A reality of living in Florida is the possibility of hurricanes. Mention hurricane to a long-term Florida resident, including those living in Central Florida, and they will all have a story to tell. Most recently, Hurricane Irma came to town and wreaked havoc on our neighborhoods.
The 2018 hurricane season in Florida officially begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30. The Climate Prediction Center is predicting an above-average hurricane season in the Atlantic. Exactly how that will affect us is anybody’s guess. Many of us experienced the unpredictability of a hurricane with Irma as she bobbed and weaved toward Orlando.
As is usually the case, the best offense is a good defense. Planning and preparation are critical.
Plan:
Where will members of your family be safest when the hurricane is expected to arrive? Many people choose to button up their homes and head out to safer parts. Keep in mind if you choose this route, it is critical you prepare your home in the same manner as if you were going to stay home. All outdoor furniture, trash cans, planters and décor must be brought into your home/garage. Anything loose left outside is a potential projectile. The earlier you make this decision, the better since the roads will quickly become congested and gasoline will become scarce. Be sure to bring food, water, medication and important family documents with you. Plan your route and know which roads are designated. Let a trusted neighbor know your plans and share phone numbers.
If you choose to stay home, make sure there is enough food, water and medication for all family members and pets for a minimum of a two-week period. Make sure all family members know any expectations and are prepared to go to the designated emergency space/room with minimum notice. Often, tornadoes will pop up and wreak havoc on neighborhoods during/after a hurricane. Visit www.redcross.org for more hurricane emergency planning ideas. NOTE: If authorities issue a mandatory evacuation, comply as directed. Every family member, including pets, should have a “bug out” bag ready.
Make sure you know how local authorities will keep you updated in your specific area. The NextDoor App is a popular tool. Most counties in Florida have automated communication methods so that you can sign-up to receive emails and/or texts informing you about emergency information, including location of shelters in your area and which accept pets. Any neighborhood Facebook pages can be extremely useful.
Also, share your plan with your extended family members. We think sometimes they worry more than we do, so be sure and keep them abreast of your plan and status.
Prepare:
Take time during the month of May and early June to make an emergency kit. If you have one, be sure and check it to make sure it has everything you might need. Do you have food and water supplies for your family (check expiration dates)? Check flashlights and other portable lighting to make sure they are readily handy with fresh batteries (and extra batteries of the correct size). An emergency solar powered/crank/wind-up NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio is an extremely valuable item to have in your hurricane emergency kit. Portable power phone chargers are great to have if you lose power. Be sure these are fully charged and stay fully charged throughout hurricane season. A first-aid kit should be part of your emergency kit. Include some board games, cards, dominoes and books/magazines to pass the time.
Florida residents enjoy a “Tax Free Weekend” every year on certain products for emergency preparedness. In 2018, “Tax Free Weekend” starts at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 1, and ends at 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 3. It is important to note businesses cannot deviate from this timeline. In previous years, items that qualified included batteries, portable generators, tarps, fuel containers, portable self-powered light sources, and reusable ice packs. Note: There are limitations to the cost of these products and number of products an individual can buy at one time, so be sure to read the small print. You can get more details and updates at www.freetaxweekend.com.
Educate yourself on the different watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service. These watches and warnings are to help you plan your strategy and will give you time to prepare. Visit www.nhc.noaa.gov for detailed definitions (go to the bottom of the page and click on “Watches and Warnings” under “HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS”). Please take all watches and warnings seriously.
A “last-minute” hurricane prep list is useful. Here is one example (create one that works for your situation):
- Sandbag at base of exterior doors
- Close garage doors using emergency cord and lock on both sides
- Shut all blinds
- Keep all interior doors shut
- Unplug all unnecessary electrical devices
- Fill bathtubs with water
- Empty ice maker and turn off
- Put one phone charger in emergency space/room with emergency kit
- Everyone puts a pair of shoes and their bag in the emergency space/room
- Put important family documents in a waterproof package and place in emergency space/room
There are many resources available to residents during a hurricane. Do your research before hurricane season begins, develop a plan to keep you and your family safe, prepare a fully stocked emergency kit, and create lists to help you through a potentially stressful situation.
Stay safe, Orlando!
Laureate Park Neighborhood Watch Area Coordinators
Larry Albert
Mary Lee Fenton
Gene Thatcher
Linda Thierry