Those of you in hurricane country, stay safe. I am reminded of a comment of a friend, who went through Andrew with his family huddled in their bathroom - fatalities after a hurricane during the cleanup phase often equaled or exceeded the more conspicuous toll during the hurricane. Watch out for those live power lines!

if you are going to board up... the "plylock" spring clips work pretty well for a quick installation on masonry, and the TorX headed deck screws are a better option than regular Phillips screws for frame construction...paint your plywood if you have time, and number the panels...

Thanks Les. I assume HurCon III Today. We've already made the decision to weather the storm at home. I only have to top off fuel tanks and 1 can of gas, and secure the missile hazards in the yard.

Tomorrow I'll assume HurCon II.

Stay safe down there everyone.

I'm sure you DO isolate your main when backfeeding....RIGHT? Because like all Equipped.org readers, you're responsible, intelligent and take care of not only yourself, but those who are helping you in a time of emergency.





Lineman Killed By Generator Back Feed - Victim Helping Restore Power in Alabama
http://www.electricenergyonline.com/?page=show_news&id=38786

Also related:
http://www.inspectionsbybob.com/home-ins...-linemans-life/

This is interesting to me, I don't live in hurricane country. Why paint the plywood - is it to discourage someone from stealing your plywood and repurposing it to protect their own property?

main breaker will be OFF ....

plywood is rather expensive (I have 27 windows to cover), and if you have the time, a coat of exterior paint, especially on the edge can prolong its life... also helps prevent warping...for a lot of folks, storing the covering between seasons seems to be an excuse to not have any....my 18v Rigid cordless drill is one of my "must have" supplies...numbering just speeds installation ... hadn't though of someone stealing it, but they would have to have a #25 TorX bit..one of the carbines comes out of the gun safe

FWIW... I usually board up for a Cat 2 and 3, and will evacuate to a relative's house ( post Andrew building code) for > 3... the house has been 125mph sustained without problem...

When I was in Germany about 100 years ago - ok the 80s - they had metal shutters that rolled down to cover the windows. The shutters were outside but could be controlled from the inside. The could be closed tight, cutting off all light/most of the air, or left slightlty open, letting in some light and air. Even in the almost closed position the window would still be covered from weather damage.

Never saw them before or since, but think I would get some for the house if I needed them / could figure out where to get them.

Saw those shutters in Spain and always wanted them since. Found several manufacturers when I googled "metal shutters".

I am not an electrician. But I have a friend who is and he said I must TOTALLY ISOLATE the back-fed system from the grid. He said if I had no complete 3 pole switch, I should remove the meter.

I do not remember the reason but it was something about the main breaker only opening up one of the three lines. Perhaps someone with a real understanding of power lines could refresh/dispute my friends comments. It might have been something specific to my wiring, but I got the impression that it was standard practice to break all wires to the grid, including the ground.

Nomad.