Hurricane Preparedness – Are you Prepared?
In light of recent tornadoes throughout America’s heartland, Tropical Storm Andrea and the beginning of our Hurricane season, we wanted to provide you a guide to hurricane preparedness. Any storm can be dangerous, but the advantage of a hurricane over a tornado is the warning time. With scientific advancements, meteorologists can give tornado warnings 20 minutes before the storm hits, whereas a coming hurricane allows for up to 2 weeks of preparation. While the warning times are greater, a hurricane is still a potentially extremely dangerous situation where preparation is key to mitigating potential problems during & after a storm.
Knowing the difference between the National Weather Service watches and warnings is important in the timing of your preparation. A watch lets you know that weather conditions are favorable. It literally means “be on guard”, conditions are possible. Watches are typically issued 48 hours in advance. A warning requires immediate action. This means conditions are expected. Warnings are typically issued 36 hours in advance.
Now
- Review your plan
- Determine your (lee county evacuation route or collier county evacuation route) or preferred location/shelter if required to evacuate
- Keep your prescriptions full and up-to-date (include OTC meds)
- Pack a First Aid Kit, include sunscreen and insect repellant
- Purchase a car charger for your cell phone, if you don’t already own one
- Keep your vehicles fueled
- Download an app to your Smartphone that can notify people where you are
- Stock up on batteries for flashlights, radio, cell phone, etc.
- Buy food that will keep and store drinking water
- Buy plywood or other material to protect home
- Make an inventory list of personal property
- Take pictures of your home
- Trim trees and shrubbery
- Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts
- Decide how you will secure your boat or where you will need to move it to
- Review your insurance policy
- Determine arrangement options for pets should you need to evacuate
72 Hours Before the Storm
- Discuss your plans and options with family
- Closely monitor local TV, radio and online resources for the latest weather information
- Check food, water, batteries and other supplies
- Withdraw cash from bank
- Pay bills that are due soon
- If you plan to go to a hotel, make your reservations
- If you plan to go to a shelter, call to make sure they are open
- Fill your car’s fuel tank, check tire pressure and fluid levels
- Gather valuables to take with you or put them in a safe, waterproof location
48 Hours Before the Storm
– A watch has been issued
- Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting
- Lower the air conditioning temperature in your home
- Move patio furniture and other loose items indoors
- Closely monitor local TV, radio and online resources for the latest weather information
- Install storm shutters or protect windows with plywood
- Take down awnings and canopies
- Re-check car’s fuel level
- Re-check batteries and canned food supply
- Re-check drinking water supply (One gallon per person/day is recommended)
- Ensure you have extra cash on hand
- Ensure you have an adequate supply of prescription and OTC medications
24-36 Hours Before the Storm
-A warning has been issued
If you are staying in your home:
- Fill bath tub with water (for sanitary use…not drinking)
- Super chlorinate your swimming pool (do not drain it)
- Closely monitor local TV, radio and online resources for latest weather information
- Close storm shutters
- Close all interior doors and lock/secure all external doors
- Close blinds
- Stay away from windows and doors
- Unplug all unused appliances and electronics
If you are evacuating:
- Pack bags and car
- Turn off water/electricity
- Close storm shutters
- Close all interior doors and lock/secure all external doors
- Close blinds
- Notify friends/family of your evacuation plans
- Take pets with you
By being prepared, you can significantly reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. Hurricane season officially ends on November 30th.