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Thread summary:

How people with special needs prepare for hurricane season, emergency transport office, consult with doctors, physicians, support groups, police officers, nursing homes

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Old 05-24-2007, 12:08 AM
 
317 posts, read 1,227,981 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sunrico90 View Post
Plan for people with special needs: Everyone can post information related to hurricane preparation tips. The more informed we post the easier to deal with a situation....



A person with special needs is anyone who may need specialized help during or after a hurricane threat, either in or outside an evacuation zone. That can include anyone with a disability, serious illness, or the need for life-support equipment that requires electricity.

Hurricane plans for people with special needs should be made well in advance.

Call ahead of time

In some areas, you can call your local Emergency Management Office to register a person with special needs. Call well before a disaster because officials may need to screen requests to determine the level of care needed.

The Emergency Management Office may be able to provide assistance that includes direct warning of an evacuation, help in leaving a home, transportation to a home or shelter, or transportation of equipment such as wheelchairs.

After registering with an Emergency Management Office, keep the registration form and instructions safe and handy.

Arrange transportation

Unless you're told specifically that transportation will be provided, arrange for your own. Even if you arrange transportation with emergency workers, plan for backup transportation just in case, and for peace of mind.

Pack a "safety bag"

Prepare a "safety" bag to take with you should you have to evacuate. It should include a blanket, pillow, folding chair, and sleeping bag or cot; food for at least two days; medication for three to seven days; personal hygiene items; identification and valuable documents (insurance, birth and marriage certificates, and special-needs forms); battery-operated radio; flashlight; batteries; and change of clothes.

Ask for help

Consult with physicians, health care providers, support groups and service agencies regarding your needs and how to meet them in the event of a hurricane.

If you are medically dependent upon electricity, contact vendors or your physician for back-up power sources.

Don't panic if you can't get a ride when a hurricane is threatening. Ask a police officer or emergency official for help.

Nursing homes

Most states require nursing homes to have disaster plans. The plans require adequate food and water, medical supplies, emergency power and staffing. If you have someone in a nursing home, ask the supervisor to see the plans well before a storm threatens.
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I know YOU will have all the stats! and predictions and maps and graphics!
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Old 05-24-2007, 03:18 PM
 
Location: Living in Paradise
5,701 posts, read 24,126,828 times
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In all, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast 13-17 named storms, including seven to 10 hurricanes with three to five of those major hurricanes, meaning their sustained winds would top 110 mph. An average hurricane season has 11 named storms, including six hurricanes, two of them intense.

The main reason 2007 should be busy: The Atlantic basin remains in a period of heightened intensity, when a greater number of powerful storms are likely to emerge. Also, La Niña, a cooling of the eastern Pacific that fosters storm activity, could develop.

On the other hand, seasonal forecasts aren't always on target. Last year, NOAA predicted 13 to 16 named storms, including eight to 10 hurricanes, four to six of those intense. The agency warned that two to four hurricanes would hit the U.S. coast in 2006.

In reality, 10 storms, five hurricanes, two intense, emerged. While two tropical storms wobbled ashore in Florida, no hurricanes reached the U.S. coastline.

The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November. Gerry Bell, NOAA's lead hurricane forecaster, said most of the activity should boil up in August, September and October. That's when powerful storms that form off Africa present the most danger.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/media/graphic/2007-05/29997159.jpg (broken link)
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Old 05-24-2007, 03:40 PM
 
Location: Tampa, FL
162 posts, read 676,280 times
Reputation: 96
Default Pets/Family Phone chain

The info here for pets is great. One additional thing to consider is microchipping. It can be done right in the vet's office with a needle. It's quick and easy and all animal shelters scan any dog that comes in. Most vets I have found here in Florida scan all the dogs brought to them also. There is a chance your pet could get loose if left at home during the storm, or during an evacuation, your dog could get loose in another town or state.

The dog is scanned and the facility contacts the microchip company with the ID number. The microchip company accesses the pet's file which has a list of telelphone numbers you have provided. It usually includes your vet's telephone number, your cell phone number, your home telephone number and the number(s) of friends or family as a back up. I have given them family members in this state and other states just in case.

It is also helpful if you have family or friends out of state that can act as your "nerve center" or a phone chain. Before I moved here, if my family had to evacuate (which they did) they called me to let me know where they were, where the pets were, what vehicles they took, or who stayed to ride out the storm. It was helpful for them to have one point of contact and I could then relay info to them about the others. It was often difficult for many of them to get through to each other. But if something had happened to them I would know where to go pick up their animals, etc.
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Old 05-26-2007, 10:00 PM
 
Location: Living in Paradise
5,701 posts, read 24,126,828 times
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Lightbulb First-aid kit

Here are some things to have in your first-aid kit. Keep all items in a waterproof container.

* First-aid manual.
* Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes.
* A dozen 2-inch and 3-inch sterile gauze pads.
* A dozen 3-inch sterile gauze pads.
* Hypoallergenic adhesive tape.
* Three triangular bandages.
* Three rolls of 2-inch sterile roller bandages.
* Three rolls of 3-inch sterile roller bandages.
* Scissors and tweezers.
* Needle, for sewing and removing splinters.
* Bar of soap in its own plastic bag or waterproof container.
* Packets of moistened towelettes.
* Antiseptic spray.
* Hydrogen peroxide, for cleaning wounds.
* Rubbing alcohol.
* Iodine, for purifying water and disinfecting wounds.
* Thermometer.
* Petroleum jelly to relieve itching.
* Ointments for burns and cuts.
* Various sizes of safety pins.
* Latex gloves.
* Aspirin, acetaminophen and antacid tablets.
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Old 05-29-2007, 05:51 PM
 
Location: Living in Paradise
5,701 posts, read 24,126,828 times
Reputation: 3064
Lightbulb Preparing your pool for hurricanes

This the last one of a series preparation steps for a hurricane. Hope that someone has learned something and is now better prepare in case of a hurricane. Remember will happen........



There are several steps you can take to prepare and protect your swimming pool during hurricane season.

Before the storm

Afternoon thunderstorms, tropical storms and hurricanes can drop a lot of water onto your pool deck and out to your yard.

The first step is to make sure as much water as possible drains from the deck as quickly as possible. Test how well your deck drains by using a garden hose to spray water on the deck and watching how quickly the water disappears.

Most pools have a plastic slotted deck drain designed to take water from the slab to the yard.

If you have an acrylic painted deck, some of the slats may be painted over. Carefully use a small flat screwdriver to push the paint through and open the slats. If there is dirt inside the drain, you can insert a garden hose from one side and try to flush it out with water.

During any test, make sure that the water runs unobstructed out the ends of the drain to low spots in the yard, flowing quickly away from the house and pool deck. Remove any grass, mulch or dirt that may block the end of the drain.

If you don't have a deck drain, make sure high grass, dirt, mulch or stones do not block the edge of the deck. These obstacles can prevent water from quickly moving off the edge and into the yard.

An easy solution for edges that don't drain quickly is to dig a small trench directing the water to a low spot away from the house and pool deck.

Take time to trim trees of extra limbs and branches that may become airborne during afternoon thunderstorms and high winds. This debris could cause damage to your house, pool equipment or screen enclosure.

Don't forget to store light toys and patio furniture properly; they too, can become flying projectiles inside your pool area.

Remember to close an umbrella when not using the pool to prevent the wind from sending it skyward. High winds can overturn an open umbrella fitted into a patio table, causing the table to fall over and, if made of glass, to shatter on your pool deck.

What to do when a storm approaches

Keeping sufficient water levels in your pool provides the important weight to hold the sides and bottom in place, especially when heavy rains that accompany most storms raise the local water table.

Never empty your pool. Pools that have been emptied may experience serious structural problems and could even be lifted off their foundations.

If your pool is properly equipped with adequate drains and skimmers and the surrounding area is properly drained, the water level can probably be left as it is. Clear the area around any deck drains to allow maximum water flow off your deck.

It is recommended that you superchlorinate the pool water. You should shock the pool as you normally would.

All electric power should be turned off at the circuit breakers before the storm hits.

If you cannot store loose objects such as plastic or PVC chairs, tables, pool equipment and toys inside a building and your pool is concrete, gently place them in the pool to help shield them from the winds. Just dropping them in may scratch or damage the inside finish of your pool.

Never put any metal or glass items into your pool at any time. If glass were to shatter on the deck or in the pool, it would be almost impossible to locate and remove every small sliver.

If your pool is vinyl or fiberglass, don't ever put anything in the pool because the vinyl liner could tear and the fiberglass could be scratched.
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Old 05-30-2007, 09:33 PM
 
Location: Living in Paradise
5,701 posts, read 24,126,828 times
Reputation: 3064
Lightbulb State: Floridians Downplaying Hurricane Dangers

The 2007 Atlantic hurricane season begins Friday, and despite the fact 8 severe hurricanes have ripped through Florida in the last three years, disaster officials are worried that last year’s mild season may cause people to slack off on their preparations. They say that could be a deadly mistake.Moderator cut: Provide a link instead of copying everything here, please

Last edited by Marka; 12-10-2007 at 05:40 AM..
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Old 06-01-2007, 09:41 PM
 
Location: west palm beach, florida
16 posts, read 85,021 times
Reputation: 21
This is an excellent info thread
Pet owners: Microchipping for pets is pretty cheap at my office and only takes about 5 seconds for the actual injection. $45 is the usual cost. Shelters cannot euthanize or adopt a lost animal out if the animal has a registered microchip. Many veterinarians give hurricane discounts on yearly vaccinations and microchips. Dogs and cats should be AT LEAST vaccinated against rabies. Your regular veterinarian more than likely has a boarding facility for dogs and cats available with prior notification. I have heard of "pet friendly" shelters in this area as well. feel free to ask questions if needed!
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Old 06-01-2007, 09:58 PM
 
Location: west palm beach, florida
16 posts, read 85,021 times
Reputation: 21
With the current increase in number and intensity of Caribbean region hurricanes, a new focus needs to be placed on the issue of preparedness. Although hurricane-track forecast errors have been decreasing on the average (i.e., forecasts have been improving), the accuracy still leaves much to be desired. In addition there are major problems with hurricane intensity forecasts. Even if residents have perfect track and intensity forecasts, however, they still need to understand how to respond to the danger posed by an approaching hurricane. Obviously, there are certain cases when evacuation is the only effective answer such as sub-standard housing (mobile homes, huts, etc.) which would be easily destroyed by the winds and areas affected by deadly storm surge (or even rain produced) flooding. Well-built structures still need the added protection of hurricane shutters, however. Without shutters, substantial damage can still be experienced even if the main structure is not affected due to window breakage and the intrusion of the hurricane winds and rain into the building. Well-designed shutters can result in substantially reduced damages. There are a number of commercial shutters on the market and various hand-made plywood designs. It is important for the public to become informed about which types of shutters are the most effective. Obviously, the more effective types of shutters need advanced preparations. It is oftentimes difficult or impossible to obtain the materials and to construct or install the shutters after a hurricane watch or warning is already in place.

What are the best shutters? The best kind are those that are affordable, are easy to install, and offer the greatest protection. Which of these properties is most important depends on individual circumstances. For a disabled or elderly person it may be ease of installation with either an automatic closing mechanism or accordion type shutters. For those with limited incomes plywood shutters may be the only affordable option. For most people the best compromise would be steel panels, which offer good protection, but are certainly more expensive than plywood. The most worthless type of protection is the often employed use of various types of tape over the windows. This practice does little or nothing to prevent breakage, may result in large, more dangerous pieces of flying glass, and is extremely difficult to remove after the storm.

Some people are experiencing a certain level of protection by covering their windows with special impact resistant protective film. Others are using a new type of impact-resistant storm window. Various types of commercial storm shutters can be effective but many are untested and have been found to fail in stronger hurricanes (e.g., Hurricane Andrew in 1992). Miami-Dade county (Florida) now requires that all commercial shutters pass rigorous tests before they can be approved for sale and installation. It is recommended that commercial shutters are not used that have not passed these types of tests. The shutters range from the most inexpensive (but still highly effective) metal corrugated panels type -- aluminum or steel (heavier but stronger!) to electrically operated roll-down shutters, also effective if properly constructed.

Many people, however, cannot afford any type of commercial shutter. Most resort to using plywood attached to the structure using various types of methods. The least effective method, used by many people with minimal time to prepare, is to let the plywood overlap the window opening and attach it to the structure using concrete nails. This technique can cause more harm than good since in even moderately high winds, most of these poorly-attached boards will be ripped off and become dangerous flying missiles! The most publicized method is to cut the board to overlap the window opening and then use tapping screws through the wood fastened into lead sleeve anchors in the wall. Although better than the first method, many boards attached using this technique have failed in the more intense hurricanes. If the windows have at least a 2-inch inset there is a much more effective technique to use with plywood. Plywood shutters made with this second technique performed extremely well even in the maximum winds of Hurricane Andrew when it hit South Miami. Most people can construct this special type of plywood shutter with only reasonable effort and cost. The basic concept that the wood is cut to fit inside the inset of the window and is fastened to the windowsill using barrel bolts. The design is effective for two main reasons. Firstly, because the wood is recessed, the hurricane winds cannot get under the wood. Secondly, because the wood is fastened perpendicular to the force of the wind (both the forces that try to push the shutter into the house and the forces that can work to suck the shutter away from the structure) it is far more difficult for the wind to pull the fasteners out from the structure. Figures describing this design are included at the end of this summary. Note that there are other, equally effective, attachments methods for this particular technique. The main characteristics need to be that the wood fits inside the inset and that the fastening is into the inset (windowsill).

A few basic comments on the construction of these plywood shutters....
Use 5/8 or 3/4 inch exterior grade plywood and 3- or 4-inch heavy duty barrel bolts.
For a small or medium size window, only four barrel bolts are needed -- one for each side or two each on the left- and right-hand sides. Large windows need additional bolts. A good rule of thumb is to use one bolt every two feet or so.
A good fit is important for the window to be protected. Some window frames may not be square, so be sure to carefully measure each side and corner angle and cut the plywood to fit. (Some planing of the wood might also be needed.) It is helpful to mark which side of the panel is on top, and which side should face out. Also write on the panel which window or door it is meant to cover.
Screw the barrel bolts to the panel, place the plywood up against the window, and mark where each barrel bolt slides up against the wall. Once the marks have been made, remove the panel and drill the bolt holes into the window recess. Use a drill bit just large enough to accommodate the bolt. (The fit will be tight enough that a gentle tap with a hammer is usually needed to fasten the bolt.)
For panels covering very large areas (such as sliding glass doors) you can connect additional pieces of plywood with 2x4's (or even a full-length piano hinge to make the panel easier to fold, handle, and store).
Once your panels are done you may waterproof them with a coat of varnish or paint.
Which ever type of shutter is selected, it is important to remember that shutters are only as good as the quality of their installation. Also, no shutter can fully compensate for a poorly constructed house, an unprotected garage or various large objects that can impact homes and other structures during a major hurricane. But, the higher the degree of preparation, the greater the probability that damage will be minimized!

OSB vs. Plywood


I have no issues with wood-framed construction if you are building at an elevation where you negate the effects of the destructive storm surge. The pounding of tons of water against wood framed homes often produces flotsam that ends up in a beach-side fire fueled with driftwood. If your home has the chance of being inundated with water, you may want to rethink your plans and give serious consideration to poured concrete cast within insulated concrete forms and/or reinforced concrete block construction.

DO NOT USE OSB!!

When you look at the technical test data for both plywood and OSB, I am convinced you will buy plywood for your floor, wall and roof sheathing. OSB is a very good product, but the technical data I reviewed indicates plywood has greater screw and nail holding ability when you compare products of equal thickness.

use tapper screws for stucco/block houses

use marine plywood or plywood made for external use.
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Old 06-01-2007, 10:15 PM
 
Location: Living in Paradise
5,701 posts, read 24,126,828 times
Reputation: 3064
Quote:
Originally Posted by kali81 View Post
With the current increase in number and intensity of Caribbean region hurricanes, a new focus needs to be placed on the issue of preparedness. Although hurricane-track forecast errors have been decreasing on the average (i.e., forecasts have been improving), the accuracy still leaves much to be desired. In addition there are major problems with hurricane intensity forecasts. Even if residents have perfect track and intensity forecasts, however, they still need to understand how to respond to the danger posed by an approaching hurricane. Obviously, there are certain cases when evacuation is the only effective answer such as sub-standard housing (mobile homes, huts, etc.) which would be easily destroyed by the winds and areas affected by deadly storm surge (or even rain produced) flooding. Well-built structures still need the added protection of hurricane shutters, however. Without shutters, substantial damage can still be experienced even if the main structure is not affected due to window breakage and the intrusion of the hurricane winds and rain into the building. Well-designed shutters can result in substantially reduced damages. There are a number of commercial shutters on the market and various hand-made plywood designs. It is important for the public to become informed about which types of shutters are the most effective. Obviously, the more effective types of shutters need advanced preparations. It is oftentimes difficult or impossible to obtain the materials and to construct or install the shutters after a hurricane watch or warning is already in place.

What are the best shutters? The best kind are those that are affordable, are easy to install, and offer the greatest protection. Which of these properties is most important depends on individual circumstances. For a disabled or elderly person it may be ease of installation with either an automatic closing mechanism or accordion type shutters. For those with limited incomes plywood shutters may be the only affordable option. For most people the best compromise would be steel panels, which offer good protection, but are certainly more expensive than plywood. The most worthless type of protection is the often employed use of various types of tape over the windows. This practice does little or nothing to prevent breakage, may result in large, more dangerous pieces of flying glass, and is extremely difficult to remove after the storm.

Some people are experiencing a certain level of protection by covering their windows with special impact resistant protective film. Others are using a new type of impact-resistant storm window. Various types of commercial storm shutters can be effective but many are untested and have been found to fail in stronger hurricanes (e.g., Hurricane Andrew in 1992). Miami-Dade county (Florida) now requires that all commercial shutters pass rigorous tests before they can be approved for sale and installation. It is recommended that commercial shutters are not used that have not passed these types of tests. The shutters range from the most inexpensive (but still highly effective) metal corrugated panels type -- aluminum or steel (heavier but stronger!) to electrically operated roll-down shutters, also effective if properly constructed.

Many people, however, cannot afford any type of commercial shutter. Most resort to using plywood attached to the structure using various types of methods. The least effective method, used by many people with minimal time to prepare, is to let the plywood overlap the window opening and attach it to the structure using concrete nails. This technique can cause more harm than good since in even moderately high winds, most of these poorly-attached boards will be ripped off and become dangerous flying missiles! The most publicized method is to cut the board to overlap the window opening and then use tapping screws through the wood fastened into lead sleeve anchors in the wall. Although better than the first method, many boards attached using this technique have failed in the more intense hurricanes. If the windows have at least a 2-inch inset there is a much more effective technique to use with plywood. Plywood shutters made with this second technique performed extremely well even in the maximum winds of Hurricane Andrew when it hit South Miami. Most people can construct this special type of plywood shutter with only reasonable effort and cost. The basic concept that the wood is cut to fit inside the inset of the window and is fastened to the windowsill using barrel bolts. The design is effective for two main reasons. Firstly, because the wood is recessed, the hurricane winds cannot get under the wood. Secondly, because the wood is fastened perpendicular to the force of the wind (both the forces that try to push the shutter into the house and the forces that can work to suck the shutter away from the structure) it is far more difficult for the wind to pull the fasteners out from the structure. Figures describing this design are included at the end of this summary. Note that there are other, equally effective, attachments methods for this particular technique. The main characteristics need to be that the wood fits inside the inset and that the fastening is into the inset (windowsill).

A few basic comments on the construction of these plywood shutters....
Use 5/8 or 3/4 inch exterior grade plywood and 3- or 4-inch heavy duty barrel bolts.
For a small or medium size window, only four barrel bolts are needed -- one for each side or two each on the left- and right-hand sides. Large windows need additional bolts. A good rule of thumb is to use one bolt every two feet or so.
A good fit is important for the window to be protected. Some window frames may not be square, so be sure to carefully measure each side and corner angle and cut the plywood to fit. (Some planing of the wood might also be needed.) It is helpful to mark which side of the panel is on top, and which side should face out. Also write on the panel which window or door it is meant to cover.
Screw the barrel bolts to the panel, place the plywood up against the window, and mark where each barrel bolt slides up against the wall. Once the marks have been made, remove the panel and drill the bolt holes into the window recess. Use a drill bit just large enough to accommodate the bolt. (The fit will be tight enough that a gentle tap with a hammer is usually needed to fasten the bolt.)
For panels covering very large areas (such as sliding glass doors) you can connect additional pieces of plywood with 2x4's (or even a full-length piano hinge to make the panel easier to fold, handle, and store).
Once your panels are done you may waterproof them with a coat of varnish or paint.
Which ever type of shutter is selected, it is important to remember that shutters are only as good as the quality of their installation. Also, no shutter can fully compensate for a poorly constructed house, an unprotected garage or various large objects that can impact homes and other structures during a major hurricane. But, the higher the degree of preparation, the greater the probability that damage will be minimized!

OSB vs. Plywood


I have no issues with wood-framed construction if you are building at an elevation where you negate the effects of the destructive storm surge. The pounding of tons of water against wood framed homes often produces flotsam that ends up in a beach-side fire fueled with driftwood. If your home has the chance of being inundated with water, you may want to rethink your plans and give serious consideration to poured concrete cast within insulated concrete forms and/or reinforced concrete block construction.

DO NOT USE OSB!!

When you look at the technical test data for both plywood and OSB, I am convinced you will buy plywood for your floor, wall and roof sheathing. OSB is a very good product, but the technical data I reviewed indicates plywood has greater screw and nail holding ability when you compare products of equal thickness.

use tapper screws for stucco/block houses

use marine plywood or plywood made for external use.
EXCELLENT POST.....
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Old 06-03-2007, 06:46 PM
 
Location: Ocala Fl
156 posts, read 1,062,523 times
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In for later
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