Be prepared for this hurricane season!
With the hurricane season in full swing, it’s important to be prepared for any situation that may arise. Protect yourself and your family.
Here are a few Tips:
Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
If you are staying locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
Check your insurance coverage – flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.
Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.
Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes
Refill your prescriptions. Make sure you have at least a one-week supply.
Fill your car’s gas tank. Have the oil, water and tires checked. Gas pumps cannot operate during power outages. Place emergency items inside like booster cables, tire repair kit and spare tire, flashlight with extra batteries
and matches.
If your home may flood, stack valuable items and cover them with plastic.
Get cash. Credit cards may not work. ATM’s my not be operable.
Secure your boat and make arrangements for your pets early.When a Hurricane Watch is issued, a storm may affect our area within 36 hours.
Contact family members to coordinate efforts and exchange plan information.
Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings.
Freeze drinking water in plastic jugs.
Stock up on an emergency water supply. Sterilize bathtub, jugs, bottles, utensils and containers.
Set up 5-gallon buckets with tight-fitting lids for use as emergency toilets. Line each bucket with a heavy-duty plastic trash bag.
Install shutters or precut plywood over windows.
Drop the water level in your pool by 1 or 2 feet. Shock the pool with extra chlorine to compensate for heavy rains.
Turn off the pool pump. Put outdoor furniture and pool equipment into the pool, but remove after the storm passes to prevent rusting.
Listen for weather updates and information on local TV or radio. The NOAA Weather Radio is a reliable source. Turn to PCC-TV, Your County Connection, to receive the latest official Pinellas-specific information. Don’t rely on rumors and speculation.
Remember it is important to be prepared and to have a plan before the hurricane hits!
We are here to help,
