Reply #8: How far away from the ocean/canals are you? How high above? [View All]

[ForrestGump]

The main likely flooding damage is storm surge. If this thing stays Category Four, that surge could be high (usually cited as 18', I think).

Board up your windows if you don't have storm shutters. Stock up on water (including non-drinking tap water in buckets, bathtub, or whatever, for flushing toilets, etc), clean out your fridge and freezer as much as possible (COUNT on the power being out for days, though it may not be), get batteries and candles (careful with the candles), and make sure you've got plenty of food that doesn't need heating or refrigeration, that can be eaten as is. paper plates, etc, are agood idea - you may not be able to wash your dishes if the power's out (ditto if the water's out).

Check the National Hurricane Center's Web pages for more info on how to prepare for a hurricane.

Also, bear in mind that this thing is still way out there and they can wander widely within and around their projected track, or even change course completely....or fizzle out. Get ready - you should be getting ready, anyway, because it's hurricane season and you're in the right part of the world to be hit by one - but don't freak out.