HURRICANE PROTECTION

Hurricane Preparation

GETTING READY FOR A HURRICANE

INTRODUCTION
This guide is a compilation of the best advice from experts such as the National Hurricane Center, American Red Cross and Emergency Management Offices. 
Experts believe the best way to cope with a hurricane is to prepare a plan in advance. In addition, you must be able to separate myths from facts.

WHAT IS A HURRICANE
A hurricane is a type of tropical storm with strong winds circulating around an extreme low-pressure area. When wind speed reaches 74 miles per hour, the storm is officially classified as a HURRICANE.
A hurricane's spiraling wind and rain bands can extend hundreds of miles from its eye. As the storm approaches land, tornadoes may form around its outer edges.
The most dangerous part of a hurricane is the storm surge, the large dome of water that floods the coast as the storm makes landfall. This surge is the greatest threat to life. Even if the storm strikes at low tide, the water level might reach as high as 20 feet at the shoreline. Flooding is also caused by heavy rains as the hurricane moves inland.
Most hurricanes start in the tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Although "hurricane season" runs from June 1st to November 30th, most hurricanes strike I August, September and October.

HURRICANE-RELATED TERMS

TROPICAL DISTURBANCE: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms without a defined circulation.

TROPICAL STORM: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph.

HURRICANE WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in 24-36 hours. You should complete all hurricane preparations. Follow evacuation instructions from local officials. Leave immediately after an evacuation notice is issued to avoid delays.

HURRICANE WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible within 36-48 hours. You should begin preliminary preparations to protect life and property. Stay tuned to radio and TV for weather updates. 

SAFFIR/SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE
The severity of hurricanes is rated using the Saffir/Simpson scale. This scale assigns a storm to one of five categories based on its wind speed. Category one is a minimal hurricane and category five is the strongest. Using this scale helps estimate the potential property damage and expected coastal flooding from a hurricane. 





PRE-HURRICANE PLANNING 
Before hurricane season begins, experts agree that one of the best things to do is prepare a family hurricane plan - an outline that specifies what every member of the family will do before, during and after a hurricane.
Some general guidelines for preparing your family hurricane plan are: 
• Find out if you live in an evacuation zone. 
• Call your local emergency information center. 
• Decide in advance where your family will stay during a hurricane - at home, a friend's home, a shelter or a hotel. Pick a back-up location in case there is a problem with your first choice. Make sure everyone knows the location, address and phone number. 
• Ask an out-of-town relative or friend to be your emergency contact, and make sure everyone knows that person's phone number. Tell your contact person where you will be during the hurricane. 
• Make arrangements for those with special needs. 
• Talk to your employer about whether you will have to work in the event of a hurricane. If so, decide who will pick up the children from school. 
• Practice and review your plan. 
A hurricane supply kit should be put together long before a hurricane threatens your area. 
The following are procedures that should be followed for Y2K-related emergencies:

HURRICANE SUPPLY KIT CHECKLIST
Have a TWO WEEKS supply of each item for each person in your home. 

WATER
• Seven gallons of water per person (1/2 gallon for drinking and 2 gallon for bathing, tooth brushing, etc.). 
• Store water in clean, plastic containers. 

FOOD
Purchase foods that require no refrigeration and little preparation such as:
• Ready-to-eat canned food 
• Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water) 
• Soft drinks, instant coffee and tea. 
• Lots of ice (You can freeze your water supply.) 

BABY
• Formula, bottles, powdered milk, jarred baby foods 
• Diapers, moist towelettes and special medications 

PETS
• Newspapers or cat litter for your pet's sanitary needs 
• Moist canned foods in order to preserve water 
• Plastic sheets to cover the floor of pet's room 

MEDICINE 
• First aid kit, rubbing alcohol 
• Aspirin, non-aspirin pain reliever and antacid 
• Extra prescription medication (especially for those with heart problems and diabetics) 
• Ask your physician or pharmacist how to store prescription medication. 

PERSONAL ITEMS
• Toilet paper, towels, soap, shampoo 
• Personal and feminine hygiene products 
• Denture needs, contact lenses and an extra pair of eye glasses 
• Sun protection, insect repellent 

OTHER SUPPLIES
• Battery-operated radio, flashlights, non-electric can opener, extra batteries 
• Charcoal, waterproof matches, extra propane for gas grills (Use grills outside only.)** 
• ABC-rated fire extinguisher in a small canister 
• Portable cooler 
• Plenty of absorbent towels, plastic trash bags 
• Wind-up or battery-operated clock 
• Tarp or sheet plastic, duct tape, hammer and nails (for temporary roof repairs) 
• Cleaning supplies such as chlorine bleach 
• Aluminum foil, paper napkins and plates, plastic cups. 
• Can of spray paint (can be used to identify your home for insurance adjusters in case it's damaged)**
• ** These items can cause fires and shouldn't be stored inside the house. 
CLOTHING/BEDDING
• At least one change of clothing per person, sturdy shoes, hat and work gloves 
• Blankets and pillows or sleeping bags 

YOUR HOME 
Complete this checklist before hurricane season:
• Learn the elevation of your area and find out if you're in an evacuation zone. 
• Make a list of loose items outside your home that should be put inside or tied down such as garbage cans, plants, etc. Don't forget the TV antenna. Urge neighbors to do the same. 
• Trim trees and bushes before hurricane season. Excess limbs can break windows and damage roofs. 
• Install hurricane shutters that meet building code requirements. 
• Inspect the roof for loose tiles or shingles and debris. 
• The main electric breaker, water valve and gas valve may need to be shut off. Know their locations. 
• Photograph or videotape your home and personal property. 

MOBILE HOMES
A mobile home is vulnerable to wind and water damage during a hurricane. Although you must leave your mobile home before a storm, you can plan ahead to minimize property damage.
• Check with the county zoning office to ensure that the mobile home is installed to code. 
• Check mobile home tie-downs for rust or breakage. 
• Consider an inspection by local building officials. 
• Know where to evacuate to. 

APARTMENTS/CONDOS
Residents of high-rise buildings should be aware that winds are stronger at higher elevations. 
• If you live on a high floor, and your building is outside the evacuation zone, you should relocate to the third floor or below. 
• Condo owners should get hurricane shutters for all sliding glass doors and windows. 
• Renters you are responsible for securing your area. Follow home-safety hurricane procedures, such as installing shutters. 
• Buy renters or condo insurance for all personal property. 
• Make sure the condo association has adequate insurance. 
• Appoint floor captains to check on residents with special needs before and after a storm. 
• Know the route to the nearest stairs. (Elevators may not work during and after a storm.) 

EVACUATION PLANNING
It's important to plan an evacuation route before the storm hits. Only people in evacuation areas and/or vulnerable structures should evacuate, so as not to clog major highways. 
• Decide where you'll stay and what route you'll take. It's best to stay at a protected dwelling inland within your county. 
• If you live alone, consider "teaming-up" with a neighbor to work out an evacuation plan. 
• If you must go to a shelter, stay tuned to the radio or TV for shelter information. Shelter locations may change. 
• If someone in your home requires special attention or medical care, contact your County's "Special Needs Centers". Call your emergency management office for instructions. 

SHELTER SUPPLY KIT
Supply kit items should be stored in easy to carry containers, such as a backpack or duffle bag. The following items are recommended by American Red Cross.
• Bottled water and packaged food 
• Non-electric can opener and battery powered radio 
• Change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes 
• Blankets and pillows 
• First aid kit, prescription medicine, and toiletries 
• Cards, games and books
• Eyeglasses 
• One flashlight per person, extra batteries 
• Credit cards, cash and identification 
• Extra set of car keys and a list of family physicians 
• Special items for kids include: baby supplies, games and toys, favorite food, coloring books and crayons. 

PETS
Check with your veterinarian about whether you need to take any special precautions especially with an exotic or sick pet.
• Shelters do not accept pets. If you're going to board your pet, make arrangements immediately with local kennels. 
• Call your veterinarian or the Humane Society for a list of kennels. 
• Pets should have collars with current identification and rabies tags. All yearly vaccinations should be administered. 
• Don't tranquilize your pets. 
BOATS
Boats are vulnerable during a hurricane. You can minimize damage by following these safety precautions:
• Make sure your boat is watertight and in sound condition. Absentee owners should arrange a supervised inspection. 
• If you keep your boat on a trailer, check with the manufacturer about the best way to secure your boat during a storm. 
• Consider moving arrangements in advance. Check the size and strength of the deck hardware (primary chocks, cleats, bitts, bollards, winches). Hurricane moorings should have double lines. 
• Purchase necessary hurricane materials such as additional mooring lines, crew anchors, fenders, fender boards, chafing gear and anchors. 
• Check your marina contract for policies and procedures for hurricane conditions. Most require evacuation. 
• Ask local marine and law enforcement agencies for evacuation plans. Bridges over waterways may be locked down for land evacuation routes. 
• If you plan to seek safe harbor inland, remember that water management officials discourage using the Miami River or drainage canals. Boats may damage or block flood control devices. 
• Know your route if you plan to evacuate by boat. Be aware of navigation requirements and restrictions along the route. NOTE: Marine experts say that you should move your boat at least 48 hours before a hurricane is expected to hit the area. 
• Rehearse your boat movement plan. 
• Make sure your insurance policy is current. 
• Record and keep your boat's registration number, description and location with you. 
• Keep current photographs or videos of your boat. 
For more information on marine-related issues, call your local Emergency Management Office.

INSURANCE
• Before hurricane season starts each year, you should review your insurance coverage with your agent. Insurance policies provided by the JUA are more expensive than those issued by other companies, but they are available as a last resort before a hurricane hits, if you don't have homeowner's insurance. Other insurance companies may not want to provide insurance once a hurricane is within striking distance. 
• Make sure you have adequate coverage, especially if you have made any additions to your home, have expensive items or have had you property value increase. 
• Check your policy for windstorm and flood coverage.
Make sure your standard homeowner's policy covers windstorm damage caused by wind or hail. Consider purchasing flood insurance if your home is in a flood zone as determined by the National Flood Insurance Program. Since there is an automatic five-day waiting period for flood insurance, purchasing flood insurance should be done before hurricane season. 
• Know what your policy does and doesn't cover. 
Review your policy for deductible, exclusion and coverage information including: relocation, temporary living expenses and personal injury. Standard homeowners' policies usually limit coverage on valuable jewelry, silver and guns. 
• Update your list of personal belongings. 
Maintain a current room-by-room inventory, including: serial numbers, purchase dates and cost of valuables. If your home is damaged or destroyed, it will be hard to remember details. Since your insurance company may require proof of cost, attach receipts to the inventory list. Videotapes or photographs are a good way to document your personal inventory. 
• Safeguard your records. 
Keep a copy of your policy and your inventory records in a safe deposit box. Make two copies; keep one in a fireproof home vault and give the other to a friend or relative. If your property is damaged, you will need quick access to this information.
• For more information on insurance coverage, call Florida's toll-free Insurance Consumer Help line at 1-800-342-2762 or 1-800-528-7094.