Hurricane Warnings and Preparation

Text Box: Hurricanes and tropical storms are very dangerous, even when we in Central Florida are not in the direct path. Being prepared early is extremely important. Please take the time to go through the information provided in this guide with your family. Make sure you have a plan of action when a storm warning is issued for our area, and that you have the supplies needed. You must have enough supplies to sustain your family for at least 72 hours. Before a hurricane strikes be sure you: Plan an EVACUATION ROUTE Contact the local Emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter and ask for a Community Hurricane Preparedness Plan. Include the SAFEST Evacuation Routes & Shelters. Learn safe routes inland and be ready to drive 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place Have Disaster Supplies on hand, such as: Flashlight with EXTRA batteries Portable, battery-operated radio with EXTRA batteries First Aid Kit and Manual Emergency food and water Manual can opener Duct tape Cleaning supplies Gas for grill Insect repellent Rope Sleeping bags Tarps Trash bags Water jugs Extension cords Essential Medicines Cash and Credit Cards Food and water to sustain your family for 72 hours Protect your windows Permanent shutters are the best protection. A low-cost approach is to put up plywood panels using1/2 inch marine plywood cut to fit each window. Remember to mark which board fits which window. Pre-drill holes every 18-inches for screws. Make arrangements for pets Pets may not be allowed into Emergency Shelters for health and space reasons, so contact your local Humane Society for information on local Animal Shelters Include ALL Family Members in plan Teach family members how and when to turn off Gas, Electricity, and Water. Teach children HOW and WHEN to: DIAL 9-1-1 or to call the Fire Department. It is very important to locate a local Radio Station for EMERGENCY Information. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan Make sure that ALL Family Members know how to respond after a Hurricane. Ask an 'out-of-state' relative or friend to serve as the "Family Contact Person" after a disaster. It's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the: NAME, ADDRESS, and PHONE NUMBER of the "Family Contact Person ." We also recommend that you keep a TWO WEEK SUPPLY of the following items: Baby food Bottled water Canned food Diapers Prescription medicine Pet food Toiletries Water purification tablets For more information check out the Volusia County Disaster Preparedness guide at www.volusia.org/emergency