Michael Petruccelli asks: What should you do - At the Beginning of Hurricane Season (4)

Michael Petruccelli says:  Purchase several 5-gallon gas cans. Fuel is usually scarce after a hurricane, and many stations even limit the amount of gas you can purchase after waiting in line. Having multiple cans will allow you to stock up. Buy a bottle of fuel stabilizer for when the power is restored. Mix this with your gas so that it will keep until you are able to use it. Also, fill and run your generator with the mixture for about 10 minutes so that the fuel system does not gum up while in storage. Change the oil and/or filter before you store it, that way it's nice and fresh next season.

If you already have a generator, make sure it is in working order before hurricane season. There is nothing worse than finding out that your generator investment needs repairs after you need to use it.

If you are unable to purchase a generator, buy a DC to AC converter for your car. With it you will use your car as a portable electric generator. They cost $25 to $100 and are available in the automotive section of department stores. If you should lose power to your house, you will be able run a radio, TV, light, refrigerator, or other low wattage appliances from your car. You will need a heavy duty extension cord to run the power into your house.

Do not run the car or any gasoline generator in the garage as the carbon monoxide poisoning could kill you.

Michael Petruccelli asks: What should you do - At the Beginning of Hurricane Season (3)

Michael Petruccelli says: Purchase a generator. Generally, a generator should be big enough to run your refrigerator, a lamp or two, any fans, and any special durable medical equipment needed by a member of your family. If your family does have special health or medical needs, or you absolutely must have air conditioning, be prepared to pay handsomely for a generator that can handle it. The best option in this latter case is to have the generator wired into your home power so the generator will start when the power goes out. Taking this precaution is even more important if only one person in the home knows how, or is strong enough, to start the generator. Search the web for generator wattage calculators to make sure you don't buy more generator than you need - your wallet will thank you at the gas pump.

Michael Petruccelli asks: What should you do - At the Beginning of Hurricane Season (2)

Michael Petruccelli says:  Recognize that your hot water heater contains 50 to 75 gallons of fresh drinking water. The water in a hot water tank can keep one person alive and healthy for more than a month.

Attach a garden hose to the drain valve. Run water out of the tank to remove any built up sediment that has collected at the bottom of the tank.

To get the water out of the tank after a storm you will need to open the plumbing system by opening any hot water faucet in the house. This will release the vacuum in the tank. You must turn off the electrical breaker to the hot water tank or unplug it to prevent damage if the electricity is restored before water service.

Michael Petruccelli asks: What should you do - At the Beginning of Hurricane Season (1)

Michael Petruccelli says Double-check to ensure the supplies in your Hurricane Preparedness Kit are both well-stocked and fresh. Inflate air beds to ensure they don't need patching or replacing. Check expiration dates on canned foods. Use a battery tester so you know they will work when you need them to (most batteries have a tester already attached to the package, but you can buy one separately if you want to).

Michael Petruccelli asks: What should you do – If you decide to stay during a hurricane? (7)

Michael Petruccelli says: Keep a radio on as the hurricane approaches. Often, the major radio stations will have special coverage in the local programs if a hurricane is coming.

Michael Petruccelli asks: What should you do – If you decide to stay during a hurricane? (6)

 

Michael Petruccelli says:  Extinguish all candles once the rain and winds reach thunderstorm levels. This is to assure they are not accidentally left lit when and if the winds start whipping through your home.

A safe way to use candles is to put them in a saucepan, deeper than the candle is high, with shiny sides. The light will reflect off the ceiling and inside of the pot, and the candle will be protected from being knocked over. An inch or so of water in the pot isn't a bad idea, either. A hurricane candle holder, when placed on a mirror it doubles the reflective light. We have used oil lamps or candles to save our batteries for the flashlights (If you get up in the middle of the night) and for the radio.

You can also use light sticks. These can be purchased in advance at any local dollar store and hardware supply store. Placing a few light sticks in a tub of warm water will allow the bathroom to be lite most of the night.