Preparing for Hurricane Ike!

Preparing for Hurricane Ike!

Living on the Gulf Coast certainly has its challenges -- mosquitoes and fire ants, torrential rains and humidity levels equal to the temperature -- but the most recent and devastating feature has been the landfall of so many hurricanes. We always knew to have a few days of water and food on hand before hurricane season started, to move lawn furniture and potted plants inside as the hurricane approached, and to have battery-powered radios so we’d stay informed even after the power went out. But this year’s experience with hurricane Ike gave us a whole new appreciation for other ways to prepare.

We consciously took action far in advance of the hurricane season with tree maintenance. Last year and this one, two of our mature trees died. We made sure these trees were completely removed from the yard so the limbs didn’t break off and become projectiles in 100+ mph winds. On the dead tree near the house whose limbs were still strong, we didn’t want the entire tree uprooted and crashing into the roof (like my parents’ neighbors experienced, below).

Tree removal crews and roofing personnel are at a premium after a storm – if you can find them. And as we learned from tropical storm Faye, there’s interior damage to walls and floors from rain, the paperwork required to file an insurance claim, the cost of the deductible…and the angst of never receiving what it costs in time, inconvenience, and money to deal with scarce contractors. So even though taking out dead trees cost us more than $2,000 over two years, we decided to make the investment.

An unintentional preparation came from being a foodie family. We’re always transporting ingredients or dishes from one house to another, and so we keep a supply of ice blocks in the freezer. These come in the form of water bottles and screw-top milk bottles almost filled with water (to allow for expansion as the water freezes). While they did take up a lot of space in the freezer, we were grateful nothing spoiled during the four-day period it took to secure ice. The refrigerator became our “cooler” and bottles were moved from the freezer compartment to the refrigerator section as the ice melted. We left the bottles in the refrigerator as long as they were still cool to the touch to make sure we got every possible benefit. The great thing about ice bottles is that the water is contained even when the ice melts. That doesn’t seem like a big deal until you start using bag ice and water is everywhere!

We refreshed our scouting skills by cooking eggs and pancakes in the iron skillet on the charcoal grill. Removing massive amounts of yard debris then became the next priority. Small limbs, twigs and leaves were littered on every square inch of driveway and lawn.

We used our tool BigSlider for gathering up the small stuff since the city wouldn’t pick up anything in lawn bags. BigSlider saved us trips to the curb and helped our backs. Other friends had just moved in to a new house and hadn’t expected to lose one of the large trees in their backyard. They used their BigSlider for tree removal when they couldn’t lift the larger limbs or budge the massive stump.

Thankfully, we had no roof damage or rising water. Our possessions were not looted. Our house was not washed away in the storm surge. Most importantly all our family members and pets are safe and accounted for. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of 300 people still missing three weeks after Ike. -- Jeri

Hurricane Ike Cleanup,: Moving Big Stump

"After hurricane Ike I needed to cut up and haul away a huge tree that fell down in a buddy of mine's yard. I grew up on a ranch, and I don't like to mess around when it comes to getting big jobs finished. I always pick the easiest, most efficient way to get things done in the shortest amount of time possible. We started moving the smaller limbs by dragging them, and we moved some of the medium sized logs with a wheelbarrow. As we got to the base, the logs were getting dangerous for me and my buddy to try and lift and would probably have broken the wheelbarrow even if we could have. Also, the area we were working in was a little muddy and the wheelbarrow was getting bogged down.

"I rolled two of the larger logs to the pile by just pushing them along the ground. The logs had barbs sticking out and weren't cylindrical, so they were hard to push and wouldn't roll straight. After rolling two logs I started searching for an easier way. That's when I grabbed Big Slider, not just because we had it in the truck, but because it was the most efficient tool to get the job done and my back was just about wore out from rolling logs like an idiot. We tore one hole in it about the size of a quarter by pulling one of the bigger logs over a brick, but the Big Slider kept working just fine despite our abuse.

"I'm sending pictures of the final effort. Here's my brother and my buddy moving the stump which I think weighed around 1000 lbs, this was the last and biggest log. Bigslider worked fine until we hooked the stump up to the pickup truck (we were feeling lazy). The handle finally gave out. Next time I pull something that heavy I think I can do it a little smarter and pull it from the tail. [Thread the rope through the extension handle, then thread the rope through the tail holes. JM]

"At first I was not sure what to do with the Big Slider, but now I'm really impressed with it because it worked where nothing else would. There were only two ways we could have moved those logs, a tractor which would have tore up the yard, or the Big Slider. I'm glad I chose Big Slider. It's a great tool. Thanks for your amazing product." -- MB, TX

For more examples of using BigSlider™ for hurricane damage cleanup, visit our website. Also note that, while this article describes cleanup from Hurricane Ike, Hurricane Gustav recently hit Louisiana and Mississippi leaving extensive damage and debris that is still being removed. Even Hurricane Katrina that devastated New Orleans years ago has left widespread storm damage littering the streets of the city.

Hurricane Ike Cleanup

"After Ike, tons of shredded leaves and twigs littered my parents' driveway. We swept them together and shoved them on to BIGSLIDER™ to haul to the curb. Here's my 82-year-old mom easily moving the load. BIGSLIDER™ works great on concrete!" -- Jeri

Evacuating Hurricane Ike

After offering the BIGSLIDER™ hurricane Gustav relief effort discount a few weeks ago, we had our own mandatory evacuation from hurricane Ike. BIGSLIDER™ came in handy for us and our friends to move wood piles and heavy potted plants away from the house or into the garage. 

Now we've evacuated to Houston, watching the slow-train-wreck of a storm surge approaching the Texas Gulf Coast -- who's ever seen waves breaking over the Galveston sea wall? 

If we continue to have a telephone land line and/or cell phone signal, we'll receive your orders and can ship BIGSLIDER™ to TX, LA and Mississipi residents, as well as to emergency, relief, and recovery crews as needed for debris removal in those states. I will respond to all order so you will know yours has been received.

Our thoughts and prayers for safety are with the other evacuees and the emergency response teams. 

Best,

Jeri

Escaping Hurricane Gustav!

"This is the Cajun Contractor here, America’s favorite Home Expert. After I evacuated me and my family out of New Orleans because of hurricane Gustav, we ended up in a hotel that lost power. The elevators weren't working because the hotel didn't have backup generators, and we couldn't get our dolly up to our fourth floor rooms to check out. Thankfully BIGSLIDER™ was in the car. With only flashlights to see by, we loaded all our boxes, computers, and luggage and moved everything 60 rooms across the hotel to the dark stairwell. BIGSLIDER™ made it easy, and it sure worked a lot better than using a sheet!"
-- Michael King, The Cajun Contractor, Radio Host of HomeTalkUSA

Note: Residents of Louisiana and Mississippi can purchase BIGSLIDER™ Professional for the month of September at a savings of $20.00. For more information, see our Hurricane Gustav Disaster Relief offer.