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virgilcarter_gw

Post Hurricane Sandy Ideas for Building

virgilcarter
11 years ago

If you live in an area with major natural storms, here's some thoughts on planning your new or existing home:

--Insist on hurricane clips for upper floor and roof framing (and if you live in seismic areas insist on foundation tie-downs);

--If power outages are a regular annual occurance, plan for a generator and seperate sub-panel to provide back-up power for key electrical circuits (exits and corridors, refrigerator, heating, hot water heater, basement sump pump and an outlet or two for microwave and miscellaneous as a minimum);

--Emergency power controls may range from manual (you go out and start the generator and throw the appropriate breaker) to automatic--costs vary accordingly);

--Tornado and hurricane threats may warrant a "safe room", a concrete basement, concrete closet or other area safe from winds and falling debris. Locate it where you can easily access it, particularly at night after going to bed.

--Have an "emergency bag" containing important medications, toiletries, change of clothing and snacks for each family member;

--Camping supplies such as a lantern, cook stove, heater, spare radio, flashlights and canned and/or dehydrated food supplies;

--Speaking of water, a gallon of water/person/day is the recommended supply. Your laundry sinks, even toilet tanks, may be good back-up water supplies if you don't fill and store backup water containers;

--Don't forget to fill up the gas tank on at least one vehicle.

Don't forget to start and maintain your generator on a monthly basis as a minimum. You should have a 5-gallon container of extra gasoline available in case you cannot immediately go out for extra fuel, if needed.

Hope this helps for future planning.

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