Hurricane Kits

In my own thinking, I have also thought about the propane grill with the extra little canisters. Mark and I have a radio that is weather band that runs when you rotate the handle and has a flashlight that runs same way. I'm planning on getting a few of those (previously thought rediculus) flashlights that you shake instead of batteries.
Big tarps for covering damaged areas afterwords,
Husband is also in military, we've been saving and friends saving MRE's for us also. Extra supplies of prescription medicine. Have a website picked out for possible contact with family on mainland to let them know your good. A message could be posted by someone through the Coconut telegraph even if no communication on island...
The red cross and HS also have updated info on thier websites with checklists pertaining to your question.

I am also interested in which of these items I should bring from the States, and which I'd be able to purchase on STT late September/early October. The less I have to pack and carry down, the better. Thanks for your help!

pinkcoconut: Everything you need is available here. The only time that stores start to run dry is if we come under a hurricane warning or watch, when all those people who haven't stashed away some basics go haywire and clean out the shelves!

I went through both Hugo and Marilyn on STT. The former (1989) hit STX much harder than STT and the latter (1995) the opposite way around. But both were horrible to deal with and I still get goosebumps when trying to describe Marilyn's swath across STT to someone who's never experienced anything like that. Compared to those two, the little dinks that have slid through inbetween and afterwards have really been a piece of cake.

I can only speak for STT re preparedness but since 1995 we have seen the advent of KMart and Home Depot here which we didn't have back then and thus we now have much more of a choice and selection.

Six months without electricity after Marilyn and it's quite mind-boggling to look back and comprehend how adapatable one becomes.

I could (nay, will!) write a book one of these days. Honestly, I wouldn't clog up your baggage with too much hurricane-preparedness stuff unless you can get it a whole lot cheaper on the mainland (taking into account shipping costs, etc.)

MRE's? AAARGH! When FEMA came in a few days after Marilyn hit STT they were doling out MRE's so we picked up a couple just to see what they were like. AAARGH! Some of the locals were standing in line for the free MRE's and the free double-burner propane stoves and the free flashlights and whatever else was free. Many of them had different family members standing in line so they could double and triple their take. A couple of weeks later, these same people were hawking their freebie handouts on the street to unsuspecting newbies!

When Marilyn hit I unfortunately had an electric stove and range but the BBQ grill with the burner on the side kept us well-fed. Most private residences here use gas stoves served by a propane gas tank. A good idea to wrap it up tight either with rope or a chain so it doesn't "fly" with all those mini-tornadoes zinging through.

But I've said enough! Good night!

STT Resident-

Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for! Now I will have alot less in my suitcases.

Eve- Thank you so much for all your help too. You gave me insight on things I didn't think to get!

Glad I know I don't have to put a propane stove in my luggage, wasn't quite sure how well that would go through security!! LOL!!

Thanks again.

Pink

STT Res: There is an add in the paper this morning for a device that secures your propane tank for hurricanes! Did you design it?? LOL

Hello Pink,

The things you listed; candles, batteries, water, canned foods can be purchased on island. All those things will be available unless of course there was a recent hurricane or hurricane scare.

I looked up a list of what a hurricane kit should include. Much of the items listed are things most people have already, so its a matter of gathering them up or rather knowing where it all is when hurricane season is upon us and getting the extra water & canned food & essentials if necessary. If some of the items are things you don't have then perhaps you might consider picking them up; for example if you found a neat rain jacket or flashlight. The heavy stuff like canned goods and big stuff like plastic tubs you can pick up on island.

Hope this helps.

PS: The non-cordless phone is a good idea for the VI, hurricanes aside. The power goes out from time to time and if you have only a cordless phone then you have no phone until the power comes back on.

--Islander

Here is the list:

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
— muzzle and leash

Islander:

Thank you so much for the detailed summary! There were a few items I hadn't even heard before.

Pink

I had my dad send me down a tent. that i set up in my livingroom under the stars for 7 months. kept the skeeters off me. And a solar shower. Would bucket water out of the cistern, hang it on the deck and had a warm shower when i got home.

Hi everyone,
I thought I would bump this up. I posted earlier today asking for advice on hurricane preparedness. This answered most of my questions.

The solar shower and mosquito defence (net or tent) are quality of life savers. I would not go thru another hurricane season w/out them.

What I've added to mine is Clorox or other brand cleaning wipes & a big jar of the hand sanitizer that doesn't need water. Also tick/flea preventative. I had a dog that got loaded with ticks after the hurricane & got tick fever. My place was really, REALLY well-built after Marilyn with a concrete roof & bolted-in-the floor hurricane shutters but if a tornado spins through, who knows? It wasn't nearly as bad after Hugo here on STT as it was on STX but still not pleasant. I never want to go through another Marilyn again.

A lot of people from the DR came up too & milked the Red Cross for all they could get. I didn't even get in line. After Delly Deck reopened, I ate there once a day since I didn't have power & with no roof or sliding doors, rats invaded. Now we have a big generator in a concrete building so I hope we won't go without power for months again.

I will second the anti tick stuff and the clorox type stuff. I would personally do any thing I could to avoid a hospital visit under emergency conditions.
Further to this thought - be very careful about scratches, cuts etc. Soap and water will clean a cut - avoid hydrogen peroxide as it damages the healthy tissues at the margins of the wound.
In fact, the best first aid kit you can get and a good simple home health book might be a good idea.

Good advice, Jane. I didn't know that about peroxide, though. Thanks! I had a ton of cuts after Marilyn with clearing out all the broken glass. Need to get a tetanus booster too.

Someone last week suggested $1-2K cash (where it wouldn't blow away). She's been here for all the big ones. I guess with gas prices rising that might be realistic. Suggestions from those who know.

Heya Islander and all others,

Thanks so much for the great info. If everyone would get their act together BEFORE any threat, they would be so much better off. Your detailed list is truly appreciated and thank goodness we have most of it ready to roll.

The only other thought I could offer is to have a game plan for evacuation and communication. If you know your plan , helps when the other issues arise. Much better position to handle it all.

Love this message board!

Some things we found valuable after our last hurricane in the states. Several good pairs of work gloves. Heavy duty garbage bags, a chainsaw to cut up fallen trees, and lots and lots of bleach.

I would also add baby wipes or they do have something called shower in a bag. Baby wipes are great for about anything you need cleaned. Something you can cook up water in and water proof matches. When stocking canned good make sure it will provide you with the nutrition you need. Protein, vitamines etc. Beans are great because you can stretch them into a vegetable soup if food is tide. Energy efficiant generator. Maybe a solar oven.

I was told after Hugo I believe that was the storm which did the most damage to STX they where month without electricity and much of any help from the mainland. Maybe one of the long time Islander can confirm that.

Iris