[Art-instructors] Storm preparedness

[Jeff Beekman]

Hi All,

As you are all undoubtedly being made aware of, we've a storm system headed our way that they are predicting could cause problems for our area. Here are some tips, particularly for those newer to the area.

Buy stuff now that will likely run out. This includes gas for you car, bread, tp, etc. With all the trees around ready and willing to take out our power lines, it is also not a bad idea to stock up on some non-perishable food!

Here are a few things to have on hand in case of power outages in general.

- flashlight
- batteries
- some cash
- charcoal or propane if you have a grill, and a lighter
- a cooler / ice packs
- battery operated fans
- pet food if applicable
- a caffeine source. Remember you can’t use an electric coffeepot during a power outage.
- containers for water (pots, pans, milk jugs, etc). Plan for about a gallon per person, per day. Old timers around here often thoroughly clean their bathtubs and use it for water storage. Go ahead and fill whatever you have available as the storm approaches.

If you do want to purchase water bottles, it's not a bad idea to freeze a couple (don’t fill those to the top) so you won’t have to go out and buy ice when the power is out and everyone’s hot and potentially all the stores are closed. Ziplock bags can perform a similar function.

Other tips:
- Charge up all your devices; if you have battery packs, charge those too. If you don’t have a car charger, pick up a cigarette lighter adapter at the gas station when you’re filling up.

- Clean your cooler & grill if you have them, and pick up loose heavy things outside like patio chairs.

- Don’t buy a whole bunch of food that will spoil.

Don’t let the dramatic news reports cause you to panic. Local news and radio are better sources of information, and nhc.noaa.gov<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhc.noaa.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7CArt-instructors%40lists.fsu.edu%7C7924f0ad71ea4066d83608dcb3136f04%7Ca36450ebdb0642a78d1b026719f701e3%7C0%7C0%7C638582143246115006%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=PklRt%2BDG0D%2BTIhV22%2BPKv%2FRS6WB%2F%2BwdgcEP3J2dJHuI%3D&reserved=0>. You can avoid danger with a minimum of common sense: stay inside during a storm, watch for flooding and downed power lines afterwards, and stay with a friend if there is a big pine tree looming over your house.

Pay attention to what side of the storm we are on! The biggest winds are at the center of a hurricane and in its eastern edge. A category 4 can pass right by to the east and we’ll often just get a lot of rain.  A tropical storm just to the west can drop hundreds kf trees and shut down the city electrical grid for a week.

Since this has been our biggest issue in Tallahassee storms, what you really need to prepare for is discomfort: Think about what you will need during a couple of days of power outages and store closures: lighting, hydration, food, medicine, ways to stay cool.

As far as university closures, shelters, etc: Visit alerts.fsu.edu<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Falerts.fsu.edu%2F&data=05%7C02%7CArt-instructors%40lists.fsu.edu%7C7924f0ad71ea4066d83608dcb3136f04%7Ca36450ebdb0642a78d1b026719f701e3%7C0%7C0%7C638582143246115006%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ANlEW5XE8xeoELGsMrpyVex8ks0EdXXQgMyGvm1%2FXis%3D&reserved=0> for up to date info. At the bottom of the page, click FAQ and Helpful Links for lots more information and to make sure you are receiving notifications. You can also find all this information on the Seminole Safe<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femergency.fsu.edu%2Fservices%2Fseminolesafe-mobile-app&data=05%7C02%7CArt-instructors%40lists.fsu.edu%7C7924f0ad71ea4066d83608dcb3136f04%7Ca36450ebdb0642a78d1b026719f701e3%7C0%7C0%7C638582143246115006%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=AhgfCoJBjDGbAXXBk%2FJArmvENYAVTcq8tWhvIToWbbk%3D&reserved=0> app.

Most importantly - be safe! Also, please let me know if and how you are affected! We are pretty great at helping one another out, but only if we know.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out!

Jeff

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