Hurricane Preparedness

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.

*Hurricane Preparedness Checklist*

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.