Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton

by | Oct 9, 2024 | Hurricane News, Blog, Hurricane Preparation

Hurricane Milton which is likely to hit Florida tonight, Oct 9, 2024, and is shaping up to be the worst hurricane in at least 100 years.  Milton is a category 5 hurricane, which is the highest category hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Wind speeds have already hit a sustained speed of 160 mph according to advisories from the National Hurricane Center.

Millions of people have been told to evacuate from the impacted regions. Milton is expected to make landfall in the Tampa Bay area and experts are warning that waves could surge to 15 feet. There are nearly 6 million people in Florida across 11 counties in coastal and low-lying areas that are under MANDATORY or voluntary evacuation orders. An important point, expounded by Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, is that debris left over from Hurricane Helene two weeks ago could be picked up by Milton and used as a ‘weapon’. Even cars can be lifted by such powerful winds!

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Live Video Feed of Hurricane Miltion

Hurricane Preparation: In the case of Milton, affected residents are being urged to LEAVE the expected affected areas.  Refer also to our previous post “8 Important Things To Do To Prepare for a Hurricane” and our post “Prepare for Hurricane Helene” which offers some tips that you may not have heard before.

Again, Milton may turn out to be the storm of a century. Previous powerful and destructive hurricanes include:

  1. Hurricane Katrina (2005): Katrina was a Category 5 hurricane at its peak but made landfall as a Category 3. It caused catastrophic flooding in New Orleans and is one of the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history. Milton’s wind speeds are comparable to Katrina’s peak intensity.

  2. Hurricane Andrew (1992): Andrew was a Category 5 hurricane that caused massive destruction in South Florida. Like Milton, Andrew had sustained winds of around 150 mph, leading to extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.

  3. Hurricane Irma (2017): Irma was a long-lived Category 5 hurricane that caused widespread damage across the Caribbean and Florida. Milton’s potential for storm surge and wind damage is similar to Irma’s impact on the Florida Keys and mainland.

  4. Hurricane Michael (2018): Michael made landfall in the Florida Panhandle as a Category 5 hurricane, causing severe wind and storm surge damage. Milton’s expected impact on Florida’s Gulf Coast could be similar in terms of intensity and destruction.

  5. Hurricane Dorian (2019): Dorian was a Category 5 hurricane that devastated the Bahamas with sustained winds of 185 mph. While Milton’s winds are slightly lower, the potential for catastrophic damage remains high.

All hurricanes have unique characteristics but Category 5 hurricanes like Milton are known for their extreme wind speeds, storm surges and potential for widespread devastation. It is CRUCIAL for residents in the path of this storm to heed evacuation orders and take all the necessary precautions. Do not wait until it is too late.

Prepare for Hurricane Helene

Prepare for Hurricane Helene

by | Sep 27, 2024 | Hurricane Preparation, Hurricane News

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.

 

Milk Jug

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.

8 Important Things To Do To Prepare for a Hurricane

8 Important Things To Do To Prepare for a Hurricane

by | Sep 24, 2024 | Hurricane Preparation

In this article, we will pass on to you the 8 things to do to prepare for a hurricane.  As you are undoubtedly aware, hurricanes are powerful and unpredictable natural events that can cause significant damage and disruption. And in the United States, there are several regions that are particularly prone to hurricanes, primarily along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Some of the most hurricane-prone areas include:

The Gulf Coast States:

Florida:

Florida experiences the highest number of hurricanes, with over 120 hurricanes making landfall since 1851.1.

Texas:

The Gulf Coast of Texas is frequently hit by hurricanes, especially in the Houston and Galveston areas2.

Louisiana:

Known for severe hurricanes like Katrina, Louisiana’s coastline is highly vulnerable.2.

Atlantic Coast States:

North Carolina

In North Carolina, the Outer Banks and Cape Hatteras areas are often in the path of hurricanes.3.

South Carolina

Coastal areas of South Carolina, including Charleston, are frequently affected2..

Georgia

Georgia: Although less frequently hit than its neighbors, Georgia’s coast is still at risk2.

Mid-Atlantic States:

Virginia

Virginia: Coastal regions, including the Hampton Roads area, are susceptible to hurricanes2.

Maryland

In Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay area is particularly prone to hurricane activity. 2.

8 Things To Do To Prepare for a Hurricane:

Preparing in advance can make a huge difference in ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones. Here are 8 essential things to do to prepare for a hurricane:

1. Create an Emergency Plan

• Family Communication Plan: Ensure every family member knows how to get in touch with each other. Decide on a meeting place and have a list of emergency contacts.1
• Evacuation Routes: Identify multiple evacuation routes and know where you will go if you need to leave your home2.

2. Build an Emergency Kit

• Supplies: Gather enough non-perishable food, water, and other supplies to last at least 72 hours. Include items like flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and medications3.
• Important Documents: Keep copies of important documents such as identification, insurance policies, and medical records in a waterproof container.1

3. Prepare Your Home

• Secure Windows and Doors: Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood. Reinforce doors and secure any loose items in your yard that could become projectiles.2 Of course, this is where Plyfastner’s patented Advanced Hurricane Protection comes into play. The PlyFASTner Plus patent-pending 2-part hardware system plus plywood will quickly provide protection for any window or door opening from wind-borne debris, using a few simple components. You can order online from our Plyfastner website via our shop page.
• Check Your Roof: Ensure your roof is in good condition and secure any loose shingles or tiles.3.

4. Stay Informed

• Weather Alerts: Monitor local news and weather reports. Understand the difference between a hurricane watch (conditions possible) and a hurricane warning (conditions expected),1..
• Emergency Notifications: Sign up for emergency alerts in your area to receive timely updates2.

5. Plan for Pets

• Pet-Friendly Shelters: Identify shelters or hotels that accept pets. Have a plan for your pets’ safety and ensure you have enough food, water, and supplies for them1.

6. Review Insurance Policies

• Coverage Check: Review your insurance policies to ensure you have adequate coverage for your home and belongings. Consider flood insurance if you live in a flood-prone area2.

7. Know Your Zone

• Evacuation Zones: Determine if you live in an evacuation zone and understand the risks associated with your area, such as storm surge and flooding.2.

8. Prepare for Power Outages

• Backup Power: Have a generator or alternative power source ready. Ensure you have enough fuel and know how to use it safely.3.
• Battery-Powered Devices: Keep flashlights, radios, and other battery-powered devices handy, along with extra batteries.1.

 

Important Things To Do To Prepare For A Hurricane eg power outage

By completing these 8 important steps to prepare for a hurricane, you can significantly help to ensure the safety and well-being of your family. Remember, the key to hurricane preparedness is planning ahead and staying informed.
Stay safe!

1: CDC – Preparing for Hurricanes 2: Weather.gov – Hurricane Safety 3: FEMA – How to Prepare for Hurricane Season

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