As reports of hurricane Rita continue, my wife and I have decided to ride out the storm along with our two teenage sons and twenty-one year old daughter. I have lived most of my life in Houston and experienced other hurricanes so the decision is based on good information and experience. My wife and stepchildren are from Iowa and have been in tornadoes.
We live in West Houston. The area were our house is located is not known to flood. In addition it is near the center of a subdivision and surrounded by houses and trees to buffer us from winds. My biggest concern is our glass atrium which has a glass roof. The atrium was added to the house in 2001. When we had the atrium built we took into account storms especially hurricanes. The glass atrium is made out of double pane hurricane glass so unless it is hit with something very heavy and with a lot of force behind it, the glass should be fine. Even then it should only crack and not break out.
To prepare for the storm we have take or will be taking the following actions:
- Move our convertible into the garage.
- Top off the SUV with gas, empty it out and get it ready just in case.
- Move books, carpets and artwork out of the atrium into another part of the house.
- Pack some emergency bags.
- Put important documents like Social Security cards, passports, deed of trust, insurance, and contact numbers in water tight folder.
- Police and continue to police the area for trash and debris. Also pulled our outdoor furniture and chimes into the house.
- Check the fence for loose boards.
- Open all the windows a crack. This may seem counter-intuitive put with the glass atrium we need to keep the house pressure equalized with the outside otherwise the atrium could implode. We also will be leaving all our interior doors open.
- Get books in case we lose power.
- Get additional cash to have on hand.
- We will be charging up cell phones. We will also be checking to make sure the car charges for them work.
- Check to make sure the flashlights work and put them along with extra batteries in a safe central location.
- Clean the bathrooms and tubs including thoroughly rinsing out and drying the tubs. Right before the storm hits will fill them with water along with a lot of additional containers.
- Get additional containers for hold water in case of leaks. Also setup a leak supply area including towels and mop.
- We have already gotten supplies to get through the storm. If the city becomes incapacitated for the long term then we will evacuate to our apartment in Plano. Hopefully that will not become necessary.
As we prepare the day is sunny and hot like any other day, the true definition of the calm before the storm.
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