Storms can cause financial damage before landfall

Hurricanes can cause a lot of damage, but preparing for one can put a dent in your checkbook.

Buying items needed in a typical hurricane kit can cost hundreds of dollars, and if you want to board up your windows or have power through a generator, the cost increases even more.

However, often items that aren’t used can be saved for the next season.

Paul Allen moved to eastern North Carolina five years ago from Arcadia, Ohio.

“My wife and I bought everything the first year we were here,” he said recently while in Lowe’s in New Bern. “We hope we don’t have to use any of the items.”

Many area hardware stores have lists of items for hurricane preparedness. And, Lowe’s store manager Nick Hewette said, employees that can help answer questions.

A typical hurricane kit includes items such as bottled water, nonperishable food and first-aid kit. The rule of thumb is to have enough supplies to last at least three days — and up to seven — for each person, so the cost varies depending on how much food and water you buy.

While a gallon of bottled water can cost as little as 69 cents, supplies generally run low in advance of a storm. A loaf of bread will run $1 to $2, depending on the brand, but again, supplies run low in advance of a storm.

The cost for just food and water alone for three days can run up to $10 to $15 per person. That doesn’t include items such as blankets, batteries, hygiene supplies or even items such as bug repellent.

Here are other storm-prep items and the list price at Lowe’s in New Bern.

Flashlights come in many sizes. A heavy duty regular flashlight starts at $16.98. A rather large and durable battery lantern goes for $26.97.

A battery-powered NOAA weather radio costs $49.97.

Sandbags. Lowe’ sells the bags for the individual to fill and also the sand. A 50-pound bag costs $5.07.

Chain saws may be needed after the storm to clear debris. The cost varies by size and brand, but Lowe’s has a saw for as little as $99.

Remember axes, rakes, and tarp may also be needed for cleanup. The tool prices generally run between $10 and $15. Tarp at 5-by-8 feet goes for $20 to $30, while 6-by-12 foot sections sell for $40 to $70.

Francine Sawyer can be reached at (252) 635-5671 or at fsawyer@freedomenc.com.

Generators. A spokesman at Lowe’s said the Troy Built 5,500 watts generator is a popular band. It sells for $699. The cost of other generators varies by brand and size.

Oriented Strand Board is becoming a popular alternative to plywood. It is a performance-rated structural panel engineered for uniformity, strength, versatility, and workability, according to Lowe’s, and building codes recognize it for the same uses as plywood. A 4-by-8 feet sheet is $5.98. A box of 1 1/2-inch screws to attach the boards costs $4.81.

A portable 7-volt cooler to hold some food items or medications such as insulin starts at $59.

Words of wisdom

Members of the Onslow County Emergency Services are available to talk to civic groups about hurricane preparedness.

“We talked to 3,783 people last year,” Onslow County Director of Emergency Services and Homeland Security Mark Goodman said.

To schedule an information session with the Onslow County Emergency Management, call (910) 347-4270.