Be Ready, Be Set and Hope for No Go ~ Hurricane Season 2014

I'm re-posting my regular, slightly edited start of H season post. If we've paid even a small bit of attention, we've seen Nature take some very nasty swipes this year, even this past month, across the mainland and the rest of the world, making it more obvious than ever that we must hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Already active, this is predicted to be a year with a normal potential for storms. Of course, normal is a relative term. If a big one hits you, that is your own personal statistic.

BE READY, it's your job.

I take Hurricane Season really seriously (because my life and worldly goods depend upon it). To a point. I'm prepared food, water, propane etc. wise. I keep an eye on the weather. And then, I relax and enjoy my life. There is only so much one can do, and if it's done, worrying about what might happen really doesn't do any good. Really.

I know some people think that's not true (I mean, I keep a foil package of Spam in my fridge. It's my anti-hurricane insurance policy, as the Universe would not be so cruel as to make me eat it from need - that's how logical it is to worry about something you can do nothing about. No, I'm not superstitious. But you won't hear the H word from me after today, unless one happens that is...). Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.

Some of my favorite tropical weather sites -

Stormcarib - a year round page of island weather reports from various Caribbean islands, as well as a pro met synopsis, connections to the National Weather Service, plus tons of weather information concerning the Caribbean. This is probably my favorite go to page. 

Wunderground Tropical - a great page for visuals, models, NWS updates etc.

Suzanne from Finca del Seto - Suzanne will email you a daily weather update (plus some occasional neat bits she finds) if you email herat this address and ask to be added to her list. She also sells awesome coffee from the finca!

Storm 2K Talkin' Tropics - this is a forum style page, and sometimes you have to wade in a bit to get relevant information, but usually not. When the weather goes active, they have an active weather page that is full of good info supplied from professional meteorologists as well as some pretty bright amateurs. If you are a weather freak geek nerd  If you have a strong interest in the weather, you should check out S2K.

NWS San Juan discussion page - daily (more if necessary) reports from the NWS for the local area (you can get these emailed daily, starting June 1 through November 30) What's expected this year, storm wise? Check out the the long version of the above (see graphic) yearly predicted forecast here. Or here, for variety on a theme. 

What you can do in pro-active preparations (and what you should do, the better prepared you are the better you can help yourself and your neighbors should the need arise) to be as best prepared as possible for a storm. It doesn't have to be a Hugo to leave us powerless and waterless.

Paths of hurricanes through our area over the years

Here is the short version of the above prep list. You can copy, paste and print this if you want to have your own check list. But it comes from the above link.

Disaster Supply Kit (ed. note - I'd bump the 3 -7 days estimate up to a couple of weeks if at all possible. You shouldn't have to buy all at once - you should buy a little all year and then come today, be ready. 
Also - it's mentioned below but - don't forget to add board games, cards, crayons & paper, books etc to your readiness kit. Fun is good and if the power goes out for a long stretch, fun is necessary!)

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 (have small bills, no one is going to have change for 100's and 50's for long) 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
— muzzle and leash

 

There is so much information out there, this is just a yearly reminder to not wait until the last minute. If the shelves are empty and the gasoline and propane are gone, you don't want to be 'that guy'. 

Have a meteorologically minded Monday. Do something mulitpurposely.