In my year and a half on Guam I have gotten to see a number of tropical storms and typhoons (same thing as a hurricane) come close to or hit the island. I am certain I will see more before I leave here. Evacuation is not an option for us out here. We HAVE to ride out all the storms. Here is a good list of preperations to follow for severe weather.

Guam has a program called COR (Condition of Readiness) for severe weather. heres the outline of them.

COR-4 Damaging winds of 40 MPH or greater expected within 72 hours. The island is always in COR-4 year round given our location in Typhoon Alley.

COR-3 Damaging winds expected within 48 hours.

COR-2 Damaging winds within 24 hours

COR-1 Damaging winds within 12 hours.


Home preps :

COR-4 - Maintain and stock a typhoon/hurricane locker. You should have the following items in your storm locker:

Plenty of non perishable food.
1 gallon drinking water per person per day. keep at least a 5 day supply.
Crackers, cookies, and other ready to eat items.
Paper plates and plastic utensils.
Trash bags and paper towels, and toilet paper.
Candles, matches, lighters, flashlights, and a lantern.
Camp stove and fuel.
Battery operated radio and spare batteries.
First aid kit.
Chlorine bleach.
Baby food and diapers (if needed)
Food for animals and cat litter (if needed)

COR-3 48 hours

· Fill car with gas: Service stations may not have the power to pump gas after the storm.
· Ensure loose debris is picked up around your house.
· Knock down coconuts, cut branches around power lines and secure outside potted plants.
· Check supplies of prescription medicines and drugs.
· Expectant mothers should make arrangements with your local hospital if beyond their 36th week of pregnancy.
· Gather containers for drinking water storage
· Clean bathtub so it can be used as a water storage container.
· Move small boats to secure/safe havens.
· Tune to local radio, TV station, NOAA weather radio or call the weather telephone recording for the latest warnings and advisories.
· Prepare to put up typhoon/hurricane shutters.
If you have a generator now would be a great time to check it and make sure it runs and has plenty of fuel. You don't wan't to find out its broken when you need it.

COR-2 24 Hours

· Install typhoon shutters or tape edges of windows.
· Fill containers and your bathtub with water and keep them covered.
· Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest setting and pack your freezer tightly with newspaper (this will keep your food colder longer).
· Secure cars: Set parking brake, lower antenna, close all windows and doors tightly.
· Move carpets and furniture away from windows.
· Stay off of roads if possible.
· Evacuate to an official shelter if your home is not storm proof.
· Stay tuned to local radio, TV station, NOAA weather radio or weather telephone recording for the latest warnings and advisories.
Put away or secure outdoor furniture and loose objects so they don't become missile hazards.

COR-1 12 hours
· Place towels/rags around leaky doors and windows.
· Conserve water.
· Stay indoors and away from windows.
· Move valuables to upper floors (if flooding is a problem).
· Stay tuned to local radio, TV station, NOAA weather radio or the telephone recording for the latest storm updates.

Return to normal conditions :

Stay clear of downed power lines.
Survey your home and surrounding area for damage and begin clean up recovery.

I hope this helps people to be better prepared for major weather.

 

JR,
Thats what the officials tell us in this area. We had enough supplies to last five days with Rita. We did loose power and only had to use the generator once for the fridge. Power was out for about 10 hrs. I'm counting my blessings. My relatives in Beaumont/Port Arthur area didn't fair so well.

MikeyB

 

Here is the plan for the US.

Go about business as normal.
Stay at home when told to move to shelter.
Find reporter and cry the next day because no one has helped you.
Find reporter and cry because no one comforted you.
Find reporter and cry because your hot meal wasn't McDonalds.
Find reporter and cry because no one is cleaning up your mess.

 

Reviving this thread as I just moved to the Gulf Coast. Anyone had to evacuate in stop-and-go traffic? I'm wondering at the WORST number I'd be looking at for mpg. Had it figured for 3-5 mpg on my gasser, but the diesel ought to be different. Anyone have some experience to share?

I'm thinking, with my travel trailer and a lot of junk in the truck I ought to see 6 mpg, overall, given heavy traffic for the first 150 or 200 miles depending on route chosen.

Range of the stock tank, max load, and max traffic is the set of numbers I'd like to play with.

 

We evacuated for Rita a couple of years ago. I spent 10 hours on the road and made it about 60 miles. Used about 1/2 a tank. Interesting thing was all the stations were out of gas, but most still had diesel. We were pulling our trailer also. Great plan as we always had a bathroom, and a kitchen.