The most important thing you can do is PREPARE. Determine with your family when and how you will evacuate the city. Plan in advance where you will go, how you will get there and the supplies you will take.
What You Should Know
What is the difference between a watch a watch and warning and what does landfall mean?
- Watch β First alert when a hurricane or dangerous storm poses a possible threat, with uncertain threat to coastal areas.
- Warning β Danger is imminent. Hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours. Complete all storm preparations. Take cover inside a secure shelter and wait for the βAll Clear.β
- Hurricanes can be hundreds of miles wide. You can still experience extremely dangerous winds as far as over 200 miles from the storm's landfall location.
Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale
| Tropical Storm |
39-73 mph |
| Category 1 |
74-95 mph |
| Category 2 |
96-110 mph |
| Category 3 |
111-130 mph |
| Category 4 |
131-155 mph |
| Category 5 |
155+ mph |
Before the Storm
Rental and flood insurance
- Purchase insurance for and inventory your personal possessions.
Develop an emergency communication plan
- Have an out-of-state relative or friend serve as a "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance.
- Compile a list of emergency numbers including family members, doctors and emergency agencies.
Hurricane Preparation Kit
- Buy emergency stocks such as canned and dried foods that don't require cooking (non-perishable), juices, soft drinks, bottled water (at least one quart per person per day), water purification tablets, manual can opener, first-aid kit, insect repellant, portable radio, flashlights, fresh batteries, plastic and tape.
- Avoid candles and kerosene lamps as sources of light.
- Have your prescription medications (at least one week's supply) and other vitamin, mineral and protein supplements on hand.
- Keep a hammer, nails, hatchet and saw inside your safe room. They may be useful should you need to provide extra ventilation or create an emergency exit.
- Fill clean, airtight containers to store as much water as possible. If your unit has a bathtub, clean it well and fill with water.
Secure your property
- Remove furniture from the vicinity or windows and exterior doors, if possible. Otherwise, cover with plastics and secure with tape all that cannot be stowed or moved away from windows.
- Remove valuables from the floor, if possible, and cover with plastic.
- Secure movable objects on your property: doors, shutters, outdoor furniture, hoses, gates, garbage cans, garden tools, etc.
- Turn your refrigerator and freezer temperature gauges to maximum. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
- Be prepared to turn off gas, water and electricity where it enters your home, if necessary.
Computers & electronics
- Back up computer data and take a copy with you. Cover your computer and other electronic equipment with plastic sheeting or large plastic garbage bags.
Protect important documents
- Place in waterproof containers and take with you or store at the highest, most secure point in your room or apartment.
Gas up your vehicle
- Check all fluids and tire pressures (including spare).
Have cash on hand
- ATM's will not operate should we experience a power failure.
Pets
- Secure provisions for your pets (seeing-eye dogs may be the only animals allowed in hurricane shelters). Seminole county will usually have at least one emergency shelter that will take pets under 50 lbs.
Evacuating
Traffic backs up quickly. Leave as soon as possible, preferrably at least 24 hours prior to the storm's estimated landfall. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges.
Tell someone outside of the storm area (a family member or friend) where you are going.
Take your pre-assembled Hurricane Preparation Kit plus: a change of clothing, sturdy shoes, toiletries, blankets and pillows, utensils, cash, photo identification, books and games.
Consider the following shelter options for evacuating the city:
- Make reservations at a hotel or motel.
- Go to a friend or relative's house.
- Go to a Red Cross shelter (specific locations will be posted at the time of the storm).
During the Storm
Remain calm.
Remain vigilant throughout the storm period. Read your newspaper and listen to the radio and television for official announcements and current weather reports.
Stay indoors and away from all windows and glassed areas, preferably in an interior room with no windows, hallway or closet.
Listen for continuing weather bulletins and official reports. Follow all officially issued instructions.
Use your telephone only during an emergency.
Beware of the "eye of the hurricane." A lull in the wind is not an indication that a storm has passed. Winds may resume suddenly, in the opposite direction and with greater force than before.
Remain indoors, unless emergency repairs are necessary. Exercise caution.
If you are stranded, signal for help by waving a flashlight at night or a white cloth during the day.
After the Storm
Listen to local news media for up-to-the-minute information regarding medical help, food programs and general assistance.
Stay where you are if it is safe until authorities give the "all-clear."
Keep away from fallen wires. Report location of such wires to the utility company
Inspect your utility systems and report any potentially dangerous hazards. If you detect gas:
- Get outside.
- Do not light matches or electrical equipment.
- Extinguish all flames.
- Shut off gas supply to meter if you can (gas service should be turned back on only by a gas serviceman or licensed plumber).
- Report the hazard to the fire department (911). Call from a neighbor's house or from somewhere away from danger.
Water not stored before flooding should be boiled for 3 to 5 minutes or treated with purification tablets. An official public announcement will proclaim tap water "safe."
Check refrigerated foods for spoilage before consuming.
Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home. Dispose of all carpeting, mattresses, pillows and cushions that have been in floodwaters.
Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents, to file with your insurance company. Secure all belongings against further damage or theft.
Contact relatives as soon as possible.
If returning from evacuation or shelter, enter your home with caution.
Beware of snakes, insects and animals driven to higher ground by floodwater.
Emergency Contact Information
Do not call 911 for general information, use only for emergencies.
- Seminole County Emergency Management 407-665-8000 / 407-665-8001
- Orange County Emergency Management 407-836-9140
Informative Web Sites
This information was compiled from survivorbill.com and information supplied by the University of Central Florida.
