While sitting here behind my MacBook Pro, bracing for the impact of two hurricanes; I am reminded of how wonderful life is, how much I love a good storm, and how thankful I am for life’s beauty and abundance. We live on the Big Island’s east side, at about 3 o’clock as the watch swings, nearly 125 feet from the cliffs overlooking the growing waves. Panic??? What is the use? Anxiety only consumes attentional capacity needed for other things. We are prepared, and ready to act if needed. Please pray, meditate, send positive energy, or direct your shamanic powers to move the storms northward, above the Hawaiian Island chain.
I wonder what happened to piss Julio off to the point that he is chasing Iselle across the swelling Pacific with such fury? Did she have a steamy affair with a volcano, a turbulant one night stand with a cruise ship, or a violent fling with Maui? Alternatively, could she be running away from his tumultuous, aggressive style? Either way, it seems like she is a bit of a spitfire herself, and well equipped to fight or run away. Maybe she just likes being pursued. Should we send a couples therapist out there to do a crisis intervention?
“For those under a warning…Your preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion. In a tropical cyclone…Conditions can change quickly. Evacuate if directed to do so by local officials…Or if your home is vulnerable to high winds or flooding. Cancel any beach activities until further notice. Persons living near the shore should be prepared to evacuate quickly should building surf threaten. For interests at ports…Docks…And marinas…Move boats to safe mooring and make final preparations for securing your craft before leaving it. Small craft in the warning area should remain in port and well secured. People under a watch should continue making preparations and listen for possible warnings. Small craft in the watch area should return to port or seek safe harbor. Determine the best strategy for securing your craft. Closely monitor noaa weather radio or other local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast.” (source: Weather.gov)
To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:
- To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
- Know your surroundings.
- Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted.
- Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
- Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.
- Make plans to secure your property:
- Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Another year-round option would be installation of laminated glass with impact-resistant glazing. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
- Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
- Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
- Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
- Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
- Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
- Determine how and where to secure your boat.
- Install a generator for emergencies.
- If in a high-rise building, when high winds are present, be prepared to take shelter on a lower floor because wind conditions increase with height, and in a small interior room without windows. When flooding may be occuring, be prepared to take shelter on a floor safely above the flooding and wave effects.
- Consider building a safe room.
Hurricanes cause heavy rains that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. Everyone is at risk and should consider flood insurance protection. Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage. To learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your business, visit the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (NFIP) Web site,www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419.
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