Stay safe through Francine
Faubourg Delachaise Neighborhood Association
Hi, Neighbor,
Below are some tips for hurricane preparation, adapted from a list provided compliments of our friend Julie Graybill of the Faubourg Marengo N. A.
Best wishes, and hope to see you at our next meeting, one week from tonight! ~Adam
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Next FDNA meeting Tuesday, Sept. 17th, 6-8 p.m. @ WRBH, 3606 Magazine St.
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Some good ideas, even if you don't have time to do them all:
1. Charge any device that provides light: laptops, tablets, cameras, video cameras, and old cell phones. Old phones can still be used for dialing 911.
2. Charge external battery back-ups.
3. Fill every tub and sink with water. Fill washing machine and leave lid up to store water.
4. Fill old empty water bottles and other containers with water and keep near sinks for washing hands.
5. Fill containers with water and store in freezer to keep food cold longer and serve as a back-up water supply.
6. Reserve fridge space for storing tap water and keep sealed water bottles on the counter.
7. Remember you'll need clean water for brushing your teeth, washing yourself, and cleaning your hands.
8. Cook any meats and other perishable foods in advance and freeze cooked food. Hard-boil eggs for snacks for first day without power.
9. Be well-hydrated before the storm hits and avoid salty foods that make you dehydrated.
10. Wash all dirty clothes and bed sheets. Anything dirty may smell without A/C and you're going to want clean sheets.
11. Toss out any expiring food, clean cat litter boxes, empty all trash cans in the house, including bathrooms. Remove anything that will cause an odor when the A/C is off.
12. Bring in any yard decor, secure anything that will fly around, secure gates, bring in hoses, potted plants, etc. Bring in patio furniture and grills.
13. Clean your environment so you have clear, easy escape routes. Even if that means temporarily moving furniture to one area.
14. Scrub all bathrooms so you are starting with a clean, odor-free environment. Keep water-filled trash cans next to each toilet for flushing.
15. Place everything you own that is important and necessary in a backpack or small file box that is easy to grab. Include your wallet with ID, phone, hand sanitizer, snacks, etc. Get plastic sleeves for important documents.
16. Make sure you have cash on hand.
17. Stock up on pet food and fill up bowls of water for pets.
18. Refill any medications. Most insurance companies allow for 2 emergency refills per year.
19. Fill your propane tanks. You can heat soup cans, boil water, make coffee, and other stuff besides just grilling meat. Get an extra, if possible.
20. Drop your A/C temperature in advance and lower temperatures in your fridges.
21. Gather all candles, flashlights, lighters, matches, batteries, and other items and keep them accessible.
22. Clean all counters in advance. Start with a clean surface. Buy Clorox Wipes for cleaning when there is no power. Mop your floors and vacuum.
23. Pick your emergency safe place such as a closet under the stairs. Store the items you'll need in that location for the brunt of the storm. Make a hand fan for when the power is out.
24. Shower just before the storm is scheduled to hit.
25. Keep baby wipes next to each toilet. (Don't flush them.)
26. Run your dishwasher, don't risk having dirty, smelly dishes.
27. Put a small suitcase in your car in case you decide to evacuate. Also put at least one jug of water in your car. It will still be there if you don't evacuate. Remember to pack for pets as well.
28. Check on all family members, set up emergency back-up plans, and check on elderly neighbors.
29. Remember, pets are family too. Take them with you.
30. Before the storm, unplug all electronics. There will be power surges during and after the storm.
31. Gas up your car and have a spare gas container for your generator or your car when you run out.
If you can, take a video of your house and contents. Walk room to room, open cabinets, drawers and closets. This will help if you need to make a claim later. It will show proof of items and help you list all the items (help your memory, so you don't forget anything).
Finally, for anything that you want to try to preserve, but can't take with you: place it in a plastic bin, put the bin in your dishwasher, and shut the door. This should keep it safe from any water intrusion into your home. But, of course, take all the important or irreplaceable items you can.