Flying Objects Not Green In a Hurricane

Tropical Storm Fay is heading our way expected to churn past here in the early morning hours Tuesday as a hurricane. I confess, we’re not as ready as we should be, but this time we have the parts and pieces to finalize the plan. Two thirds of the storm panels are in place over windows and French doors. There will always be a mad dash to gather up anything in the surrounding yard that could become airborne and penetrate the house. (Did I tell you about the flying kayak that landed on the porch?)

A quick solution to putting away patio furniture - - many Floridians toss their lightweight patio furniture into the swimming pool when there’s no more room in the house or garage. Not only do they stay put during the storm, they come out cleaner looking. Filling the outdoor garbage cans and recycling bins with water keeps those items from taking flight. The potted palm trees at the front door will be turned on their sides. Smaller pots must come inside lest they become airborne and wreak havoc hitting someone’s car or unprotected window.

Disaster mitigation is an element of green building. While personal safety and home preservation is the first goal, there is also the rationale of preventing tons of damaged home debris from ending in landfills. Building durability into a house also promotes the conservation of natural resources that would otherwise be needed to replace damaged homes.

It feels strange - - yesterday morning I was in Nebraska reading that T. Boone Pickens is coming to Lincoln this Wednesday to share his wind power vision. I would have liked to hear him. If only we could do something productive with this windy Faye.