Hurricanes \u2013 Before, During, After<\/p>\n
To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures: \u2022Know your surroundings. Hurricanes cause heavy rains that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. Everyone is at risk and should consider flood insurance protection. Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage. To learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your business, visit the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (NFIP) Web site,www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419.<\/p>\n During a Hurricane<\/p>\n If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should: You should evacuate under the following conditions:<\/p>\n If you are directed by local authorities to do so, be sure to follow their instructions. Read more about evacuating yourself and your family. If you are unable to evacuate, go to your wind-safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines: After a Hurricane Basic Disaster Supplies Kit<\/p>\n Emergency Supplies: Recommended Supplies to Include in a Basic Kit: Clothing and Bedding: Below are some other items for your family to consider adding to its supply kit. Some of these items, especially those marked with a * can be dangerous, so please have an adult collect these supplies. Once you have gathered the supplies for a basic emergency kit, you may want to consider adding the following items: FEMA Publications<\/p>\n If you require more information about any of these topics, the following are resources that may be helpful. Find additional information on how to plan and prepare for a hurricane and learn about available resources by visiting the following websites: Recommended Training<\/p>\n FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) has developed a training program to encourage community hurricane preparedness. This computer-based course provides basic information about dealing with tropical cyclones and hurricanes. Visit EMI online and select the \u2018take this course\u2019 option at the top of the right hand column to take the interactive web-based course.<\/p>\n Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.<\/p>\n To those of you staying to weather the storm here is a short guide during this emergency. Some of these are common sense but bear repeating.<\/p>\n 1. Keep your devices – iPhones, iPads, iPods, old inactive but useable iPhones – fully charged at all times by keeping them plugged in as long as you have power. Use spare charging cords where available or alternate charging each device one after another.<\/p>\n 2. With brownouts and blackouts possible, do not waste your device\u2019s power by surfing the internet or playing games.<\/p>\n 3. If you have an iPhone 7 remember that it is certified for water resistance up to 3 feet, up to 30 minutes. If you evacuate travel with your cell phones in ziplock bags.<\/p>\n 4. If you want extra power for a device or two, purchase a backup battery. I did some research and can recommend:<\/p>\n Anker PowerCore 20100<\/p>\n The Anker PowerCore 20100 has enough power to recharge a smartphone a day for nearly a week. $40.00 on Amazon.<\/p>\n Or, if your vehicle is around during an emergency, you can plug your devices into your car\u2019s 12-volt port (\u201ccigarette lighter\u201d) or USB port using your regular phone charger. If you\u2019re concerned about using your car battery then the car engine must be started but your garage door needs to be open. This may not be practical during a hurricane.<\/p>\n 5. No Electric Power But Cellular Service Is Available: Regular phone service and internet is available through your cell phone provider. This uses your data plan. During this emergency either you\u2019ll pay for extra data usage or they\u2019ll waive this charge during the emergency.<\/p>\n 6. No Electric Power And No Cellular Service: You might find yourself in a situation where you can obtain Wi-Fi outside of your cellular service so you can still make wi-fi phone calls (see #7) and search the internet. See if your device finds a cell network available such as Xfinity. Select Xfinity and connect and you can use their wi-fi hotspot free of charge even if you are not a Comcast or Xfinity customer. Xfinity hotspots are available throughout Florida and are available to all during this hurricane emergency.<\/p>\n To access wi-fi hotspots this feature must be turned on. Settings -> Wi-Fi -> Ask to Join Networks -> On (Green). Do this on all devices, even non-cellular iPads.<\/p>\n 7. You Have Electric Power And Wi-Fi But No Cellular Service: Turn on Wi-Fi calling by going to Settings -> Phone -> Wi-Fi Calling and tapping the switch next to Wi-Fi Calling On This iPhone. You can reach anyone with an Apple product (iPhone, iPad, Mac computer) using FaceTime Audio or Video phone calls. Calls are free and available simply by going to the phone contact and tap FaceTime Audio or Video. You do not need to know if the person has an Apple product, your Contact will display FaceTime if it is available. Be sure that important Contacts are listed in your Contacts App. You can\u2019t manually type in a phone number on the keypad in this scenario.<\/p>\n Alternatively: This method requires that both users have the featured app. Using apps like Facebook Messenger, Google Duo, Viber, and Fring lets you make free phone calls over Wi-Fi \u2013 even if there\u2019s no cell service. Some may require setting this up ahead of time. Skype is free to another Skype user, but if you need to call a landline or mobile phone, it costs about 10 cents per call, and it require you to deposit cash (\u201cSkype Credits\u201d) into your account. Note that these apps require you to allow the app to have access to all of your Contacts.<\/p>\n 8. Call 9-1-1 Without A Cellular Plan, Electric Service Or Cellular Service.<\/p>\n You do not need to have an active phone plan to call 9-1-1 from any smartphone. Every smartphone is preprogrammed to call 911 for emergencies. If your smartphone doesn\u2019t have coverage in the area you\u2019re in during an emergency, or you don\u2019t have an active cell plan, you can still reach 9-1-1 from your mobile phone. You can also text 9-1-1, perhaps if you\u2019re unable to talk or need to be silent (perhaps in a terrorist situation), but you must first be registered for the T9-1-1 service with your wireless service provider. Because you don\u2019t need to pay for cell service to call 9-1-1, it\u2019s not a bad idea to keep an old and deactivated phone in your emergency kit.<\/p>\n 9. If you have a Facebook and\/or Twitter account it is easier to tell family and friends your status by posting updates and having them check them periodically rather than individually answering every text, email and phone call. Presuming there is cellular service, people are encouraged to send text messages and emails and post notifications to Facebook and Twitter about their whereabouts and immediate needs, or to look up where local shelters are.<\/p>\n 10. Download emergency apps (beforehand)<\/p>\n If downloaded before you need them, these free emergency preparedness apps are important to keep on your smartphone<\/p>\n \u2022 Red Cross offers numerous apps, in fact, including a Shelter Finder app, First Aid, Hurricane app, Earthquake, Wildfire, and others. Each one includes checklists, advice during emergency situations (from performing first aid and CPR to handling food and water during power outages), quizzes, signing up for emergency notifications, and more.<\/p>\n \u2022 FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) includes information for all kinds of disasters, including tips to creating an emergency kit, and emergency meeting locations, and maps of important locations.<\/p>\n \u2022 Disaster Alert app offers a real-time map that shows activate (or impending) incidents, deemed as \u201cpotentially hazardous to people, or property, assets\u201d. This includes hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanos, as well as \u201cmanmade\u201d emergency situations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Hurricanes \u2013 Before, During, After To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures: \u2022To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. https:\/\/www.ready.gov\/build-a-kit \u2022Know your surroundings. \u2022Learn the elevation level of … Continue reading
\n\u2022To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
\nhttps:\/\/www.ready.gov\/build-a-kit<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\u2022Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted.
\n\u2022Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
\n\u2022Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.
\n\u2022Make plans to secure your property:
\n\u2022Cover all of your home\u2019s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5\/8\u201d marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
\n\u2022Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
\n\u2022Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
\n\u2022Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
\n\u2022Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
\n\u2022Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
\n\u2022Determine how and where to secure your boat.
\n\u2022Install a generator for emergencies.
\n\u2022If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.
\n\u2022Consider building a safe room.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022Listen to the radio or TV for information.
\n\u2022Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
\n\u2022Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
\n\u2022Turn off propane tanks
\n\u2022Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
\n\u2022Moor your boat if time permits.
\n\u2022Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
\n\u2022Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure \u2013 such shelter are particularly hazardous during hurricane no matter how well fastened to the ground.
\n\u2022If you live in a high-rise building \u2013 hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
\n\u2022If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
\n\u2022Close all interior doors \u2013 secure and brace external doors.
\n\u2022Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm \u2013 winds will pick up again.
\n\u2022Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.
\n\u2022Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
\n\u2022Avoid elevators.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
\n\u2022Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
\n\u2022If you have become separated from your family, use your family communications plan or contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS\/1-800-733-2767 or visit the American Red Cross Safe and Well site: www.safeandwell.org \u25e6The American Red Cross also maintains a database to help you find family. Contact the local American Red Cross chapter where you are staying for information. Do not contact the chapter in the disaster area.
\n\u2022If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
\n\u2022If you cannot return home and have immediate housing needs. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).
\n\u2022For those who have longer-term housing needs, FEMA offers several types of assistance, including services and grants to help people repair their homes and find replacement housing. Apply for assistance or search for information about housing rental resources \u2022Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed\u00ac out bridges. Stay off the streets. If you must go out watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks.
\n\u2022Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
\n\u2022Walk carefully around the outside your home and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage before entering.
\n\u2022Stay out of any building if you smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building or your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.
\n\u2022Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
\n\u2022Use battery-powered flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles. Note: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering – the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.
\n\u2022Watch your pets closely and keep them under your direct control. Watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
\n\u2022Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it\u2019s not contaminated.
\n\u2022Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
\n\u2022Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
\n\u2022Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
\n\u2022NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.<\/p>\n
\nWater, food, and clean air are important things to have if an emergency happens. Each family or individual’s kit should be customized to meet specific needs, such as medications and infant formula. It should also be customized to include important family documents.<\/p>\n
\n– Water, one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation
\n– Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
\n– Battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both
\n– Flashlight and extra batteries
\n– First Aid kit
\n– Whistle to signal for help
\n– Infant formula and diapers, if you have an infant
\n– Moist towelettes, & toilet paper, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation, a 5 gal bucket w\/lid & plastic liners for defecation, possibly a \u2018luggable loo\u2019, also \u2018freshette\u2019 for women.
\n– Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air
\n– Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
\n– Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
\n– Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)<\/p>\n
\nIf you live in a cold weather climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that the power will be out and you will not have heat. Rethink your clothing and bedding supplies to account for growing children and other family changes. One complete change of warm clothing and shoes per person, including:
\n– A jacket or coat
\n– Long pants
\n– A long sleeve shirt
\n– Sturdy shoes
\n– A hat and gloves
\n– A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person<\/p>\n
\n– Emergency reference materials such as a first aid book or a print out of the information on www.ready.gov
\n– Rain gear
\n– Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
\n– Cash or traveler’s checks, change
\n– Paper towels
\n– Fire Extinguisher
\n– Tent
\n– Compass
\n– Matches in a waterproof container*
\n– Signal flare*
\n– Paper, pencil
\n– Disinfectant*
\n– Household chlorine bleach* – You can use bleach as a disinfectant (diluted nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to treat water. Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
\n– Medicine dropper
\n– Important Family Documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container<\/p>\n
\n\u2022Prescription medications and glasses
\n\u2022Infant formula and diapers
\n\u2022Pet food and extra water for your pet
\n\u2022Cash or traveler’s checks and change
\n\u2022Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit – EFFAK (PDF – 977Kb) developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information.
\n\u2022Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or free information from this web site. (See Publications) \u2022Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
\n\u2022Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper \u2013 When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
\n\u2022Fire extinguisher
\n\u2022Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children<\/p>\n
\n\u2022Against the Wind: Protecting Your Home from Hurricane and Wind Damage. FEMA-247. A guide to hurricane preparedness.
\n\u2022Community Hurricane Preparedness. IS-324. CD-ROM or Web-based training course for federal, state and local emergency managers.
\n\u2022How to Guides to Protect Your Property or Business from High Winds.
\n\u2022Surviving the Aftermath of a Hurricane. A guide from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
\n\u2022 http:\/\/www.redcross.org\/www-files\/Documents\/pdf\/Preparedness\/checklists\/<\/a> Returning Home after a Hurricane or Flood. American Red Cross.
\n\u2022Repairing Your Flooded Home. American Red Cross.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022Federal Emergency Management Agency
\n\u2022NOAA Hurricane Center
\n\u2022American Red Cross
\n\u2022U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
\n\u2022U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control \u2022Consumer Product Safety Commission<\/p>\n