How do you actually survive hurricane season?
Posted by brownkyd48@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 98 comments
Finally made the move to Wilmington, NC about six weeks ago and I keep seeing reminders that hurricane season starts soon. Back where I grew up we had tornado warnings maybe twice a year and that was the extent of extreme weather prep. This feels different.
Florence flooded huge parts of this area in 2018 and from what I read the city was basically cut off for days. That's the kind of thing I want to not be blindsided by.
What do people who've actually been through it do? I genuinely don't know what the right move is.
Appropriate_Ad9157@reddit
By living in the high mtn desert above 5000ft
dobbydisneyfan@reddit
By living somewhere that doesn’t have devastating hurricanes.
Bvvitched@reddit
I lived in Florida for 33 years and obviously lived through many hurricanes, lost power for a few days . Hurricanes are all about preparing and not panicking, panicking isn’t going to change the outcome of a storm.
check to see if you’re in a flood zone. Sure, there’s special circumstances for hurricanes, but knowing what your risk level is is helpful.
hurricane season is June 1st - November 1st. Prepping by cutting loose branches on your property and I’ll help with mitigate damage.
you’ll know about a hurricane about a week out, which is plenty of time to prep. BUT some things you should just have at the start of hurricane season and then you can retire it. Buy 1-2 cases of water and then don’t touch it till after the season, get a box of shelf stable goods and leave it. You can also put any important documents in a waterproof bag and keep them there till out of hurricane season. A camp stove was clutch when we had no power.
hurricane coming your way? Fill up all cars, make sure there’s an appropriate amount of shelf stable and water for all pets and members of family. Move all patio furniture or decorative objects so they don’t become projectiles. Charge all devices, portable chargers and anything battery powered you may need. And keep them charged the day of. Try to eat as many non shelf stable items in the mean time.
lost power? I favored electric candles, didn’t have to worry about accidentally setting the house on fire or the cats burning themselves. Freeze water bottles (as many as you possibly can) and leave some in the freezer and some in the fridge. You can also place a coin on a full ice tray in the freezer and if it’s at the bottom everything melted and everything needs to be tossed.
Remember : if you don’t have power, neither does the water/waste treatment plants. Avoid flushing. A camp toilet is a little extra, but not an awful addition.
Also, power is restored (in Florida at least) to zip codes with fire stations, police, water/waste treatment and schools. Check your location!
When in doubt - evacuate. Take important documents and pets (never leave your pets!) and seek shelter out of state if you can afford it.
Castianna@reddit
You will find fantastic lists of supplies elsewhere, but here's the things that I've really come to appreciate.
VioletJackalope@reddit
If you can afford to, generators are a great thing to have. Our household prep for hurricane season typically involves securing outdoor items that could blow sway, stocking up on canned foods and snacks that can last for a week or two with no power (2 weeks after Florence was the longest I’ve ever had to go) and getting bottled water just in case because boil advisories are common after a storm. We don’t have a lot of money for fancy camping gadgets to make cooking easier if we lose power, but we’ve found that a few cans of sterno and a chafing dish work great for heating up things like canned soup and ravioli.
Camping lanterns for nighttime and charged up power blocks to charge your phone are also a good idea. Another big tip is to always have a back-up plan. If you have family or friends nearby, make a plan for how you’d get to them or they to you if something happens to your home that makes it unsafe. If not, know where your nearest storm shelter is. Schools and churches will often serve as shelters and advertise in advance.
Joannawollf@reddit
Backup power is not optional if you're in a hurricane corridor, period. I'd look at ecoflow, depending on your budget and how much you need to run. Ecoflow delta pro ultra or delta pro ultra X modular lineup is worth a look specifically because it moves with you when your lease ends. Get something in place before June, not during a watch.
Express-Stop7830@reddit
Emergency Manager here. Run from the water, hide from the wind. Please sign up for alerts (you will still get the biggest baddest alerts pushed to you) with your local jurisdiction. And please listen to evac orders. Know your evacuation zone (not the same as your fluid zone). Don't let the media get you all worked up (they work for views), but do go to reputable sources and heed professional warnings and advice.
Attend your local Hurricane Expo (most places have one in May or early June).
Feel free to DM me.
CupBeEmpty@reddit
Keep up the good work man!
Hurricanes are pretty tame up here but I’ve had family down south go through some and the stories are wiiiiild.
Providence basically shut down for Irene and Sandy but I was outside walking my dog in both. I just stayed in the middle of the road away from tree branches and power lines.
Express-Stop7830@reddit
I know "man" was used as a colloquialism, but being a woman in public safety, just want to clarify. Thank you for the words of encouragement.
When I lived far away, I rarely had disasters that overlapped with disasters back home from my parents. Being back in Florida has been brutal, especially while I was activated for hurricanes while they were getting absolutely unprecedentedly hammered. It was gut-wrenching to watch my hometown be devastated while I was also working in my current community.
And I wish I could say it ends with hurricanes, but there's also flooding and tornadoes and drought and fires and shooters and all kinds of horrible things. We're the coordinators for the parties that no one wants to attend.
CupBeEmpty@reddit
Ooof yeah. Tough job.
Sorry about the man thing. I try not to use the expression online for that reason. I’ve just used it for men and women so long I forget. Male defaultism is real I guess.
Express-Stop7830@reddit
No worries! I lives in CA, where I was dude. And the kids today with bro. Sigh.
But I'm proud that I've survived 20 years in this field and in case there are any young women reading this thread, I just want them to know women kick ass as Emergency Managers!
CupBeEmpty@reddit
I don’t doubt it. My kids’ mom is a research physicist.
Ask her how she feels when someone assumes she an office admin.
She’s big on getting girls into fields that were typically “boy fields.”
jiminak@reddit
Thank you for what you do! I couldn’t imagine trying to manage an emergency while my family was out there living the emergency in question.
CupBeEmpty@reddit
You have quite the flair. Would I be right in guessing military?
jiminak@reddit
lol, yeah those were all military stations except the first and the last. Plus a few overseas locations thrown in here and there. Not quite as long as yours though! :-)
CupBeEmpty@reddit
More than a couple people have asked me if I’m military because of the flair. I’m not and my parents weren’t but I can see why people would think so.
capsrock02@reddit
What “media” are you referring to here? The local media will have correct and accurate information. National media will not. OP should watch/listen to their local TV and radio stations.
Express-Stop7830@reddit
It depends on the market. Some still lean into sensationalism.
Former-Fig-9686@reddit
I’ve lived in hurricane country all my life—Gulf Coast of Texas and Atlantic Coast of Florida. When you hear a storm is coming, you (and everybody else) go stock up on food and water, batteries, lanterns, flashlights. If you get hit by the storm, in most cars there might be damage to your roof, and there’s always damage to vegetation. There are usually special garbage pickups for damaged vegetation. In a few days everything’s back to normal.
cozybear3636@reddit
I don’t really know. I live in Philly we don’t have any extreme weather like the rest of the country. We don’t really get tornadoes, hurricanes, sand storms, rarely flooding, and our climate is moderate. It’s usually like 30 degrees at night in winter and in the summer it’s 80 degrees to 90 degrees.
I have no idea how the rest of the country deals with extreme weather events. I think I would be really scared in a hurricane. I’ve only been in 1-2 minor hurricanes in my entire life. But they were nothing like what happens in the south.
CupBeEmpty@reddit
By living in New England slightly in from the coast on a hill.
Most hurricanes are baby town frolics if they make it up here. If they do the major damage is storm surge right on the coast. We have multiple days of warning before hand and I just don’t go to the beach on the day of.
It’s basically surviving hurricanes on easy mode.
maxman1313@reddit
The beauty of hurricanes is you almost always have at least a few days to prepare. There will never be a hurricane that blindsides you in less than a day. They form off the coast of Africa and travel across the Atlantic before they hit Wilmington.
In my opinion hurricanes are far less scary than tornadoes, earthquakes, or wildfires for that reason. Hurricanes don't sneak up on you, they track them for literally weeks before they make landfall.
Take Florence for example, there was an evacuation recommendation almost a week before the storm hit. People cut off ignored those recommendations (or had to stay) and stayed in town.
In terms of what's worth kinda always worth having around the house, is basic disaster stuff. Water, flashlight, batteries, crank radio, maybe a generator.
More specific stuff, plywood to fit your windows.
FEMA websites are good place to start.
You'll know how likely it is your neighborhood will flood based on whether or not it has flooded in the past. There's records of how high the water gets for every major storm. Look those up.
Most importantly have a plan.
Know where you'll evacuate to. Know your route to get out of town. Know where your supplies are. Know how your tools work. Know where the flood plains are. Know your threshold for when to evacuate (for me it's around a Cat-2).
Breathe, you'll be okay. You will have days of warnings before one hits. You have a few things you can do now to prepare.
Source: Born in Wilmington, NC
Chemical-Mix-6206@reddit
Make sure you check the forecast regularly. At least with a hurricane, you have a few days to prepare. Watch your local weather if you're inside the cone - national weather jacks up the drama. Your local officials will call for evacuations if necessary.
As far as real preparations go: make sure any trees on your property are healthy & well maintained. Have important documents (that would be hard to replace) handy in case you need to evacuate. Take detailed pics of all your possessions in case you need to make an insurance claim. Keep your gas tank at least half full in case your local stations run out. Power outages are likely, so have bottled water & food you can prepare without power, to last a few days. Don't wait until the last minute to go get hurricane snacks. We always put a cup with water in the freezer, then lay a quarter on top on June 1. If we lose power, we'll know by the position of the quarter whether the food is still safe. As soon as the lights flicker, eat the ice cream just in case. Frozen strawberries make great ice cubes in drinks. Have battery-operated lights so you don't burn the house down with candles. Have books, puzzles & crafty projects on hand to fight boredom until the power comes back on. Maybe get a hand-crank radio & solar charger for your cellphone. Depending on your water situation, might need to fill the bathtub with water so you can flush the toilet.
capsrock02@reddit
By not living near the coast
Hammokman@reddit
This is what you need:
Don't by any food, just eat what is thawing out in your freezer.
Don't panic. Don't do anything stupid.
rantmb331@reddit
Friends who live in hurricane zones have told me you also need at least 14 cases of toilet paper and 37 gallons of bottled water per person. It's imperative that you wait until absolutely the last possible minute to buy these and drive around from store to store looking for them. Better yet, be prepared and just watch those people on TV.
jiminak@reddit
And don’t forget, that is per person, per day!! And you should be prepared for at least a week.
Hammokman@reddit
If you only have 14 cases of toilet paper on hand at any given time, thats on you. I keep a conex box full of Charmin in my back yard. (my neighbors hate me, probably not the only reason)
It has been scientifically proven that the micro plastics in bottled water (looking at you FIJI) are the leading cause of Flipper Babies.
Live Flipper Baby births are up a staggering 320% since the data started to be collected in 1986.
Knowing is half the battle
WheelsOnFire1973@reddit
South Louisiana, here. Have an evacuation plan, and if you have pets, include them in your plans.
Maurice_Foot@reddit
Hunker.
Hunker down.
EmploymentEmpty5871@reddit
Easy, I live way up north. No hurricanes at all.
Zaidswith@reddit
You need to figure out whether or not you can stay or evacuate for a storm. You're close to the ocean so anything stronger than a 2 in your area should definitely be an evacuation. Check flood zones. Mandatory evacuation zones. You need to talk to the natives for more specifics. Where do you plan to go if you have to go. Don't leave too early. Storms shift and while you get notice several days out no one is entirely sure where landfall will be until a day or two out. Don't wait too long to evacuate.
The house will need prepped regardless. Look that up. Covering windows. Picking up loose objects outside. Turning off all utilities before you leave.
Can you stay if you're not being hit directly but a nearby area is? Does they area flood anyway? Talk to the natives. Also, hurricanes cause tornadoes. The outer bands of rain can cause spin ups.
Have food and water on hand for every person and animal for everyday you could be without power if you do stay. Battery banks. Flashlights. Medical supplies. A way to cook. Maybe a generator. Look into a whole house generator.
If you do lose power, remember to eat your fridge food first, frozen food second, and your shelf stable food last.
Cromasters@reddit
Where abouts in Wilmington? I've lived here most of my life. Luckily never had any serious damage from any storm.
Responsible_Side8131@reddit
You keep a stock of all the normal Hurricane supplies on hand (Buy them before Hurricane Season starts). You keep an eye on the weather, and start planning your moves days before the storm hits. If you are in an evacuation zone, you make a hotel reservation in a safe place ASAP and you GO before the last minute
LeafyWolf@reddit
Good luck... Follow evacuation routes. A lot of locals down there will try to weather it out--beat them out of town. Much easier to look like a scaredy cat and flee every time a hurricane warning is called than get stuck down there with no way out for weeks.
PeanutAggressive2235@reddit
Stock up on water and food. You will also have plenty of time before it hits
Ok-Possibility-9826@reddit
we literally just stay inside. that’s what we do.
palep_hoot@reddit
Why is this labeled bullshit question?
ophaus@reddit
We don't. We outfuck nature, it's the only way.
anysizesucklingpigs@reddit
Stock up on non-perishables, charge everything including power packs, get batteries, fill up the tank, and buy booze. If you have a grill make sure you have fuel. Pick up a couple of collapsible water jugs (the plastic ones that fold up like a pool float when not in use).
Baby wipes. Even if you don’t have a baby. Please believe me.
Get your bug-out bag ready—I have a locking document bag where I keep my important paperwork, some cash etc. all the time so I just grab that and a week’s worth of clothes and toiletries in case I need to evacuate. Basically be ready to walk out of the house in 5 minutes.
Walk through your house and take pics and video of everything, including TVs, computers, appliances, valuables like jewelry and art. Serial numbers on the backs of the electronics. I’ve even taken pics of the sticker under the cushion of a fairly-new $4500 couch. If you flood you’ll need all of that info for an insurance claim.
And look after your people. If you have any elderly or disabled neighbors living alone, make sure they have supplies and get their family’s info.
tcrhs@reddit
It takes preparation and planning. That’s all.
Digitize your family photographs. Keep your prescription medications filled. Store your vital documents in a fireproof, waterproof bag. Keep the car gassed up. Be ready to pack a bag and evacuate. Leave early to beat traffic.
If you stay, stock up on a week’s worth or more of water and non-perishable food. Fill the bath tub with water to flush toilets. Expect the electricity and the internet to go out first and to be without running water for a while.
Be ready to make quick decisions. You’ll know in advance if you’re in a hurricane’s path, you’ll have time to prepare.
FlippingPossum@reddit
Have an emergency kit and plan. A generator is nice.
Tommy_Wisseau_burner@reddit
You’ll know a hurricane is coming.
MortynMurphy@reddit
Born and raised NC, my grandfather was acting one of the last speakers of Okracoke Brogue! I've lived through Fran, Floyd, Florence, and a whole host of other hurricanes. A couple of these took out power for a few days to 10 days, so here's what we always did:
A generator is always a good option to have around. Definitely a "better to have it and not need it" item.
A propane burner is very useful to have if you can store it right, you can cook on it without using power or wasting gas in the generator.
Canned food or dried food is good to have around. Beans and rice are good, we also keep a can of Spam around, that sort of stuff. Fruits that last a while (like apples) are good to have around as well, avoid buying nothing bread and milk unless you think you're going to eat nothing but sandwiches AND be able to drink all the milk before it goes bad.
The days before the hurricane hits, clean your house and do a lot of laundry. Pack a go-bag and keep it in your car with your important docs, medications, etc. If you have pets, make sure you have copies of all their vet records available (I have hard copies and pdfs on my phone), a pet first aid kit, and pack enough food for two weeks in their go-bag (for redundancy). Move their crates to the car if you have them ahead of time, just in case. This seems like a bit much, but it will make getting out at a moment's notice MUCH less traumatic and scary, trust me. Again, better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
When the hurricane starts, take the longest most deep cleaning shower you can. If there is even a chance the power goes out or something else might go wrong, you're going to be grateful to have been clean at the start.
If you have any other questions feel free to ask, most hurricanes are not too crazy but it's always good to be prepared.
JellyfishFit3871@reddit
With regard to the water storage, I (SE Georgia) always fill the bathtub and the washing machine ahead of bad weather. That can be used for flushing toilets or washing hands without touching my potable supply.
And if it's raining after the wind has passed, I'll set out some containers to catch more just in case I run out. (Worst for us was 8 days without power, so no well pump.)
Fill containers like milk jugs with water and fill the refrigerator and freezer. That gives you the thermal mass to preserve perishables a little longer, plus a little extra water to play with.
Keep the refrigerator or freezer closed as much as possible.
Use your cold food first. Refrigerated, then frozen. A charcoal or propane grill is good for that.
You can wash your hands in the water in your toilet tank. Don't go nuts with the soap, but it's clean water. (I do use a hand sanitizer after, but it's an efficient way to use limited supplies.)
Buy an extra can of Spam or Beefaroni or whatever you find acceptable every time you go grocery shopping.
As has been mentioned, a solar charger for phones is pretty cheap. So is a rechargeable battery jumper for your car - most of those have a port for phone charging, and sometimes more useful features.
And have a plan to get out. Fuel up your vehicle, listen to emergency experts, ask for help if you need it, but get out if the Waffle House closes.
xampl9@reddit
The time to shop for supplies is now. If you wait until the storm gets a name, the stores will be sold out of whatever it is you need.
Use ready.gov as a guide.
dgmilo8085@reddit
Well that seems like something I would have looked into before moving somewhere.
FriendWinter9674@reddit
My major concern would be flooding. If your place floods, do what you can to protect your house and stuff before the hurricane arrives and then evacuate. I wouldn't risk staying if its going to flood. Weak trees and branches can get knocked down by the wind.
Be aware that utility crews from several states will be staging just outside of the storm area so finding a place to stay may be trickier than you expect.
After flooding and wind the next problem will likely be power outages. You could be without power for a week or two. Fill your tub with water for cleaning/toilet and get some bottles of water for drinking. As soon as its announced your area will be impacted people are going to start buying the things you need. So go get them early or better yet have them before that.
nakedonmygoat@reddit
That, and the fact that everyone who evacuated started getting hotels at the first places they could get to. The nearest big city to OP is Charlotte, 198 miles away. It's a bit over 3 hours in regular weather. In a mass evacuation, it could be anything from 6-12 hours, with uncertain gas supplies along the way, with no guarantee that even Charlotte will have hotels available. It's not a very big city.
Some people like to leave at the first hint of a possible hurricane, but more often than not, they spend a week on a hotel and meals, only for nothing to happen back home.
It's a tricky calculus, and not a decision to be made lightly.
Embarrassed-Cause250@reddit
You stay inside or evacuate if ordered, and make sure your HOI has wind coverage and that it is paid and has replacement cost included.
Inspi@reddit
Follow one of the thousands of hurricane prep guides that come out every year.
Pay attention to forecast, you'll know at least a week in advance if there is any concern.
Then hunker down for the storm. Or evacuate, depending on your location and severity of the storm.
If power or water goes out, you'll have all the supplies from the prep list.
Source: lifelong Floridian and survivor of at least 20 named storms. I've literally lost track at this point which ones I had over the years lol.
zoppaTheDim@reddit
Buy some bottled water, consider what is in your freezer. Maybe get some canned goods first the cupboard. Get a grill and charcoal. Stock your liquor cabinet.
Oh and spike down the damn trampoline.
nakedonmygoat@reddit
After Ike in 2008, one of our neighbors ended up with a "new to them" trampoline! It was upside down and lodged on the roof, but it really was funny to see.
Jaci_D@reddit
Sandbags and extra food,water,emergency supplies, and a generator. And hoping nothing big hits you. We evac for cat 4&5
nakedonmygoat@reddit
I prefer QuickDams to sandbags. They're light, easy to store, and when you need them, you just take them out of the bag and roll them out where you need them, no tedious filling of bags and hauling them someplace.
nakedonmygoat@reddit
Find reputable sources for hurricane news and check daily during hurricane season. Don't rely on your evening network news, which often over-hypes things.
Get a weather radio.
If you're in a house, know your flood risk and have flood insurance. Consider buying some Quick-Dams. They're like sandbags, but lighter, easier to store, and you can deploy them at a moment's notice. Consider getting a generator. Work with an electrician to know the size you'll need and if your fuse box is up to the task.
If you're in an apartment, consider getting a power station or two. These aren't like the power bank you use for your phone. These are big heavy things, that can power fans and other things you will want while the power is out. Ecoflow, Anker, Bluetti and Jackery are the big names to look for.
Don't evacuate unless you've been told to or if someone in your household has a medical condition. Over 100 people died in the Hurricane Rita evacuation in 2005, and 2/3 of the evacuees weren't in any danger. If you feel your home isn't safe, consider if you have other options without having to brave the gridlock. I've bunked in an office before.
You'll need food, water, and light. Glow sticks are a safe option. Don't make a bad situation worse by starting a fire. Have an LED rechargeable lantern or two, or even just a battery powered one and extra batteries. You can also buy battery-powered fans.
You'll want some way to cook, such as a grill or a camp stove. If you're without power for a week or more, you'll get sick of peanut butter and crackers fast. Prep early and rotate your foods out over the course of the year.
Have stored water and some kind of camping-grade water purifier in case you're under a boil water notice. Boiled water in 85-95 degree temps isn't going to cool down quickly.
Oh, and prep for morale. This means different things to different people, but it can include cards, books, movies to watch on a laptop, sweet treats, etc.
Go to r/preppers for more. Read the New Preppers Resource Guide before diving in with questions. Most preppers there aren't survivalists, they're just looking for ways to get through natural disasters, like you are. Prepping can be as basic or as detailed as you want, and we've got all your niche ideas on r/preppers!
int3gr4te@reddit
My dad was living in a suburb of Wilmington in 2018, and when Florence was on its way (they had days of advance warning), he closed up everything on the house as thoroughly as possible and went to visit a friend in Charlotte for the week. He sent me pictures from one of his neighbors' security cameras that caught a small tornado in the stormwall passing through their backyards, and I saw photos of the gas station up the road with its roof nearly torn off, which is pretty wild! But as I recall, the only damage my dad's place had was a screen door that got a branch through it. He was glad he was out of town though, because the road from town to his neighborhood was flooded for a few days so he wouldn't have been able to get gas or food or anything if he'd stayed.
I happened to have a (pre-planned) visit to his place a month or so after the hurricane, and there were enormous piles of downed branches lining the roads. It felt like driving in a canyon made of trees. Kind of surreal.
LastOfTheAsparagus@reddit
Google your local/county/state emergency management and public health preparedness planners. They are likely to have tons of information for you to start getting you and your family ready
BoSKnight87@reddit
I have family there who don’t even think much of it unless it’s a larger, more intense hurricane. They just stock up on water and food just incase, and always keep a back up generator and candles. They are crazy tho they never leave their house even when warned lol
nakedonmygoat@reddit
Candles should be a last resort. Why add fire risk to an already tricky situation?
I like camping grade glow sticks. The white ones are brightest. They have the added advantage that you can hang them up and disperse the light. And if a pet knocks one over, oh well. No harm done.
Express-Stop7830@reddit
Strongly recommend they avoid candles. Far too many fired during and after impact. Solar rechargeable lanterns are an excellent alternative, or those battery candles that you can also use for Halloween or Christmas decor.
Theycallmesupa@reddit
We leave if we have to, and hope for the best when we come back.
JosephBlowsephThe3rd@reddit
Being in Wilmington, check with neighbors about your specific area's flood risk. Check with local municipal offices for further info, sign up for all alerts. I live further into the piedmont area of the state where we're generally shielded from the worst weather by the coastal regions and the mountains (though Asheville and western NC got f'n wrecked by Hurricane Helene a couple years ago, so there are no guarantees in NC). Being right on the coast, you need to fully educate yourself because you are most at risk in the state.
Genius-Imbecile@reddit
Good news is you usually have plenty of warning for hurricanes. Instead of the short notice for tornados. Have plenty of supplies stocked up for the smaller storms. This includes canned foods, water, gas for your cars and generator if you have one. Have a battery operated radio with plenty of batteries.
Depending on where you are in relation to storm surges and proximity to the coast or water ways. You might be able to ride out smaller category 1 or even 2. For cat 3 or higher you likely want to evacuate with your family.
Listen to local officials. If they issue a mandatory evacuation. Then load up and enjoy a long traffic jam as you leave.
Source: grew up in New Orleans and was one of the dummies that stayed for Katrina. Don't be dumb.
ComprehensiveEar6001@reddit
solar chargers for portable batteries that charge things like phones and headphones are pretty great to have as backup too. Super cheap and I've used them in power outages.
RevenueOriginal9777@reddit
Coastal VA here. We don’t usually get a direct hit but rain and wind. 2003 Isabel was a hard one. Power out in some cases for weeks. Just make sure you fill up your gas tank have bottle water your medicine and food that doesn’t need refrigeration. You usual have lots of warning but sometimes they get it wrong. Michael in 2018 was the case for us. “Just some rain showers.” We got 10 inches, my nephew lost his house to flooding
TipsyBaker_@reddit
There's plenty of supply lists online from the various agencies, I'd recommend starting there.
I also added a charcoal grill and supplies. a solar charger not just a charger bank. Baby wipes. Cash. Gas. Life jacket. Ax. Emergency whistle. And more, most of it goes in a waterproof tote for the season.
Pay attention to NOAA, and national weather service. Take evac orders seriously. And still keep an eye out for the tornadoes
outloud230@reddit
Stock up on shelf-stable foods, like a weeks worth of food. A generator to run your fridge and maybe a charger. A portable power bank for everyone who needs. A ton of candles and flashlights. Water. Include water for pets. Plywood to cover a broken window. Extra towels or absorbent pads to block water coming in under a door.
You can find hurricane prep lists online. If you camp, think of what you’d need for an extended camping trip. A grill or camp stove, foods, etc.
When a hurricane is coming you secure outside items: just bring them in, or store in a shed, or flip upside down or sideways to prevent the wind from catching underneath (trampolines going flying!) and stock up on last minute things. Flooding and power outages are the big two issues, just prep for that.
And if you’re on well water, get a generator to keep the pump going so you don’t lose your water, and fill up a bathtub for extra water. Drinking water can last forever in a sealed bottle, so just stock up: 3 gallons per living creature per day.
And prep for an evacuation: have money for a hotel that will fit you and pets, even a campsite works, or a friend you can stay with. Evacuate when called to, but stay if not to avoid causing more traffic.
WarProper3733@reddit
While it can happen the widespread damage of Florence in the Wilmington area is not the norm. If you're buying a house pay close attention to the flood zones if you're renting an apartment also pay attention to the flood zone and if you are really concerned get a second floor only unit.
Grand_Raccoon0923@reddit
If it is a big enough storm, you hunker down. If they say to evacuate, leave.
annizoli@reddit
Wilmington specifically has had several bad hurricanes in the past 10ish years, so I would ignore the people not from NC in this thread saying "just buy some beer lol."
Make sure you have an evacuation plan. Know where you're going, with who, in what vehicle, how to corral pets etc into crates with all of their food/waste needs, etc.
You'll have plenty of time to be aware a hurricane is coming. Like, several days notice if you regularly watch the news, possibly a few weeks notice if you're diligent and it's moving in a predictable manner.
If you plan to stay in place, a gallon of water per adult per day is plenty. Think about what food doesn't need power to cook and eat, or get a backup generator or camping stove. Alcohol is bot strictly necessary but it does while the time away, lol.
If you wait until the day before the hurricane hits to make your preparations, the grocery stores will not have water or bread left. Prepare in advance.
More likely than not, you won't need your preparations every year, and even if you do get hit it probably won't be too bad! But Florence is still strong in people's memories, and with climate change + reduced federal funding for weather balloons, common thought is to be prepared for anything at this point in time.
SteampunkRobin@reddit
Stock up on bottles of water and dry food goods. Do not stock up on refrigerated items like milk and eggs, they’re a waste of money if your power goes out long enough.
If you have a gas stove have matches on hand to light it if necessary. Learn how to do this beforehand if you don’t know how. Bear in mind if a really bad storm/flooding comes they will shut off the gas.
Make sure you have scissors to open plastic contained items like batteries, and a manual can opener (not electric).
Make sure your phone is fully charged and it may be useful to have an extra battery pack or solar charger for it.
Make sure your car is gassed up and tires are ok in case of evacuation. Carry an extra thing or two of oil in your car. Also battery cables, portable tire pump, and a spare tire (newer cars do not automatically come with them).
If needed, have preparations to store/carry medications in an ice chest with ice. This includes for pets.
Don’t forget to bring your pet’s food if you evacuate.
Candles and matches are ok, but fires have been caused before. Battery powered lanterns are better for safety’s sake.
If you’re in an area where strong enough winds will blow things about, cover windows with sheets of plywood. There should be handymen you can call who can help out with this if you can’t do it yourself. You will need these already precut to fit your windows, and stored and ready to go if needed. Don’t try to wait the day before to go get some because they sell out fast. Depending on where you live this may not be needed.
anonymouse278@reddit
Follow general disaster preparedness (keep a few days of bottled water and shelf-stable food, lights, batteries, weather radio around), have your essential documents ready to grab, consider any special issues for your family (do you have pets, small children, elderly people, important medical equipment?) and most of all pay attention to official evacuation information. Know where you will evacuate to (if you don't have family or friends inland you can easily get to, your local emergency management will have information on local shelters) and when you will leave. If you get the order to go, go.
I've done post-storm disaster recovery and the real horror stories come from people who were told to evacuate and didn't.
All of that said, the odds that you will need to evacuate in any given hurricane season are very low, and the odds that damage to your specific location in any given storm will be catastrophic are also low. Be prepared and take it seriously, but don't stress about it. Like any natural disaster, all you can do is be prepared and hope your preparations are never needed.
WhatABeautifulMess@reddit
Prepare Before Hurricane Season
https://www.noaa.gov/prepare-before-hurricane-season
What to Do Before the Tropical Storm or Hurricane
https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane-plan
Hurricane Preparedness
www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep
Printable PDF
https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/fema_how-to-prepare-for-hurricane.pdf
Klutzy-Comment6897@reddit
You just do what needs to be done. Stock up on shotgun shells and canned ravioli and look out for yours.
Outrageous-Pin-4664@reddit
Get a generator so you can have electricity when the power goes out. You will particularly want to be able to power your fridge/freezer, so you don't lose any food. Go ahead and do this now, because the cost of generators will skyrocket during hurricane season.
Stock up on gasoline to run your generator.
At the beginning of hurricane season, make sure you have drinking water to last several days. Do not wait until you hear that a hurricane is coming to do this. Do it before the season begins, because water will fly off the shelves when a hurricane is headed your way.
You should probably keep enough food in the house to last a week or so.
Buy an extra package of TP, and keep it in the house. For some reason, people wait until there's a hurricane coming to buy that.
Put a loaf or two of bread in the freezer for the same reason.
Be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Logistically prepared, but also mentally prepared.
Interesting-Run-6866@reddit
You said it yourself, the last major hurricane that affected where you are moving was in 2018. Hurricanes are not like tornadoes that come about quickly and are unpredictable; they are tracked and there is a usually good understanding of which direction they are going to move and if it's going to be really bad, there is usually a few days' notice to prepare.
Interesting-Run-6866@reddit
You said it yourself, the last major hurricane that affected where you are moving was in 2018. Hurricanes are not like tornadoes that come about quickly and are unpredictable; they are tracked and there is a usually good understanding of which direction they are going to move and if it's going to be really bad, there is usually a few days' notice to prepare.
CtForrestEye@reddit
Fill old seltzer bottles with tap water and leave them in the basement or garage. Put a generator and extension cords in the shed. Always keep batteries, candles, flashlights, some pantry items on hand.
hainesphillipsdres@reddit
Know if you are at risk of flood zone/your neighborhood is at risk of being cut off. If cat 1-2 and not in flood zone just be prepared to be without power for a few days. Cat 3 depends on where it’s landing compared to where you live. I’d say be prepared to have no power for a week. Cat4+5 have an evac plan. You don’t mess around with those guys, that’s where you don’t have running water, power and a roof for weeks.
distrucktocon@reddit
Grew up on the gulf coast… basically, just keep some supplies around. A week’s worth of shelf stable food and water is kinda the norm. If you’re in a spot that can be easily cut off or you’re pretty remote already, bump that up to two weeks of supplies. Here’s my list:
Drinking water (2-3 bottles per day)
Cooking water/ bulk potable water (gallon/day)
canned veg
canned meat
canned soups
bulk dry goods (beans, rice, lentils, etc)
generator big enough to run all your freezers
gasoline (enough to run your generator for 1 week)
propane lamps and propane bottles to run them.
bulk propane for cooking
camp stove for cooking outside (inside heats up the house)
-flash lights
batteries of all types
cell phone chargers
chainsaw with gas and bar oil
rain gear for working in the wet conditions
lots of bug spray
TraditionalFig4205@reddit
Every single year the news acts like this season will be the worst one and we all need to worry. It never fails. I don't worry about them unless they are higher than a 3 and I am in the cone of uncertainty and the spaghetti models have it going right towards me and even then it can shift last minute. I've always been told being on the east side is worst but I have no data to back that up. It's just what I heard growing up on the gulf coast. I make sure we have snacks, water and gas for the generator because for me the worst part of a hurricane is being without power for days/weeks at a time when its hot outside.
madogvelkor@reddit
I lived in Florida for years and my parents still do. Basically get some ice chests, some bottled water, some battery packs for your phone. Some non-perishable food too, and a propane camp stove or a grill.
It's mainly the possibility of extended power outages you want to be prepared for, and possibly no water if pump stations lose power. Fill up a bath tub right before so you can use water from there to flush your toilets.
Before the wind picks up secure any loose items outside. Bring in any furniture or things like that if you can. Park your cars in the garage or find a parking structure nearby.
If you are worried about debris hitting your windows you can put plywood over them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfMh10Tzpyg&t=5
AbiWil1996@reddit
Emergency kits- stock up on batteries, led lights, wireless chargers, foods and gallons of water. We always know what’s coming, a hurricane doesn’t just make land overnight. Prepare for the worst, though. Hurricane Helene wasn’t expected to hit my area of SC as bad as it did, but thankfully we prepared because we still had days without power even though NC had a lot worse.
Dio_Yuji@reddit
Stock up on candles, batteries, portable chargers, canned foods, charcoal, and booze.
bearcatdragon@reddit
Usually if you live in a hurricane-prone area the local news and/or government will have some kind of published hurricane preparedness plan. The plans will give you checklists of supplies, give advice about local shelters, and show evacuation routes in case they become needed. Usually the local government and media will start pushing hurricane messaging in May. Always find a trusted, local weather/news channel that doesn't over-hype, as the doom and gloom forecasters just cause panic.
Where I have lived the issue is wind and not flooding (except Harvey, that was an anomaly for my area), so we usually prepare to be out of power for at least a few days. We stock up on water, non-perishables, propane, and batteries. Living in an area that floods brings different preparations and the possible need to evacuate. Have a plan if you need to evacuate - know where you intend to go instead of just driving aimlessly. Make sure your car's gas tank full if a storm starts to brew because you don't want to be in the long lines when everyone realizes they need to tank up.
You don't need to live in fear, just be aware.
Dunnoaboutu@reddit
Hurricanes don’t come out of the blue. There’s warnings. Sometimes hurricanes shift and the people who get it the worst wasn’t in the predictions, but you were still in the cone. Listen to locals who have been there for a long time. They will usually have a sense of what to expect in a bad storm and what areas to avoid. Know your flood zones. Make sure you have emergency supplies enough to last you several days to a week.
Number one thing I didn’t know before Helene - make sure you have cash on hand in small bills. Internet was out for a week. Only cash transactions were being done.
Also - battery operated radio was huge. We were isolated, so it was hard to know what was going on outside of our 4 houses.
Preparedness goes a long way.
BlowFish-w-o-Hootie@reddit
Now, go out and buy all if the "hurricane preparedness" items that are recommended, including extra batteries, plywood sheets, plastic sheeting and tarps, bottled water, generator, flashlights, etc. Buy flood insurance.
Keep a HurEvac kit in your car or ready to go at a moment's notice.
During Hurricane Season, pay attention to weather reports for developing hurricanes out in the Caribbean or Atlantic. Most of the time, You will have several days of warning.
Develop a HurEvac plan for options of how you will prepare your home and where you will go.
When a hurricane path appears to come near to you, execute your HurEvac plan and be ready to leave before the actual HurEvac order goes out.
Being prepared and having a plan will provide you with confidence to be able to handle a hurricane when it comes near to you.
GotchUrarse@reddit
If Jim Cantore isn't in you're city, you'll probably be fine. I've sat thru maybe 20.... Have bottled water and non-perishable food.
Reader124-Logan@reddit
You prepare best you can in your circumstances and economic bracket. Try to keep some cash on hand. Then you just keep an eye on the news.
And always keep your gas tank topped off. Even if your area doesn’t evacuate, the ones that do can travel through and wipe out the local supply.
My parents were able to get repair work done faster with cash. The local banks had put a cap on cash withdrawals in the first couple of weeks after the storm. Widespread power outages and damaged cell towers kept a lot of businesses on cash only.
Radar1980@reddit
South Florida. I’ve checked flood maps to make sure I’m not in a potentially hazardous area. I have a large Rubbermaid container with supplies- a week of non perishable foods, glow sticks, solar charger, candles and matches, a couple of those disposable hibachi tray things for outdoor cooking, WAG bags and wipes, flashlights, batteries, medical supplies, lists of medications and important contacts, copies of important documents, some cash. Some of that stuff is in a go bag with a hygiene kit and extra clothes, so if I need to just take that to a safer area I can do so easily. Separate water storage. I don’t have a generator but there’s many who do.
ramblingMess@reddit
Hurricanes aren’t as spontaneous as tornadoes might be. If one might be coming your way, you have at least a few days to examine your options and prepare. A lot of people will buy non-perishable supplies at the beginning of the season just in case.
And besides, the vast majority of places aren’t in much existential risk if it’s a relatively weak hurricane, say category 3 or below, which most are. The biggest threat is if a tree falls on your house or if you’re one of those numbnuts who drive their car into floodwaters and gets swept away.
PinchedTazerZ0@reddit
I grew up in tornado alley and the first year I lived in florida we got hit by a high class 4 (150mph) that fucked up the house I was in lol
I also spent a lot of time in remote northern woods so I basically just do blizzard prep for supplies
Bring everything in, stick a bunch of water bottles or containers in the freezers, fill pots with water, have devices charged with backup power and have plenty of non perishable food available. Med kits, and lighting as well -- all of this at minimum
I now have a generator, hurricane shutters + hurricane glass, starlink (I use it elsewhere but handy when communication goes down), ways to cook without power etc
TheRateBeerian@reddit
Been in central florida for 19 years and the worst I've experienced in all that time was maybe 3 days without electricity and a lot of downed limbs to clean up.
SkiingAway@reddit
You've at least got days of warning with a hurricane.
Other than the most extreme events, a well-built home shouldn't be getting erased directly by a hurricane itself (if you are subject to floods, storm surge, or have large trees ready to fall on your house, those might do it), and usually the most dangerous winds are from a "big one" are hitting a much smaller area than the overall hurricane is hitting.
You should very much find out: Are you in a flood zone + have your neighbors flooded in past storms? If the house was built recently enough to actually have had to meet code for hurricane resistance - what are those standards in your area?
Assuming you're not somewhere that will flood, and that the hurricane isn't "Cat 4/5 eyewall directly into your part of Wilmington and you've been told to evacuate or die", you're typically just looking at generic disaster recovery - lack of power, utilities, and not easily getting around for days. Food, water, generator + fuel, etc. If you own things like a chainsaw or other useful equipment good to make sure they're ready to go for if you need to clear stuff after or want to help out others. (but stay away from downed wires).
brizia@reddit
You make sure you have basic provisions like batteries, water, and first aid kits, but honestly you just live your life until the weather forecasts tell you otherwise.
United_Gift3028@reddit
Trust me, unlike tornadoes, you'll get weeks worth of warnings, just keep in touch with a good news source. Also, look for something higher to park your vehicles, like a local parking garage.
MortimerDongle@reddit
The odds that your specific house is impacted by a hurricane any given year are pretty low.
I went through a few hurricanes when I lived in Florida, and none of them were that bad for people outside of flood zones. Make sure you have some nonperishable food and water and are generally prepared for a few days without power.