Hurricane Irma

[HomeOnTheRange]

plug it in to my dryer outlet with my main breaker off.

Never thought of doing that, cannot think way it would not work well. Thanks for the idea.

 

[TheCuteOrpington]

This is how to prepare for one even though it's over (at least I think)​

1. Start running your ice makers now and bagging the ice in freezer bags. Fill as much space in between your freezer items as you can.
2. Freeze regular tap water for pets, cleaning or drinking in Tupperware-type containers. Remember to leave a small bit of space between the top of the water & the lids so the ice expands but doesn’t crack the container.
3. Start using up your perishables to make more room for ice in the freezer.
4. Fill up (gas) all vehicles & check tires & oil.
5. Cash from ATM, at least enough to get you through tolls and gas out of town. Call your bank if you plan on leaving the state so they don’t freeze your card for out-of-area “suspicious” transactions.
6. All important docs, screenshot & send to your email or mail to family out of state. Take originals in sealed bags or plastic bins.
7. Pet & livestock food & supplies. Vet records in case you need to shelter then at a storm-safe facility.
8. Evacuation plans –share with family members so they know where you’re headed.
9. Consider putting heirlooms & photos in plastic bins in a high place, second floor, or safe room if you don’t plan on taking them with you.
10. Secure all firearms and ammunition properly.
11. Place old rags & beach towels on your windowsills and at bottom of doors. Even with the best windows & shutters, water seeping from the wind pressure happens. A few damp towels is better than soaked drywall or floors.
12. Shutter windows and doors and bring everything outside into your garage or house now. Do not wait until the day before. Better to get done early and relax than wait until it’s too late.
13. If you don’t already have your hurricane supplies, get them now.
14. Charge all digital devices.
15. Place a cup of water in freezer. When frozen, place a coin on top and put in freezer. If power goes out you will know because the coin will float to bottom.
16. Be sure you have all necessary medications for at least a week.
17. Store important documents in an empty dishwasher and close the door. Water will not get in it.
18. If authorities advise evacuating, then evacuate.

Local flood zones and shelters
(Please confirm that shelters are open before you arrive.)

Sarasota County flood zones and shelter map

Manatee County shelter list

Manatee County interactive flood and shelter map

Local resources
The Florida Division on Emergency Management Florida Disaster site

Sarasota County Emergency Management

Sarasota County’s Hurricane Irma page

Sarasota County Special Needs Registry Call 800-374-9689

Sarasota County CodeRED Emergency Notification System

City of North Port’s Hurricane Irma page

Manatee County Emergency Management

Manatee County Special Needs Registry Call 941-745-2397

Hurricane supply list

Price gouging: People who suspect businesses are taking advantage of residents in need of hurricane supplies — food, water, hotel rooms, ice, gasoline, lumber and equipment — can make a report by calling 1-866-966-7226 (866-9-NO-SCAM).

Twitter accounts to follow
National Weather Service Tampa Bay

National Hurricane Center

Sarasota County Emergency Services

Manatee County Public Safety

Hope everyone is ok

 

[greybeard]

Never thought of doing that, cannot think way it would not work well. Thanks for the idea.

Run that idea by your energy provider or local code inspector and I guarantee you they will be more than happy to explain why you should NOT do this.

 

[babsbag]

We have a 5000 KW generator on a manual transfer switch but only for the circuits in our garage for now, so that is the freezers and the well. Must have water. Hot water and stove top are propane. We have a 10k propane generator (maybe even bigger...not sure) waiting for DH to install. As soon as the dairy is done he will work on that, we have the automatic transfer switch already. I want to be able to milk and keep the milk that is bottled and any cheese already made cold. I will probably still have to juggle some circuits but better than being in the dark. We have solar but it is grid tied so it does me no good when it comes to powering the house.