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"Sandy" Edition
We were rushing to get our November issue to your inbox when the superstorm started heading our way.
Sandy became the story and your safety our theme. We tossed the stories and ads. We shamelessly copied the best material we could find and reproduce it here. We answer many of your generator questions. Special thanks to BOWA for their article on storm preparation. We apologize for any typos, omissions or broken links in the rush to get this to you. (We also had to do storm prep!)
This is serious. Extreme winds and rain are a serious threat. We urge you to stay safe and follow the advice of the authorities and others for this and future events.
-Editor
PS: See you on the other side of the storm. |
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EMERGENCY LINKS |
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Power Out?
Who you gonna call?
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1-866-DOM-HELP |
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more brands, more installers
GENERATOR GROUP BUY
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 Cummins Generac
Honeywell
Kohler
Siemens
STANDBY UNITS
PARTIAL OR WHOLE HOUSE
save $000's on installation
1, 5 year warranties
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$9987 20KW 2012 install*
(*SMALLER UNITS AVAILABLE;
QUANTITIES LIMITED)
ends soon; survey req'd
can't be home in the day?
no problem, surveys eves & weekends
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INQUIRE NOW
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reputable installers/servicers
.
2012 installation slots
still available
.
offers subject to change
limited quantities
.
___________________
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|
more brands, more installers
GENERATOR GROUP BUY
.
.
Cummins Generac
Honeywell
Kohler
Siemens
STANDBY UNITS
PARTIAL OR WHOLE HOUSE
save $000's on installation
parts & labor warranties
.
$9987 20KW* 2012 install
(*SMALLER UNITS AVAILABLE)
ends soon; survey req'd
can't be home in the day?
no prob, surveys 24/7
.
INQUIRE NOW
.
reputable installers/servicers
.
2012 installation slots
still available
.
offers subject to change
limited quantities
.
___________________
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CONTACT US
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Superstorm!
The 18th tropical cyclone, 18th named storm, and 10th hurricane of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season, Sandy developed from an elongated tropical wave in the western Caribbean Sea on October 22. It became a tropical depression, quickly strengthened, and was upgraded to a tropical storm six hours later. Sandy moved slowly northward toward the Greater Antilles and gradually strengthened.
On October 24, Sandy was upgraded to a hurricane, shortly before making landfall in Jamaica. Upon moving farther north, Sandy re-entered water and made its second landfall in Cuba during the early morning of October 25 as a Category 2 hurricane. During the late evening of October 25, Sandy weakened to Category 1 strength; in the early hours of October 26, it headed north through the Bahamas.[1] Sandy briefly weakened to a tropical storm in the early morning hours of October 27, then restrengthened to a Category 1 hurricane later that morning and remained that strength through the evening of October 28. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on October 28, Sandy surpassed Hurricane Igor (2010) to become the largest hurricane in Atlantic history, with a maximum gale-force wind diameter of 930 mi (1500 km).[2]
Shortly after midnight October 29, Sandy turned to the north. Just before 8:00 a.m., Sandy turned to the north-northwest and started to make its expected approach towards the U.S. coast." - wikipedia |
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SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
National Weather Service 10/29/12 8 AM
SUMMARY OF THREATS
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THE MAIN THREATS FOR SANDY WILL BE STRONG WINDS RESULTING IN
WIDESPREAD DOWNED TREES AND POWER/COMMUNICATIONS OUTAGES...AND HEAVY
RAINS WHICH WILL RESULT IN EXTENSIVE FLOODING OF LOCAL STREAMS AND
CREEKS. IN ADDITION...BLIZZARD CONDITIONS ARE FORECAST IN THE POTOMAC
HIGHLANDS AT ELEVATIONS ABOVE 2000 FEET.
HIGH WINDS
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* WINDS WILL INCREASE STEADILY TODAY...WITH THE MAXIMUM WIND GUSTS
OCCURRING LATE THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING.
GENERALLY...SUSTAINED WINDS OF 30 TO 50 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 60 MPH
CAN BE EXPECTED ACROSS THE ENTIRE AREA.
* NEAR HURRICANE FORCE WIND GUSTS OF 70 MPH ARE EXPECTED TO IMPACT
A REGION LOCATED BETWEEN BEL AIR MD...POINT LOOKOUT MD...AND
HAGERSTOWN MD. THIS INCLUDES THE GREATER BALTIMORE AND
WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREAS. A FEW HIGHER GUSTS ARE POSSIBLE.
* COUPLED WITH HEAVY RAINS FROM SANDY...THE HIGH WINDS WILL RESULT
IN SIGNIFICANT TREE DAMAGE AND POWER LINE DAMAGE.
RAINFALL AND FLOODING
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* 6 TO 10 INCHES OF RAIN IN NORTHEAST AND NORTH CENTRAL MD INCLUDING
THE BALTIMORE METRO AREA AND ALONG THE WEST SHORE OF THE BAY.
* 4 TO 8 INCHES OF RAIN IS EXPECTED ACROSS THE FREDERICK...
WASHINGTON AND FREDERICKSBURG METRO AREAS.
* 2 TO 6 INCHES OF RAIN IS EXPECTED FOR EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA AND
VIRGINIA...WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE DC METRO COUNTIES...AS WELL AS
WESTERN MARYLAND WEST OF HANCOCK MD.
* THIS AMOUNT OF RAIN WILL LIKELY RESULT IN EXTENSIVE AND DANGEROUS
FLOODING OF LOCAL STREAMS AND CREEKS STARTING THIS AFTERNOON AND
LASTING THROUGH TUESDAY.
COASTAL FLOODING
----------------
* WITH THE FULL MOON ON MONDAY...ASTRONOMICAL TIDES ARE ALREADY
HIGHER THAN NORMAL. COUNTER TO THE HIGHER THAN NORMAL
ASTRONOMICAL TIDES...STRONG NORTH AND NORTHWESTERLY WINDS
TODAY WILL CAUSE A BLOW-OUT TIDE ALONG THE WESTERN SHORE OF THE
CHESAPEAKE AND THE TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER TODAY. EAST FACING BEACHES
ALONG THE TIDAL POTOMAC WILL EXPERIENCE WIND-DRIVEN WAVES THAT
WILL GIVE THE APPEARANCE OF TIDAL FLOODING AND RESULT IN SIMILAR
IMPACTS.
* AS WINDS BECOME SOUTHWESTERLY TUESDAY...WATER WILL RETURN BACK
INTO THE BAY AND TIDAL POTOMAC AND BEGIN TO PILE UP IN THE BAY
NORTH OF POOLES ISLAND AND IN THE UPPER REACHES OF THE TIDAL
POTOMAC AND ALONG SOUTH FACING SHORES.
* THE HIGHEST TIDES FOR MOST WILL BE WITH THE HIGH TIDES TUESDAY.
SNOWFALL
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* IN THE POTOMAC HIGHLANDS ABOVE 2000 FEET HEAVY WET SNOW IS EXPECTED.
* THE COMBINATION OF STRONG WIND AND HEAVY WET SNOW WILL DOWN
TREE LIMBS AND POWER LINES. BLIZZARD CONDITIONS ARE FORECAST
WITH VISIBILITY NEAR ZERO IN PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW.
* THE HIGHEST ELEVATIONS OVER 3500 FEET ARE EXPECTED TO SEE 10 TO 20 INCHES
BETWEEN LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND WEDNESDAY MORNING. SOME ADDITIONAL
ACCUMULATION IS EXPECTED THROUGH FRIDAY.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* BE PREPARED FOR EXTENDED POWER AND COMMUNICATIONS OUTAGES.
* IF YOU LIVE NEAR LARGE TREES...REMAIN IN THE LOWER LEVEL OF YOUR
HOME OR SEEK SHELTER ELSEWHERE IF POSSIBLE AND RIDE SANDY OUT.
* REFRAIN FROM ANY UNNECESSARY TRAVEL.
* ENSURE LOOSE ITEMS ON YOUR PROPERTY ARE SECURED.
* IF POWER LINES ARE DOWN...STAY AWAY FROM THEM AND REPORT IT TO YOUR
LOCAL ELECTRICAL UTILITY COMPANY.
* IF YOU SHOULD HAVE EMERGENCY TRAVEL...IF YOU COME UPON FLOODED
ROADWAYS DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS SUBMERGED ROADWAYS. TURN AROUND
AND DONT DROWN.
* IF YOU USE A PORTABLE POWER GENERATOR...PLEASE FOLLOW
MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS AND ENSURE THAT IT IS PROPERLY
VENTILATED.
* DO NOT USE CHARCOAL GRILLS IN ENCLOSED AREAS.
* MARINERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THERE IS ENOUGH SLACK LINE IN THEIR
BOAT`S MOORINGS TO ACCEPT A BLOW OUT TIDE TODAY AND HIGH TIDES
TUESDAY.
* PERIODICALLY CHECK ON YOUR ELDERLY NEIGHBORS AND FAMILY MEMBERS
TO ENSURE THEY ARE SAFE.
FOR ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONARY AND PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION...
PLEASE REFER TO THE DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS RELATIVE TO YOUR
LOCATION AS FURTHER DESCRIBED BY YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE OFFICE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE. |
County Emergency Hotline Active
The Fairfax County Emergency Information Hotline has been activated and is available for residents to call for information about the storm. The number is 571-350-1300, TTY 711.
For an emergency, call 9-1-1.
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Prepared for Sandy?
(From the experts at BOWA Builders.)
"With Hurricane Sandy predicted to move up the eastern seaboard .. now is a great time for a quick refresher on preparing your home and family for whatever the storm may bring. A few simple preventative steps, outlined below, may help you to avoid costly repairs once the storms have passed.
Clear away debris and dead branches
Large branches or fallen trees can easily be tossed about by high winds during a storm. If you have trees near your home, be sure to trim any dead or dying branches, or at least ask your landscaper to do so at your next service visit.
Make sure gutters are kept clean
Before the storm arrives, remove any leaves, pine needles, branches, or other debris from the gutter system. Also, perform a visual check to be sure there are no damaged areas. Clogged, leaky, or broken gutters can fail to properly drain water from your house, which may cause flooding and property damage.
Make sure areaway and storm drains are clear
If your basement has an areaway staircase, be sure to clear the drain at the bottom of leaves, dirt and other debris. Do the same for other storm drains located on or near your property. Failure to do so could lead to excess water backing up onto your property or into your home if the drains are clogged.
Plug expensive household items into surge protectors
Or unplug them entirely. Stereos, televisions, fitness equipment and computers should be either unplugged before the storm begins, or plugged into surge protectors. This may help to prevent damage to these items if lightning strikes.
Remove outdoor furniture/potted plants
Move any unsecured items, such as patio furniture or potted plants, inside to keep them safe from driving rains or severe winds. Sinking furniture inside a pool is not recommended - the chlorine in the pool water may stain or rust expensive items, and this may also damage the bottom of the pool.
Learn how to safely operate your generator
All generators are not the same, so be sure to read the manufacturer's instruction manual that came with your generator to ensure proper operation.
* Before the storm, test your your generator by turning it on to be sure that it is working properly. Also, make sure that you have a sufficient fuel supply to keep the generator running once it is needed.
* Use the generator in an well-ventilated, outside area. Generators emit carbon monoxide, which can build up in an unventilated area and be hazardous to your family.
* Plug appliances into the generator using heavy-duty extension cords that are well-maintained and not frayed or worn. Using incorrect or damaged extension cords could pose a fire hazard.
* Use the generator only when necessary, and be sure not to overload it. Constantly running the generator or plugging too many items into it could create a fire hazard.
* Turn the generator off and allow it to cool before refueling. Pouring fuel into a hot generator may cause an explosion or fire.
Prepare your pool
A few simple steps will help prevent significant damage to your pool.
* Do not drain all of the water from the pool. An empty pool is subject to "floating" or "popping" out of the ground due to "lift pressure," which is caused by excessive ground water during heavy rains. Also, the water in your pool will act as a shield to protect the finish from damage. Instead, only drain your pool water by one to two feet to allow for the accumulation of rainwater.
* Turn off the power to any pool equipment (pump, motor, lights) that may be on.
* Remove any loose pool items (filter housing tops, etc.). These can easily be taken away by strong winds.
* Add extra chlorine to the pool. This will help to prevent contamination from any debris and storm water that enters the pool.
These few simple steps, may help you and your home escape the upcoming tough weather unharmed!
Contributed by BOWA.
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Generator FAQs
Generator Anyone?
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Winter approaches and it's traditionally been the time when most outages occur and residents consider generators. Here then are the most frequently asked questions and answers.
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Do I really need a generator?
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Are you and your family willing to tough it out? If you answer yes, then you don't need one. Note the area has experienced more severe weather changes than years past. As a result outages last year were more frequent and lasted longer than years past. If you answer no, read on.
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Q: How big a unit do I need?
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 The answer to this one is will you be home to turn on the backup power unit yourself? If you answer yes, you need then ask what will I power? If its just a few lamps or small household appliances you should consider a portable unit. .
 Consider a fixed standby if you are not going to be home or if you want to power more than a few items. These must be permanently installed and maintained by licensed professionals. .
Q: How much will it cost?
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Equipment costs have been coming down. Portable setups cost anywhere from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars and you can research and order them online or at a Home Depot. For portable setups you should also buy a few extension cords and plastic gas containers.
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Online calculators that size the KW of power you need to provide. Once you know your KW you can price a unit but must also add in the cost of a matching switch. There are several brands available and prices vary widely. To protect the entire house will cost upwards of 25 thousand. Smaller houses and "partial" coverage of a large house start at 9 thousand and higher.
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Q: Why does it cost so much to install?
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Fixed standby units can ultimately end up costing much more than what you can calculate online due to the layout of your home and what the licensed professionals must get done to get your home generator ready. Keep in mind Fairfax requires building permits and for these type installs and an independent inspection to certify code requirements are met.
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Next Month
Weather permitting :)
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