We are now assuming HurCon 4 in South Louisiana. We're making preps to either stay or evacuate at this condition. We've already determined that this would be a great time to visit a handicapped theme park outside of San Antonio, Tx

Gaston is a long way out; is it forecast to enter the GoM? Or is HurCon 4 typically assumed when a hurricane is in mid-Atlantic?

Since Louisiana is already more than saturated by the recent flooding, the impending tropical wave doesn't bode well for lower lying areas (i.e. ALL of southern Louisiana).

I only wish I had my act together like wildman800 does, so this comment isn't directed to him: if you're going to end up evacuating, do it earlier than later.

Gaston is headed to the mid northern Atlantic and doesn't pose a threat to us.

We've set HurCon 4 in regards to the depression moving over Cuba. It is expected to develope rapidly over the Gulf Stream. The predictions are 50% landfall around Pensacola, Fl; and 50% in Texas. Either landfall means a lot of rain and possible high winds for us!

HurCon Checklist

Updated 03Aug2011
5= Set during Hurricane Season (01Jun-01Dec)
4=Hurricane Force winds are expected within 72 hours
3= Hurricane Force winds are expected within 48 hours
2= Hurricane Force winds are expected within 24 hours
1= Hurricane Force winds are expected within 12 hours or less


HURRICANE SEASON: regular season ¨C 01June through 01December

HurCon 5: Automatically set at the beginning of Hurricane Season (01Jun) and is automatically secured at the end of the Hurricane Season (01Dec). Upon setting HurCon 5:

Update emergency supply inventory

Top off all 5gal gas cans (stabilized)

Swap out all stored water

Update the Hurricane Contingency Plans

Review the plans with Household members.

Test run the generator for 30 mins.

HurCon 4: Set when expected landfall is within 72 hours and within range to affect the family. Upon setting HurCon 4:

Go to Home Depot and pick up a sufficient quantity of 2" deck screws (if in short supply), 1"x4" and 1"x12" pine boards to install shutters over the windows and doors (1"x4") that have them and to board up over the few windows that don't have shutters (1¡±x12¡±).

Keep the vehicle gas tanks above 1/2 tank levels.

Go to the grocery store and top off the pantry with normal foodstuffs.

Insure that all propane bottles are topped off.

Insure that battery supplies are sufficient.

Insure that flashlights and lanterns are working.

Check oil and run generator for 30 minutes to insure proper operation.

Get all the money we can get from the ATM 24 - 48 hours of a probable impact on our coast. (once the hurricane hits and leaves, everything is cash only, no money - no nothing for days)

Review Bug Out options based on storm strength, predicted landfall, host locations available, likely storm path after landfall.

HurCon 3: Set when expected landfall is 48 hours away and is close enough to affect the family. Upon setting HurCon 3:

Review checklists for any missing items or chores that remain to be done.

Top off all vehicle fuel tanks.

Decide on whether to Bug Out or to shelter in place; if Bugging Out - this is the time to leave. If Bugging Out ¨C execute Nuclear War Survival Skills; Chapter 4/Evacuation.

HurCon 2: Set when expected landfall is 24 hours away and is close enough to affect the family location. Upon setting HurCon 2:

Prepare our Hurricane Shelter area within the house (the main hall next to the bathroom).

Secure all missile hazards in the yard. Tie down everything that needs tying down.

Install shutters or board up all windows and doors, except for 1 front door and 1 back door.

Top off all BOB's.

Gather all important documents, BOB, and firearms (the ones I plan to carry) and put it by the bed.

Set up a communications watch. Use 2 programs to monitor storm (Radio and T.V.) and then switch to wind up solar radio once power is lost.

Use cargo net to secure backyard storage building.

Charge up all cell Cell Phones, Laptops, Net Books, etc. Minimize usage. Set up a Communications schedule with relatives (if pertinent) and keep electronics secured until needed so as to save battery power.

HurCon 1: Set 12 hours prior to expected landfall.

Set up in the Hurricane Shelter (inside of my home) and start dealing cards.

Visually monitor what the storm is doing to the neighborhood (from the safety of the house), for the duration of the storm.

Be prepared to grab BOB's and run to higher ground, if worse case scenario were to develop.

Keep BoB¡¯s and important documents with each person until the storm has cleared the area.

Maintain the communications watch. Use 2 programs to monitor storm (Radio and T.V.) and then switch to wind up solar radio once power is lost.

¡¡

¡¡

Post-Hurricane Checklist

1) Once storm passes:

A) Assume HurCon V.

B) Conduct a damage survey of the property. Contact the insurance company to file a claim if needed.

C) Make basic repairs, as possible, to damaged areas of the property so as to prevent further damage.

2) Store those items not needed and break out those items that are needed:

A) Store cargo net from storage building.

B) Untie those yard items that were secured for windy conditions.

C) If power has been lost:

1) Set up the generator*, at least 20 feet from the house and chain it to something substantial, like a tree.

2) Set up a field kitchen on back patio or porch.

3) Set up a Sanitation Facility (Latrine).

3) Attempt to contact friends and relatives outside the storm affected area and let them know what your situation is. Establish a Daily Communications Schedule so as to conserve cell phone battery power. Remember that if your cell phone voice does not work, your texting capability probably will work.

4) *After setting up the generator and taking care of the above items, contact your immediate neighbors and see what their needs are. (especially elderly neighbors). Set up a daily schedule to share electrical power with each of them to chill down their refrigerators and freezers, recharge their cell phones, recharge any batteries required for life support systems that elderly and/or handicapped neighbors may have.

We will assume HurCon 3 later today. We will delay deciding whether my family will bug out or stay until we get a better view of where the storm will go and whether it will develope into a hurricane.

Hang tight and best wishes!!!

AccuWeather shows "99L" ("a widely scattered cluster of T'Storms" near Cuba) maybe getting better organized and later in the week going ashore somewhere between Pensacola and Jacksonville, FL. That said, once it does get into the warm waters in the Gulf, all bets are off, it goes where it goes. Considering how saturated LA is now, I hope the AccuWeather projection is correct and the storm heads NE once it gets into the Gulf.

Edit: That forecast was a few days old, but even the more recent update from NBC news at Watching Invest 99L, tropical moisture headed our way is still calling it disorganized. It can still carry lots of rain though...

Total agreement with your comments. As hurricanes can chang direction within hours, it is much better to be prepared then not. Besides, even if the prep ultimately just becomes an exercise and there is no need to evac, there are always lessons learned for the next potential hurricane.