Hurricane Helene is approaching the Big Bend region of Florida and was expected to make landfall around midnight last night. As a Category 3 storm, Helene is anticipated to have a significant impact. Here are some key points to consider:

The leading right quadrant of a hurricane is the most dangerous. If you are in this area, be prepared for high winds and storm surges, which could exceed 20 feet. Storm surges often cause the most damage due to severe flooding and the destruction of buildings. 

Helene is following an unusual path, which is expected to amplify its impact. After making landfall, it will move through Georgia and into the Appalachian region, where it will linger, causing additional rain and flooding in these areas.

Tips to Prepare for Hurricane Helene

1. Seal important documents in a zip-lock bag. You may want to include such things as your home owner’s insurance, passport, will, cash, deeds, etc.

2. Put valuables in your dishwasher and lock it to keep things safe in the event of flooding. Ideally put in waterproof containers first. 

2. Secure your photos and albums in double plastic bags and use duct tape to seal.

3. Put some clothes in plastic sturdy garbage bags or totes.

4. Fill zip-lock bags 3/4 full with water and put them in the freezer to full up the space. This will help the freezer stay cold.

5. Large trash bags can be used for ponchos.

6. Turn a can of cooking oil into a candle if necessary. Just place a string or piece of cotton into the middle of the can and light it. Lard can also be used.

7. Put a cup of water in your freezer. When it’s frozen solid, put a coin on top of it e.g. a quarter. When power is restores, if the quarter has fallen to the bottom of the cup, that means all the food defrosted and you should throw it out. If the quarter is either on the top or even if it is in the middle of the cup, your food may be okay. When in doubt, throw it out! Safety is the primary concern.

8. Your washing machine can be used as a cooler.  Just fill it with a lot of ice and put whatever you need chilled into the washing machine. The washing machine is designed to drain water. So when the ice melts it will drain.

Some Hurricane Tips You May Not Have Heard Before

1. When your power comes back on, flip your porch light on. This allows linemen to know that your power has been restored without having to stop and check each and every meter. It will save them time.

2. Rinse out an empty milk jug. Flip a flashlight so the light is going up and put the milk jug over it to spread the light out. You can also do the same thing using your phone flashlight. Just put the phone under the milk jug to diffuse the light.

3, Write your pet’s name and phone number with a permanent marker on their belly. In the unfortunate event that you get separated or get lost during the storm, this could be important to reunite you. Collars can fall off and chips can’t be searched without the internet.