Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
9.
Disaster plan.
Formulateadisasterplan,includingout-of-towncontacts(relatives, family,friends,
etc.) and a central meeting place where your family should gather if separated and local commu-
nications are cut. When a widespread disaster strikes, you will usually be able to reach friends
or family outside of the disaster area long before local communications can be reestablished. See
chapter 2
for full details on preparing your family disaster plan. If you live near a coastal area,
make an evacuation plan with a known destination at least 50 miles inland.
10.
Waterproof LED headlamp.
I highly recommend that you purchase a waterproof backcountry
type headlamp with LED bulbs. Headlamps leave your hands free to carry things, or work on
things. LED bulbs use a fraction of the power, are far more shock resistant, and last far longer
than traditional lightbulbs, so your batteries (don't forget to stock spares) last many times longer.
If you had to, you could even swim across a raging river in total darkness with your dry bag, a
life preserver, and a headlamp.
How to Improve the Hurricane Resistance of Your Home
Here is a list of things you can do to improve the chances that your home will survive a hur-
ricane in decent shape. These items are best attended to well ahead of time, since the materials
to accomplish many of these tasks are usually in short supply shortly after a hurricane warning
is issued, and these tasks require careful attention and focus to be properly executed.
• Protect your windows, if possible. The best protection is offered by roll-down hur-
ricane shutters that are quite popular in the Caribbean, but any storm shutters are bet-
ter than nothing.
• Plywood works too, use ½ inch or thicker exterior grade plywood, such as “CDX.”
Mark each plywood storm window covering with an understandable code so you can
use them again the next time a hurricane approaches. A coating of paint will ensure
that your plywood shutters survive their time in storage to protect you another day.
For a speedy installation, use a cordless drill to drive deck screws. To ensure that
high winds don't suck the plywood right off the screw heads, place wide washers
(fender type) under the heads of each deck screw.
• Ensure that your roof is in good shape, with no loose or missing tiles or shingles. In-
stall special hurricane clips on the edges of metal roofing to reduce the likelihood of
your roof peeling off in high winds. I suggest you enlist a qualified roofing contract-
or for hurricane-readiness roofing inspections and upgrades.
• Caulk all seams on your home's exterior sheeting, and around windows. Winds over
100 mph can drive a lot of water through a tiny crack!
• If your home is more than a few years old, check for proper structural hurricane clips
and ties between the roof rafters and the wall framing. You will probably need a li-
censed contractor or home inspector for this job, and a contractor to do the upgrades.
