Hurricane coming - opinions welcome for preps

[Grannys Backyard Chicks]

Ok, I'm trying not to lose it - there's so much to do. I ran to the grocery store this morning and didn't have time to wait in the gas lines so there's still that to do - as I'm expecting to lose power. The last hurricane we were without power for 6 days in triple digit heat, as it is now, heat index is 99 right now.

The feed bag in the crate is a good idea. I'm going to spend the afternoon measuring spaces and moving furniture around to set up the dog pen. Geezo pete! We need a bigger house!!

Take a few big breaths and relax.

I moved to Florida several years ago and understand your anxiety. Take a minute to prioritize. I plan on where my animals will be and get everything ready. Don't move them until I have to.

 

[FunClucks]

It's loud under the tarp in a normal rain, I've sat out there with them and since it's under trees, it's doubly loud. I can only imagine the volume inside that small coop with the wind and the rain. It would be super stressful. Grateful you all talked me into bringing them in the house. We can all be freaked out together - animals and people alike. I can't stand these storms, they stress me out. I am not a native.
Let's all hope the power grid holds or that just elevates the stress level. Years ago in a storm, we lost all food in the freezer and fridge and went hungry for about four days. I've learned to have extra bread, peanut butter and canned ravioli on hand.

I keep a tarp over my run year-round, and sure it flaps loudly in weather. But the chickens get used to it. I've been out in the run during storms, and they aren't bothered at all. Seems loud to us, and all flappy, but once they accept it as part of their environment it's not a big deal. Just so you know.

 

[DragonflyAcres]

Hang in there! I'm more at risk for flooding than for high winds where I am, but I'm definitely worried I'm going to look out the window and see my girls swimming away.... They are going in the garage if it gets bad!

 

[Bawkbok]

Well, I just saw where the storm is 449 miles from north to south and 401 miles wide from west to east. She's massive. It's not even in the gulf yet. We should be able to leave our girls coop tonight and pluck them off just after roosting to bring them in. Not taking any chances on them blowing away or a tree falling on them. I would plan for the worst Dragonfly Acres. Better safe than sorry. Especially if you flood easily. Our yard does also and I don't want to slosh around in the wind and rain in puddles of water so they'll just have to 'suffer' inside for two nights. If you have any electrical cords strewn across the yard as we do, pick them up and bring them in so you don't accidentally set your house on fire.

 

[DragonflyAcres]

Well, I just saw where the storm is 449 miles from north to south and 401 miles wide from west to east. She's massive. It's not even in the gulf yet. We should be able to leave our girls coop tonight and pluck them off just after roosting to bring them in. Not taking any chances on them blowing away or a tree falling on them. I would plan for the worst Dragonfly Acres. Better safe than sorry. Especially if you flood easily. Our yard does also and I don't want to slosh around in the wind and rain in puddles of water so they'll just have to 'suffer' inside for two nights. If you have any electrical cords strewn across the yard as we do, pick them up and bring them in so you don't accidentally set your house on fire.

Thankfully our property doesn't flood easily. We're near the Appalachian foothills, not in Florida. Supposed to be bad here too, but I'm wondering if it will all come to nothing. However, I got everything ready and prepared today!

 

[SourRoses]

I'm wondering if it will all come to nothing.

Not this one. I was hoping...
Interior states are looking at a lot of rain, as it will probably stall out as others have done.

 

[DragonflyAcres]

Not this one. I was hoping...
Interior states are looking at a lot of rain, as it will probably stall out as others have done.

Yeah, it usually is a giant nothingburger where I am, no matter how much they hype it up, but I'm taking the warnings seriously, and have gotten everything ready. We will see!

 

[Folly's place]

All the best for all of you dealing with this storm!
Mary

 

[Bawkbok]

Just brought our girls in. We had a break in the light rain after they cooped. Took them a minute to orient themselves, then lights out. All quiet. Heck, they should sleep better in the cool quiet of the A/C. I feel better having them in the house. I worry about a tree falling on them and crushing the coop. The trees down here suck. The Laurel oaks soak up water, limbs break off and they fall easily. Two days ago we watched a huge limb break off a tree across the street. Oh to be back among the cedars, pines, mighty oaks, hickory, ash, maples and elms.

 

[SourRoses]

Oh to be back among the cedars, pines, mighty oaks, hickory, ash, maples and elms.

I know exactly what you're talking about!
We're surrounded by Live Oak trees, they are my absolute favorite (and the reason we moved to this part of FL).
The wide graceful canopies are matched to the layout of their root system.
Combined with the strength of the wood, that makes them tough against storms.
They used to use them to make ships, including the famous "Old Ironsides" which cannonballs tended to just bounce right off of.
Up north a bit in FL there's a town named "Live Oak". Some absolute ninnies decided to remove the Oaks from their main streets, when people complained they planted some small other Oaks... and then they were hit with a storm (I think it was a tornado). The new trees did a ton of damage as they were ripped out.