South Florida

Hurricane Hacks: Viral Facebook Post Shows South Florida Ingenuity

When faced with a hurricane, some people invest in impact windows, shutters and other standard supplies to protect from fierce winds and rain. But in South Florida, some residents took a more innovative approach.

From using plywood to nail mattresses onto sliding glass doors to boarding up windows with patio furniture, the ingenuity of South Floridians ahead of Hurricane Irma was endless. A Facebook post showing images of the various “hurricane hacks” went viral, garnering more than 30,000 shares on the social media website.

Most of the photos were taken in Hialeah, the post said, but others were shared from different locations.

“If you’ve never been to Hialeah, brace yourself for these pictures,” the post read. “This should be a Discovery documentary.”

Susan Antunez, who curated the viral post, was born and raised in Hialeah. She said the images were meant to lighten the lives of her fellow South Florida friends.

“Never thought it would go viral,” she wrote. “Hope you enjoy a good laugh and learn a few life saving tips.”

Across South Florida, people shielded their homes and cars from Hurricane Irma by parking in strategic ways and using straps to hold down their roofs. Comments on the Facebook post call the quick-witted thinking “resourceful” and “genius.”

While the Facebook post was intended to be lighthearted and fun, Antunez took a more serious and heartfelt tone at the end, encouraging Floridians to donate to hurricane victims.

“We dodged a great bullet,” she said. “Sadly, our neighbors in the Keys were not as fortunate. Please find it in your heart to make a donation to the American Red Cross to help victims of Harvey and Irma.”

Check out the complete post below:

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