We were all fortunate to be spared the wrath of Hurricane Dorian. To show our thanks we have started a drive in the office to collect items for the Bahamas. Please see the flier in this newsletter for details.
During the week preceding Dorian, and the week after, many patients were sharing with me hurricane preparation tips. Even though we are all mentally and physically drained from hearing about the storm, I thought I should share some of the suggestions that came from my patients regarding storm preparation. This list is by no means exhaustive and is only intended to be supplemental to recommendations provided by the government and other entities.
The most important thing to remember is that you can replace everything except for your life. If you are in an evacuation zone, don't risk your life to protect your belongings- evacuate.
Here are some other tips, in no particular order, that were mentioned:
At the beginning of the hurricane season:
1) Every time you go to the supermarket pick up a gallon of water.
2) Start buying nonperishable foods that can be eaten without power. If you buy canned goods make sure you have a manual can opener.
3) If you have a gas generator fill up 1 red container with your regular fill up. (Use that gas at your next fill up and refill the red container so that you have “fresh” gas or use fuel stabilizer).
4) Trim trees
5) Read and understand the limitations of your insurance policy. These policies have special deductibles for wind storm coverage.
Before the storm
1) Freeze large jugs (cat litter jugs, gallon plastic containers) of water to make solid ice packs that won't leak when they melt.
2) Freeze a bottle of water and put a penny on the top. If the penny is not on the bottom of the bottle after the electricity comes back on then it is likely that your food is safe to eat.
3) Make a freezer and fridge inventory to limit the opening up of the freezers and fridges looking for something.
4) Set the fridge and freezer to the coldest settings.
5) Set your air conditioner on the lowest temperature so that if the power goes out, your house will be comfortable for a longer period of time.
7) Backup your important computer files to the cloud and/or to an external hard drive.
8) Videotape or photograph your home, property, and belongings.
9) Create an inventory of your belongings.
10) Put important documents (insurance policies) in ziploc bags and pictures in sealed bins.
11) Test flashlights and make sure you have enough batteries.
12) Make sure you have cash, as vendors might not have the ability to process credit cards.
Until next time,
Dr G
