Are you ready for a big blow ?
Hurricane season is here. When I first started the idea of getting the farm and eventually building on it, my plans were temporarily interrupted by Hurricane Isabel. Isabel hit land with sustained winds of 105 mph. At it’s strongest, it was measured at 165 mpg with an instantaneous peak of 233 mph (measured from a dropsonde).
Given this data and the fact my prospective farm was well elevated and 3.5 miles inland, I decided I would use Isabel as my “bell weather” (sorry for the pun). My plan was to design and build to something greater than Isabel’s wind.
| Saffir-Simpson Category |
Maximum sustained wind speed | ||
| mph | m/s | kts | |
| 1 | 74-95 | 33-42 | 64-82 |
| 2 | 96-110 | 43-49 | 83-95 |
| 3 | 111-130 | 50-58 | 96-113 |
| 4 | 131-155 | 59-69 | 114-135 |
| 5 | 156+ | 70+ | 136+ |
Now that the building has been engineered, I can say that it is rated to 115 mpg wind load. Of course, this is no guarantee. Thus far, this year has spawned tornadoes rather than hurricanes. And in either case, the building is not designed to withstand an airborne tree or other projectile. For those contingencies, there are insurance policies. “Money” rather than “Engineering” in nature.
Here’s a good list for everyone (even those not expecting a hurricane to visit) …
- Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
- Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
- non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
- foods for infants or the elderly
- snack foods
- non-electric can opener,cooking tools / fuel
- paper plates / plastic utensils
- Blankets / Pillows, etc.
- Clothing - seasonal / rain gear / sturdy shoes
- First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
- Special Items - for babies and the elderly
- Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
- Flashlight / Batteries
- Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
- Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
- Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
- Keys
- Toys, Books and Games
- Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag -insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
- Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
- Vehicle fuel tanks filled
- Pet care items
- proper identification / immunization records / medications
- ample supply of food and water
- a carrier or cage
- leash
June 22nd, 2008 at 18:54
After working Search and Rescue after Katrina, I would also suggest adding the following items to your pet emergency arsenal:
*Microchip
*GPS collar (very spendy but very effective)
*Red Cross course in Pet First Aid with CPR
*Pet centric first aid kit including vet wrap, a small stash of cephalaxin (a broad spectrum antibiotic)and metronidazole (an antibiotic also effective against parasites like giardia and other nasties in flood waters)
*Harness (even the most well trained pet could panic and slip its collar. A harness affords extra security and extra grab holds. And rivet a tag with your phone number onto the harness.
*The name and number of a neighbor or professional pet sitter who could come to the aid of your pet if you cannot get home because of downed trees or flooded roads
*Current photos of your pet (Preferably on your pda or phone. We recommend you have a PDF of a lost pet notice with your contact info on your phone or computer also)
June 22nd, 2008 at 20:48
@Dawson - great list. Let me start with saying “thanks” for your work following Katrina.
With the exception of the GPS collar and a photo of my pets on my phone, I have the other items. I was given a pet specific first aid kit when I got my first dog. I now update it every year.
I’ll look into a permanent tag on the harness as well as on the collars.
Zen says “HI” !