While we are in a model hiatus until the next model run comes out, I would like any and all thoughts on the opposite of evacuation.
I am a retired guy in my late sixties. I have family kids and grandkids in Tampa in a low lying area. They will probably evacuate, they have small children but are mature adults with good abilities.
I spent my life in construction management, and was a Army Guard Mess Sgt. in my youth so I understand, demolition, field maneuvers, restoration and the like. I think there is a possibility I may take off from my vacation cabin in the Ozarks and head down to their home if it is severely damaged.
Taking, water, gasoline, small generator, small sleeping bag, first aid kit, rubber boots, tarps, recipro saw and demo tools and 15 days of food with a small propane stove. I have a reciprocal concealed carry license and will equip appropriately.
I will have a lot of other items but I am looking for any suggestions for those of us that may be going down to assist. Others may profit from such discussions as well.
I would throw in some furniture dollies and a wheelbarrow to move drywall and “stuff” out to the street.
Maybe strap a jon boat on the roof of your vehicle?
If the area you want to go to is heavily hit,
the authorities will not let you in,
which is why many refuse to leave in the first place.
Gonna take you a long time to get thru downed trees with a recip.
Pack a good chain saw (or two) & a couple extra chains.
/.02
Chainsaw. Water carriers. Soap and dishsoap and clean towels and washclothes. Extra clean t-shirts, underwear and socks. MREs or other instant food. Protein bars. A few pots. Something to make coffee, and coffee and filters. Chocolate. Booze if anyone is into that where you are going. Camping water purifiers. Bleach. A few five-gallon buckets. First aid supplies. Duct tape. Lots of bags of all varieties. Plastic sheets. Bug repellent. And don’t forget tarps and nylon cord. And a radio and batteries. Headlamp and LCD lantern.
A chain saw came in handy for me - lots of trees down after Georges. Also electric fan/s, bug spray (mosquitos were bad), gas grill, coffee maker and clorox.
And for your own sanity, a battery-operated fan and extra batteries for it, to have a fighting chance of sleeping in comfort at night.
And one more thing - a solar phone charger, order it online and you’ll get it before you need to leave.
Well, sleep on it.
Consider showing up- after damage is assessed- with supplies for the repair of the house. Sounds like you’re a guy that can lay shingles and wallboard. That may be just what they need, and an adventure you’d enjoy.
But heck, I have no idea what is needed after a hurricane- or how codes, insurance, and ‘whatever’ red tape affects the process.
Is your family prepped? Remind them to be. Canned goods with a manual can opener. Fill every water jug and put a lid on them. Stuff water bottles in the freezer like yesterday so when they lose power, the extra ice will help keep things cold. Bring the bbq grill/charcoal inside so it doesn’t blow away and once the weather is past they have a means to cook. Please, bring in the pets and do NOT leave them out or tied to a tree. Make sure the furbabies have food and water.
Have food they can eat without cooking. Canned goods don’t need heated. Tuna can be eaten straight from the can. Give the furbabies the drained liquid - don’t waste it. If they have time, cook/bake foods to grab which don’t need refrigeration - cookies, cake, bread, cornbread, a cooked roast will last a day in a closed fridge without power.
Wash the dishes and laundry before power goes out. Wash themselves. Fill cleaned bathtub with water.
Don’t take shelter in the attic in rising water unless they have a means to hack their way out.
Charge every battery they can find NOW including their computers and phones and any batteries in flashlights, clocks and radios.
Organize their preps now so they don’t have to hunt for items in the dark.
Make copies of their important papers like BC, health and house insurance, etc. Write down important phone numbers in case something happens to their cell phones.
Make room in the garage for the vehicles. Face it, 99% of that stuff in the garage is junk whereas vehicles are expensive, needed and can be their lifelines. It would be wise to pre-pack vehicles with extra clothing and foods if they need to get out quick.
Make a disc of the family photo album and move both to separate safe areas.