits/veggies
Evaporated and/or powdered milks are a great addition
Cleaning supplies: Bleach and Vinegar are extremely important for potential flood clean-up
First-aid and Medicines
Women's Products
Basic toiletries
Batteries
Flashlights
Lighters/matches
Charcoa
Animal Food
Weapons ... if you have them
Wood cutting tools
Things to do with no power: Games, cards, books, coloring/activity books
Anything you can think of that you want/need in the aftermath of a big storm and no power. It's just a nice little piece of mind if you live in the path of the inevitable hurricane (or in my case going on 5 hurricanes now :D )

Solar charger for phone
Couple cases of beer
French bread
Canned food
Butane camping stove with 2 weeks worth of butane
Plenty of charged 18650s, 2-3 weeks of juice, cotton and a build that won't drain said batteries.




Pro-tip ... Milk jug + Flashlight = Lantern!!

IMG_20190830_102830-2.jpg

Spend the next few days filling gallon ziploc bags with ice and packing your freezer full. This not only prolongs the life of your freezer without power. But also provides fresh drinking water in a pinch. You can also freeze your bottled/jug water for the same effect.

Fill your bathtubs with water just before the storm hits. This is great for washing dishes and cloths as well as animal water for those of us with furry family.

If you don't have a fire-proof box then put your important paper work in a ziplock bag and in your dishwasher (dishwashers have water tight seal) in case of flooding.

Any and all input is welcome. Lets get a nice discussion going :D
I will update this post with new insights/tips/ect...
 
Last edited:

Wb80

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Greetings VU fam! Many of you don't know me as I mostly confine my posting to the builders forums. But I'm here for a little moral support and hopefully to spark a discussion to help everyone now and in the future!!

Prep for the storm!! If you live in Florida, or the southeastern USA in general ... Hunker down, be prepared, and stay safe!!
View attachment 145196





Hurricane Box: At the start of each season (may/june) go through your box and make sure you have enough non-perishable supplies to last a week.
If you haven't already done this the stores will be emptying out soon, if they haven't already ...

View attachment 145194

High protein foods: Canned meats and beans, protein bars, Peanut Butter, ect ...
Water
Canned fruits/veggies
Evaporated and/or powdered milks are a great addition
Cleaning supplies: Bleach and Vinegar are extremely important for potential flood clean-up
First-aid and Medicines
Women's Products
Basic toiletries
Batteries
Flashlights
Lighters/matches
Charcoa
Animal Food
Things to do with no power: Games, cards, books, coloring/activity books
Anything you can think of that you want/need in the aftermath of a big storm and no power. It's just a nice little piece of mind if you live in the path of the inevitable hurricane (or in my case going on 5 hurricanes now :D )




Pro-tip ... Milk jug + Flashlight = Lantern!!

View attachment 145195

Spend the next few days filling gallon ziploc bags with ice and packing your freezer full. This not only prolongs the life of your freezer without power. But also provides fresh drinking water in a pinch.

Fill your bathtubs with water just before the storm hits. This is great for washing dishes and cloths as well as animal water for those of us with furry family.

Any and all input is welcome. Lets get a nice discussion going :D
Missing the most important items..weapons
 

WPMac

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Missing the most important items..weapons
While I have plenty of things that are weapons ... I'm not a gun owner. I believe whole hardheartedly in the right to own/carry. And I support any and all persons who exercise that right. And, when it comes down to it I will pick up any weapon to defend myself, my family, or my country ... It's just not for me to have one on a day to day basis. But, yes ... if you are packing it would be a good idea to have all of that prepared as well!
 

Wb80

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While I have plenty of things that are weapons ... I'm not a gun owner. I believe whole hardheartedly in the right to own/carry. And I support any and all persons who exercise that right. And, when it comes down to it I will pick up any weapon to defend myself, my family, or my country ... It's just not for me to have one on a day to day basis. But, yes ... if you are packing it would be a good idea to have all of that prepared as well!
I respect your standpoint whole heartedly. I believe in family, god and guns. In a state of emergency and chaos people who r not prepared will come for what you have because they are have nots. Trying to take what is mine and my loved ones will be a bad choice on anyones anyone's behalf.
 

wildgypsy70

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Greetings VU fam! Many of you don't know me as I mostly confine my posting to the builders forums. But I'm here for a little moral support and hopefully to spark a discussion to help everyone now and in the future!! I have 4 major storms under my belt (Hugo, Isabelle, Charley, Irma) and I'm hoping my experience can help someone else.

Prep for the storm!! If you live in Florida, or the southeastern USA in general ... Hunker down, be prepared, and stay safe!!
View attachment 145196





Hurricane Box: At the start of each season (may/june) go through your box and make sure you have enough non-perishable supplies to last a week.
If you haven't already done this the stores will be emptying out soon, if they haven't already ...

View attachment 145194

High protein foods: Canned meats and beans, protein bars, Peanut Butter, ect ...
Water
Canned fruits/veggies
Evaporated and/or powdered milks are a great addition
Cleaning supplies: Bleach and Vinegar are extremely important for potential flood clean-up
First-aid and Medicines
Women's Products
Basic toiletries
Batteries
Flashlights
Lighters/matches
Charcoa
Animal Food
Weapons ... if you have them
Wood cutting tools
Things to do with no power: Games, cards, books, coloring/activity books
Anything you can think of that you want/need in the aftermath of a big storm and no power. It's just a nice little piece of mind if you live in the path of the inevitable hurricane (or in my case going on 5 hurricanes now :D )




Pro-tip ... Milk jug + Flashlight = Lantern!!

View attachment 145195

Spend the next few days filling gallon ziploc bags with ice and packing your freezer full. This not only prolongs the life of your freezer without power. But also provides fresh drinking water in a pinch. You can also freeze your bottled/jug water for the same effect.

Fill your bathtubs with water just before the storm hits. This is great for washing dishes and cloths as well as animal water for those of us with furry family.

If you don't have a fire-proof box then put your important paper work in a ziplock bag and in your dishwasher (dishwashers have water tight seal) in case of flooding.

Any and all input is welcome. Lets get a nice discussion going :D
I will update this post with new insights/tips/ect...
Great thread! Thanks for all the tips. I’m not in a hurricane zone, but my parents are. I’ll pass along some of the info.
 

WPMac

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@WPMac Hey stay safe. What part of the sunshine state are you in?
Jacksonville. We tend to get lucky and never get hit head on. But, since they usually cross south of us headed north-west, we almost always get the east wall to some degree or another. If this guy hit's Orlando headed North-West we will get slammed. Better outcome for us if it hits further south and tracks up the state. The land eats it's power quickly.
But, hurricanes are just giant tornadoes ... Any and all predictions on it's path are just completely theoretical. Hurricanes go where they want ... We sit and watch and wait and be prepared.
 

ajvapes

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Jacksonville. We tend to get lucky and never get hit head on. But, since they usually cross south of us headed north-west, we almost always get the east wall to some degree or another. If this guy hit's Orlando headed North-West we will get slammed. Better outcome for us if it hits further south and tracks up the state. The land eats it's power quickly.
But, hurricanes are just giant tornadoes ... Any and all predictions on it's path are just completely theoretical. Hurricanes go where they want ... We sit and watch and wait and be prepared.
Just bought a house in Boynton Beach, haven't made the move yet. Timing, I never had any.
 

WPMac

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Just bought a house in Boynton Beach, haven't made the move yet. Timing, I never had any.
Oh man Boynton is gorgeous. I was born in Ft. Lauderdale. You wouldn't happened to have purchased a house on stilts did you? Cause down there is major low-lands and the storm surge is going to be worse than normal. I wish your house luck in the dice roll of where it hits.
 

ajvapes

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WPMac

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5150sick

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I'm a little above Orlando.
So I know of this Dorian you speak of.

I'm glad I'm in a house not a trailer.
Those single and double wide trailers sometimes blow away.
 

ajvapes

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That's pretty low man lol With the increased tides the surge from this thing is going to be outrageous. I'm The rain shouldn't matter much since it's right next to the beach. As long as the tide is below you then run-off will take care of any flooding.
It's away from the the beach, about halfway between the pike and 95...thats an irrigation lake and they feed into a canal next to the property.
 

SteveS45

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I have plenty of fuel for the generator and access to fuel not available to the public. I won't talk about protecting the Homestead that is a given.
 

WPMac

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It's away from the the beach, about halfway between the pike and 95...thats an irrigation lake and they feed into a canal next to the property.
Ah I always think of A1A as Boyntan ... but I guess is does go a couple miles inland.
 

BobsHere

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Draw a line from the N end of Lake Okeechobee straight to the east coast. There you will find Bob, on a barrier island.
Screenshot_2019-08-30-20-22-51.png
 

BobsHere

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Oh man, on the islands?? Awesome!! Well not in this scenario ... but a hell of a place to live!
Stay safe out there!!
Not that far out...S Hutchinson Island.
Good prep tips, got it covered just not as organized as you are. Have a bug out plan to secure structure on the mainland if needed. Just sucks when they close the causeway, if you leave the island you can't get back on for anything...
 

f1r3b1rd

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I'm from NOLA and went through the Katrina mess.... quintessential to add to your survival kit:

Solar charger for phone
Couple cases of beer
French bread
Canned food
Butane camping stove with 2 weeks worth of butane
Plenty of charged 18650s, 2-3 weeks of juice, cotton and a build that won't drain said batteries.

Stay safe all of you Floridians, I'll be praying for all of you.
 
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MyMagicMist

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Be sure to pack hope. You need to stand fast in hope no matter what happens. Pack a good helping faith. Keep faith in yourselves, and people who will come sincerely and genuinely to help. If you have moments you think you have it bad, look around you can find someone in worse shape, lend a hand, offer a hug, meal, blanket. Compassion needs to go on the packing list, too. Do not ask or expect even a thank you, toss your thank yous out freely to everyone, lift everyone up. We are all together, fair weather or foul.
 

Silver79

Member For 4 Years
Yea we hope it doesn't make it into the gulf and reform, that would be even worse.

We are about 30 mins west of Pensacola.
 

f1r3b1rd

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Looks like y'all may be spared the worst..
Hopefully the current eastern trend continues
 

WPMac

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I'm a little above Orlando.
So I know of this Dorian you speak of.

I'm glad I'm in a house not a trailer.
Those single and double wide trailers sometimes blow away.
Yah man ... trailers are scary. Not just cause they blow away but them walls are thin and debris is dangerous at 100+ mph
 

f1r3b1rd

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Let's hope. But I've seen to many storms do the exact opposite of what they predict that I'll be ready until it's passed one way or another.
Yeah roger that man. Nature is an unpredictable whore
 

WPMac

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@BobsHere
I'm a home grown floridian. We don't run from hurricanes ... but are you staying out there on the islands? You got balls of solid rock man. 200mph gusts is some scary stuff.
 

BobsHere

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I'm a home grown floridian. We don't run from hurricanes ... but are you staying out there on the islands? You got balls of solid rock man. 200mph gusts is some scary stuff.
Not for a direct hit. Would be stuck out here with road damage, etc. Bug out plan to a friends concrete house on the mainland if needed. Just about everybody else has left. Mandatory went in at 1PM, just hanging back for now.
 

ajvapes

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Not for a direct hit. Would be stuck out here with road damage, etc. Bug out plan to a friends concrete house on the mainland if needed. Just about everybody else has left. Mandatory went in at 1PM, just hanging back for now.
Always thought that a zodiac with a 50 hp attached to the house would be a good idea...:devil:
 

f1r3b1rd

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Always thought that a zodiac with a 50 hp attached to the house would be a good idea...:devil:
Always figured a house boat was the way to go.

If a big storm comes just untie and start pushing up river.
 

WPMac

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This thing needs to make up it's mind ... not just sit there making everyone nervous. Cause I'm so sick of 'predictions'. It was never supposed to be where it is. It was never supposed to be a cat 5 ... don't try to tell me you know where it's going after all that crap .
 

BobsHere

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Seas and wind slowly building, first feeder band in sight. Much more coming, can feel it. That bitch is out there...
20190901_192823.jpg 20190901_191516.jpg
 

f1r3b1rd

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This thing needs to make up it's mind ... not just sit there making everyone nervous. Cause I'm so sick of 'predictions'. It was never supposed to be where it is. It was never supposed to be a cat 5 ... don't try to tell me you know where it's going after all that crap .
Hope your not depending on the weather channel. All they want is ratings, ratings ratings. They'll milk this thing for every last dome they can.
 

WPMac

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Hope your not depending on the weather channel. All they want is ratings, ratings ratings. They'll milk this thing for every last dome they can.
I don't depend on anything other than the current radar image the movement speed and direction. The models they put out are important information as well. But it's just that ... info to throw into pot.
 

BobsHere

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Hope your not depending on the weather channel. All they want is ratings, ratings ratings. They'll milk this thing for every last dome they can.
Bunch of drama queens. There is a local guy on NBC out of W Palm Beach that I watch. He's the best if seen anywhere. Clear concise factual data on a local level without any drama. Plus total recall for the the facts of every cane going back for decades. He's on it.
 

f1r3b1rd

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I don't depend on anything other than the current radar image the movement speed and direction. The models they put out are important information as well. But it's just that ... info to throw into pot.
That's the way I am. Meteorology has been a casual hobby of mine since I was a kid. I started looking out of necessity since I grew up fishing, sailing and hunting.
Bunch of drama queens. There is a local guy on NBC out of W Palm Beach that I watch. He's the best if seen anywhere. Clear concise factual data on a local level without any drama. Plus total recall for the the facts of every cane going back for decades. He's on it.
They are that indeed! When I was you get we had a guy named Nash Robert's. The guy used a dry erase board and could pinpoint the track accurately every time. The guy was basically "hurricane whisperer." Now, you need to find that one local person you trust; because, most just repeat the nhc and have zero idea on what a steering current is.
 
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WPMac

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Bunch of drama queens. There is a local guy on NBC out of W Palm Beach that I watch. He's the best if seen anywhere. Clear concise factual data on a local level without any drama. Plus total recall for the the facts of every cane going back for decades. He's on it.
My wife found a grad student who specializes in tropical cyclones. He does youtube videos. He's very good at layman while also giving you the $5 words that you can infer from context.
https://www.youtube.com/user/Meridionaljet
https://www.tropicaltidbits.com/
 

BobsHere

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That's the way I am. Meteorology has been a casual hobby of mine since I was a kid. I started looking out of necessity since I grew up fishing, sailing and hunting.

They are that indeed! When I was you get we had a guy named Nash Robert's. The guy used a dry erase board and could pinpoint the track accurately every time. The guy was basically "hurricane whisperer." Now, you need to find that one local person you trust; because, most just repeat the nhc and have zero idea on what a steering current is.
Exactly, at one time the TV weatherman just read the forcast from the NWS. Then came super duper storm max 5 triple dipple quad core radar and the chief meteorologist who thinks he knows more than the NWS. Then weather news drama.
Hard to find a good one.
 

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