Living here in Virginia, only a hundred mile from the Atlantic Coast, can be challenging during hurricane season. Don't get me wrong we are not in nearly as much danger of hurricanes as states like Florida, Louisiana and Texas but there is the occasional hurricane that slips up the east coast into Virginia such as Hurricane Isabel in 2003, Hurricane Gaston in 2004, and Hurricane Irene in 2011 ( http://www.midatlantichurricanes.com/Virginia.html). So we still need to be smart about hurricane preparedness.
Hurricane preparedness week just ended (May 24-31) in fact in VA that week is tax free for certain items such as: batteries and flashlights; bottled water and coolers; tarps, plastic sheeting and duct tape; smoke detectors and fire extinguishers; portable radios; cell phone chargers; first aid kits and more. Portable generators and inverters also are included as well as chainsaws and chainsaw accessories (http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/stay-informed/hurricanes/sales-tax-holiday).
According to Hallie Dozier & Steven Wright stated that "for many homeowners, the visible and physical impact of the destruction of trees and property during storm events is enough to prompt them to engage in “chainsaw backlash,” or the unnecessary removal of perfectly good, sound trees. We have all seen it – a neighbor takes down a beautiful tree because he or she is afraid of what might happen when a storm strikes. And with the tree go all of the benefits that trees provide: cleaner air and water, soil conservation, climate moderation, higher property values, shade and beauty" (http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/lawn_garden/home_gardening/trees_shrubs/Make+Wise+Tree+Removal+Decisions+before+a+Hurricane.htm). Additionally they recommend hiring an arborist, then "the homeowner will have the best expertise for examining each tree for signs of decay or weakness and help assessing the overall health and vitality of the tree".
So now what? I will tell you; If you have not already done so put together a hurricane preparedness kit. I found a pdf file which provides you a list at https://www.uscg.mil/d7/airstaBorinquen/docs/HurricanePage/Suggested%20Hurricane%20Supply%20Kits%20.pdf. or just scroll down to end of this blog.
Next...Call Goodfellers Tree & Excavating (540-710-9665) to have one of our Certified Arborist inspect your trees and provide you a free inspection, a comprehensive action plan and a break down of costs per item. This way you can choose which work you want done now and do the rest later, or just have all of your tree needs met at one time. You can take comfort in our experience.
What if choose to do nothing. Well....a friend did just that in 2003 when Isabel hit Virginia and hit her hard. He had not prepared and lost power for almost two weeks, he also lost trees and had damage done by falling limbs that should have been trimmed. He had no clean water and had a pretty tough time. If this happens to you, we will be there for you providing you emergency tree removal services. However, don't be like my friend! Be prepared.....Call Goodfellers today!!!
Here is that list I mentioned earlier:
Suggested Hurricane Supply List
To prepare for the unknown, each home should have a 72-hour Disaster Survival Kit. You will need to pack some essential items to help you and your family survive, whether you stay at home or leave it during a disaster. Ensure at least three days (72 hours) supply for each person. Do not forget pets where applicable!
The following is a minimum suggested list of Survival Kit supplies:
Drinking Water: ƒ One gallon per person/per day in unbreakable containers, Avoid using containers that will decompose or break,l such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more. ƒ Don’t forget to add additional water for mixing formula if you have children and for your pets. Rotate the drinking water each year. ƒ
Food preparation and sanitation require another two quarts (minimum) per person daily. ƒ Purchased bottled water that has been sealed is best for storage. It meets FDA guidelines for food and is not as vulnerable to temperature changes as unsealed water ƒ Tip: Purchase water this year and use it for drinking next year. This allows for rotation on an annual basis and keeps the water fresh. Yes water can go bad!
Water for sanitation use: ƒ Store extra containers of water to be used for flushing toilets, cleaning, and bathing. ƒ Purchase water purification tablets (Halazone) to be used if you still have running water but are told to boil water before using it. This allows you to fill the bathtub and other containers without purchasing expensive drinking water. ƒ Tip: Keep plastic containers (milk jugs and other containers) and fill them with water when a storm threatens. You can put these items in the freezer to keep food cold longer in the event that the electricity goes out.
Non-perishable Food: ƒ Maintain at least 3-7 days of food for each member of the family. ƒ Small, preferably single serving cans (should not require cooking or refrigeration). Dried fruit, peanut butter and jelly, coffee, tea, soft drinks and pet foods. ƒ Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables. ƒ Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water). ƒ Staples – sugar, salt, pepper in water proof containers. ƒ High energy foods like crackers, granola bars, trail mix. ƒ Raw vegetables that do not need refrigeration. ƒ Fresh bread. • Comfort/stress foods – cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags. • Sterno for cooking. • Vitamins • Food for infants ƒ Paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils ƒ Non-electric can opener ƒ Aluminum foil ƒ Plastic storage containers ƒ Lots of ice (you can freeze your water supply) ƒ Pedialyte (to restore hydration if needed) ƒ Tip: Purchase only items that you like to eat and would eat even without a storm. Rotate these items by using them Dec-May each year and purchasing new items Jan-May. This allows you to reduce the cost of buying items for a hurricane kit at one time and keeps the items fresh. Yes even canned goods have a shelf life!
Baby Needs: ƒ Special foods (enough for several days) ƒ Formula (enough for several days) ƒ Extra diapers ƒ Medicines (get a copy of prescription) ƒ Blankets ƒ Diaper Rash Ointment ƒ Baby Wipes ƒ Powder ƒ Bottles ƒ Pacifier ƒ Favorite toy/blanket ƒ Medicine dropper ƒ Diaper-rash ointment
Sanitation: ƒ Toilet paper, towelettes, soap, baby wipes, liquid hand sanitzer • Liquid detergent • Feminine supplies • Personal hygiene items (toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo etc.) • Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses) • Plastic bucket with tight lid • Household chlorine bleach, disinfectant • Plenty of absorbent towels First Aid Kit • Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. • Adhesive bandages various sizes -- Sterile gauze pads (various sizes) • Germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer • Non-latex gloves -- Adhesive tape -- Anti-bacterial ointment -- Antiseptic spray • Cold packs (non refrigerated type) – Scissors – Tweezers -- Rubbing alcohol • CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield -- Thermometer, Safety pins. Non-Prescription Drugs • Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever, Benadryl, peroxide • Anti-diarrhea medication, Antacid (for stomach upset) • Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center) • Laxative • Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center) Prescription Drugs • Heart and high blood pressure medication • Insulin (enough for a 30 day supply) • Hearing Aid and extra batteries • Prescription drugs • Denture needs • Contact lenses and supplies • Extra eye glasses • Tip: If your insurance will allow, get a 90 day supply of prescriptions and have at least a 30 day supply on hand. n’t wait until a couple of days before a storm to go to the p you may not get your prescription refilled; the lines are very quickly. Do pharmacy for refills long and they run out of supplies
Clothing and Bedding: Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. • Sturdy shoes or work boots • Towels • Rain gear • Blankets or sleeping bags • Pillows • Hat and gloves • Sunglasses • Tent • Lawn chairs Entertainment • Games • Books • Cards • Extra batteries for gamesColoring books, crayons.
Miscellaneous: • Wind-up or battery-operated clock • Paper, pencil • Needles, thread • Camping utensils • Map of the area (for locating shelters) and returning to the area. • Cash or traveler's checks • Tip: Have enough cash to sustain you through a 2 week period. Without electricity, most businesses (if open) will not accept credit cards and may not accept traveler’s checks. • Emergency preparedness manual • Citronella candles Tools and Supplies: Masking and/or duct tape Handsaw Razor knife Ax or chain saw Nails and screws Ladder Portable generator Wheelbarrow Bucket/mop, broom Fire extinguisher Hammer Screwdriver Pliers/wrenches Rope caulk All purpose cleaner Sandbags Shovel, rake Plywood Plastic sheet/drop cloth Bleach Tarps to cover roof Portable a/c unit BBQ grill Extra filled propane tanks Utility knife Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type Compass Tape, duct tape Signal flare Battery operated radio with extra batteries Bug repellant Sun screen (2-3) Flashlights with extra batteries and bulbs Matches in a waterproof container Shut-off wrench to turn off household gas and water Whistle Not evacuating and staying home? ƒ
Ensure you have enough food, water, medications, and other supplies in your survival kit to last at least 2 weeks. ƒ Turn refrigerator to coldest setting and keep closed. ƒ Turn off propane tanks. ƒ Unplug small appliances. ƒ Fill bathtub and other containers with water for cleaning and flushing. Additional water is stored for drinking. ƒ Cover all windows and other openings with hardened protections. If you do not have manufactured shutters, cut plywood and secure to protect the windows. ƒ Close all interior doors and brace outer doors. ƒ Select an interior room to use as a safe room. ƒ Plan as though you were evacuating and have enough cash on hand to sustain purchasing of gas, food, and other supplies in the days following the storm. ƒ If you have a generator, ensure you have enough gas on hand to sustain usage for several days. ƒ Ensure you have sufficient medications in case you are confined to your home for several days. Post-storm there may not be any electricity and pharmacies will probably closed even with a minor storm. ƒ Plan to cook on a camp stove or grill in the days immediately after the storm passes.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog! Please follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/Goodfellers408 and like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/goodfellerstreeandexcavating. God Bless and have a very uneventful hurricane season.
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