I'm off tomorrow to stock up on Hurricane supplies..........

[Dean4Storms]

Can any of you who went through Charley recommend anything that you wouldn't normally think of that you found yourself either needing or glad you had? I'm going to get a generator, been thinking about it for some time now and figure might as well.

I'm getting convinced and the models seem to be coming together that Frances will either cross southern Florida or pass through the Straits and eventually threaten the north GOM with myself seeing the eastern quadrant of this storm to some capacity. It only makes sense with the zonal ridging now forecasted to take place over the eastern CONUS extending out to the Atlantic.

Thanks for any and all responses in advance. This isn't -removed- just advanced preparations just in case from what I'm now seeing and everyone else, especially Florida should do the same!!!

[cinlfla]

Ice, Ice and more Ice If you have coolers fill them with Ice also Gas we could not get Ice or Gas for a few days

[zoeyann]

I did not go through Charley but from the minor scrapes I have had here is my advice. I would say extra water for wetting sheets to sleep with in the excessive heat, I know it sounds crazy but that is what I had to do after we lost power because of Lili and could not stand to see my kids suffer anymore. Also bottles of cleaners for after the storm, it something you will always use if the storm misses and everybody needs after a storm passes. Also CAN OPENERS and INSECT REPELLENT.

[crazycajuncane]

If you can afford one, get a generator.

Those first nights after Lili were hell. It's so humid down here and I slept in extreme heat. I don't think we ever thought about wetting sheets, but I bet it does work. And don't forget the gas to run the generator.... yes some people might be that forgetful!

[wx247]

It is a good idea for all of you who are possibly in the path to buy all that you might need EARLY. Once the media decides to jump on this story they will hit it hard and supplies will be harder to find, if not impossible.

[Dean4Storms]

It is a good idea for all of you who are possibly in the path to buy all that you might need EARLY. Once the media decides to jump on this story they will hit it hard and supplies will be harder to find, if not impossible.

Exactly why I'm going tomorrow and why I posted this to some extent. If you wait, it'll be hard to find what you need.

[st pete walt]

Also, when the Home Depot's and Walmart's run out of supplies, remember to seek sporting good stores.
I was able to find D batteries the night before Charley hit Florida. They also carry camping gear should you need gas for camping stoves etc.

[dixiebreeze]

Bleach, lots of bleach. You may need to purify and/or boil water to drink. Canned foods with the pop tops are good, too. Put your important papers in a small metal box you can take with you quickly i.e. insurance, passport, licenses, birth certificates, etc.

Don't forget to have an ample supply of any medicines you might need. Neosporin, bandaids, peroxide, whatever works to keep the germs at bay.

[wx247]

Also, when the Home Depot's and Walmart's run out of supplies, remember to seek sporting good stores.
I was able to find D batteries the night before Charley hit Florida. They also carry camping gear should you need gas for camping stoves etc.

Very smart idea!!! Thanks for sharing.

[wx247]

Also, speaking from someone who has lost power before after the May 4th tornadoes and not a hurricane (albeit no power is no power)...

If you have small kids, you might get some cards or something that will help keep them entertained.

[MGC]

know something I don'd Dean? I'm not going to run out and buy supplies until Frances is in the Bahamas....MGC

[slosh]

Thanks st pete walt

Tomorow, I am shopping as well - though I am still pretty well stocked after Charley. Some of my batteries were extracted from the emergency kit for use in toys.

Apparently it was a gameboy emergency......

[wx247]

know something I don'd Dean? I'm not going to run out and buy supplies until Frances is in the Bahamas....MGC

You might regret that decision.

Besides... what is the harm in buying the supplies and it miss??? Better safe than sorry.

[caneman]

Can any of you who went through Charley recommend anything that you wouldn't normally think of that you found yourself either needing or glad you had? I'm going to get a generator, been thinking about it for some time now and figure might as well.

I'm getting convinced and the models seem to be coming together that Frances will either cross southern Florida or pass through the Straits and eventually threaten the north GOM with myself seeing the eastern quadrant of this storm to some capacity. It only makes sense with the zonal ridging now forecasted to take place over the eastern CONUS extending out to the Atlantic.

Thanks for any and all responses in advance. This isn't -removed- just advanced preparations just in case from what I'm now seeing and everyone else, especially Florida should do the same!!!

Having been thru Charley in Kissimmee and talking to my brother in Ft. MYers. The one thing the I would buy is a generator. And make sure it has enough power to on occassion run the refrigerator, Microwave, perhaps turn on air, etc... The minimum one will only turn on a few lights.

[dhweather]

Can any of you who went through Charley recommend anything that you wouldn't normally think of that you found yourself either needing or glad you had? I'm going to get a generator, been thinking about it for some time now and figure might as well.

I'm getting convinced and the models seem to be coming together that Frances will either cross southern Florida or pass through the Straits and eventually threaten the north GOM with myself seeing the eastern quadrant of this storm to some capacity. It only makes sense with the zonal ridging now forecasted to take place over the eastern CONUS extending out to the Atlantic.

Thanks for any and all responses in advance. This isn't -removed- just advanced preparations just in case from what I'm now seeing and everyone else, especially Florida should do the same!!!

Excellent work- PLAN PLAN PLAN NOW!!!!

[NCWeatherChic]

I always stock up on Baby Wipes! Yes, baby wipes...not only because of my son in diapers, but man do they make a bird bath possible when we have no running water after a storm. GET PLENTY! Tylenol and other meds for when someone gets sick. Benadryl was a must have after Fran and Floyd for us due to downed trees and bee's and wasps were bad, so after a sting we at least we had benadryl and my 2 yr olds Epi-Pen for him. I buy paper plates, canned foods, plastic utensils, propane for the grill, gas for the generator and we sit out 5 gallon buckets where the wind can't knock them over but they fill with rain for flushing toilets. We also fill the tubs with water for whatever usage before the storm gets too bad and when hurricane season starts, we start cleaning milk jugs and 2 liter drink bottles and filling with water and place in the deep freezer for ice or drinking water later. Can't think of anything else. But for women, get your "womenly stuff ahead of time!" Hehehe Good thing about being pregnant!

[Aquawind]

If your in the NHC cone with this Storm..Don't Wait for making last minute preps..

[JPmia]

I am not waiting....I stopped by Costco today and picked up bottled water...batteries...and a flashlight....and a couple of cannned food items. You can really get a good deal at these type of stores especially for hurricane supplies. I am leaving the plywood purchase for the Monday/Tuesday timeframe. Most of the house is protected by the steel panels but there are a couple of openings not covered. I usually get the items I could use if the storm never comes this way and wait for the items that i would not use otherwise. We shall see...no matter where this ends up, I have a feeling the early part of this week in South FL will be "LOCO"

[BEER980]

Let me toss a few ideas out there as well. Forget about 1 gallon of water per person per day. At least 2 but 3 gallons if possible. If you are in a damage area working outside to clear up debris or without air you will sweat & drink more. Now also get some of the concentrated Gatorade powder to replace lost minerals and give the water flavor. I would have some beef jerky for snacking. Get some sun screen and bug spray as well. If possible locate a dry ice company and line up 25 pounds or so. It will keep your ref/freezer cool for days. Steel toe work boots are handy to have with all the debris strewn about. A couple of tarps, duct tape and roll of rope is handy also. I always have my BOB in my SUV. Click here to what I put together.

[crabbyhermit]

During last cane season, a friend at work shared that she keeps extra cat litter on hand (the scoopable kind) and uses that in a bucket as an improvised toilet if there's no water available for flushing. I thought that was a great idea. Hopefully here in NO, LA, we won't have to 'poop n scoop' any time soon.