This is a guide to follow when a hurricane is approaching our state.  These warnings and watches are very important to follow and understand, as certain precautions should be followed and made, as these warnings arise.

Tropical Storm Warning: (39 to 73 mph winds) 24 to 36 hours, prior to a possible threat of tropical storm conditions.

Hurricane Watch:  (74 mph sustained winds) 24 to 48 hours, prior to the predicted landfall of hurricane conditions.

Hurricane Warning: 0 to 24 hours, prior to the predicted landfall of a hurricane.

Storm Categories: 

Category (1): winds 74 to 95 MPH – 4 to 5 foot storm surge 

Category (2): winds 96 to 110 MPH – 6 to 8 foot storm surge

Category (3): winds 111 to 130 MPH – 9 to 12 foot storm surge

Category (4): winds 131 to 155 MPH – 13 to 18 foot storm surge

Category (5): winds 156 MPH and above – 18 foot and above storm surge

The following is a Sample Emergency Plan for a hurricane. This form could also be adapted for any other type of emergency as well: 

SAMPLE HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS PLAN

The following is an outline of a sample preparedness plan.  Each association should change this outline to fit their needs and specific situation, as each association is different: 

I    Likelihood of the hurricane hitting our association? 

II   Possible effects to the association?

III  What financial contingencies have been made to covered deductibles, emergency expenses and other unforeseen losses?

IV   Review of all association’s insurance policies, what gaps are there, what additional policies will have to be purchased for the association to be properly insured?  What are the association members responsible for and have they been notified? 

V    What steps, improvements and additions can be made to the association’s buildings to help lessen the impact of a hurricane such as hurricane strapping, shutters, tree trimming etc.

VI    What employees, vendors, sub-contractors and other professionals are available to the association prior to and during a hurricane and are they on call to react to a storm?

VII   Are there job descriptions which specifically deals with pre storm and post storm preparations and clean-up?  Are there volunteers to help out? Who are they and what will they do?

VIII  Are communications set up to inform the residents of any pre hurricane and post hurricane activity and preparedness.  How will communications be handled during the storm?

IX   What equipment, pumps, motors etc. will be affected by the hurricane?  Will service companies secure the equipment prior to the storm and be available after the storm?

X   Develop a master file with this information enclosed.  Have extra copies on-site and off-site for Board Members, committee members and authorized personnel.  This master file should be updated prior to every hurricane season.After the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005 we learned many great lessons…unfortunately the hard way.  At that time, we wrote an article “Time to Rethink Hurricane Preparedness”  which outlines many things that an association can do to prevent as much discomfort and trouble to the association and it’s residents.   

Gearing Up for the Hurricane 

Planning ahead helps to safeguard lives and property. It can also relieve anxiety as a storm approaches. The best time to plan how you will secure your property, assemble your disaster kit and where you will ride out the storm is before hurricane seasons begins.

Home and Family Develop your disaster plan and ensure that each family member knows it.
Make sure your children know how and when to call 9-1-1.
Make sure your shutters are adequate to secure all areas of your home, and that all necessary hardware is close by.
Locate a “safe room” in your home and stock it with at least three days worth of emergency supplies
Put valuables, photos and important papers in waterproof bags and store in a safe place.
Check if you need flood and windstorm coverage. Take photos of your home.
Post emergency contact numbers by your phones including in-and out-of-state contacts.
Prune your trees and dispose of all tree-cuttings, or schedule a curbside bulky waste pickup.
Dispose of small items with twice-weekly garbage collection service.
Take home chemicals like used paints, pesticides and solvents to a County Home Chemical Collection Center.   

Food, Water and Supplies   

Stock at least a two-week supply of food, water and medication for yourself and your pet.
Bottle your own water with reusable waters containers. Figure about one gallon per person, per day.
Make sure your weather radio has fresh batteries and some to spare.
Replenish your first-aid kit.  

Evacuation Planning

If you live in an evacuation zone or mobile home, you’ll need to go to a shelter. Only use a shelter as a last resort.
The EEAP is available for residents who require specialized shelter and transportation for medical reasons.
Due to space limitations, qualified residents should register well in advance of hurricane season. 
Only authorized service animals may accompany EEAP participants.

Pet Prepreparations

Secure a proper pet carrier, leash, cages, etc.
Keep a two-week supply of their medications and food in waterproof containers.
Get a laminated card with proof of current vaccinations from your veterinarian.
Ask your vet about microchip implants for your pet.
Keep current photos of your pet in the event you become separated.

As a Hurricane Approaches

Once a hurricane warning is declared, most of your preparations should be directed towards the home.

Prepare your Home

Here’s what to do:

Secure your home, inside and out, including windows, doors, boats and patio areas.
Charge all mobile phones and keep a corded phone handy.
Withdraw cash from the bank.
Get fuel for your car, generator and other gas-powered tools.
Protect your electronics with surge protectors and waterproof coverings.
If you own a boat, use double lines at a marina or consider dry-dock storage. 
Do not begin any tree pruning or household cleanup activities. 

Hurricane Watches and Warnings

A hurricane watch is declared when hurricane conditions are possible within the next 36 hours.
A hurricane warning is declared when hurricane conditions are expected within the next 24 hours.
Some services may be impacted depending on weather conditions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hurricane Watches and Warnings

Remember these important do’s and don’ts:

Do not prune trees or dispose of any bulky waste on the right-of-way. If you must dispose of tree trimmings, take them to the Solid Waste Authority. 

Depending on conditions, bus, rail, trash and recycling service, as well as airport and seaport operations, could be affected.

Do secure your garbage and recycling carts inside a utility room or garage so that they do not become airborne. You’ll need your carts to ensure that you get service after the storm.

During the Hurricane

The Right Way to Watch and Wait

Stay indoors until the eye of the storm has passed. 
Watch local news or listen to the radio for weather updates. 
Turn off circuit breakers, but leave one on so you know when power is restored. 
Use flashlights, not candles or kerosene lamps, as your light source. 
Stay in your safe room.  
Keep children informed about what is happening and watch for signs of stress. 
Keep animals in their carriers.  
Use the phone only for urgent calls.  
Go to a lower floor if you live in a tall building.  
Get in the tub or under a mattress if your home begins to come apart.

After the Hurricane Studies show that many disaster-related injuries occur after the disaster.

Keep your guard up even after a storm passes with these tips:

Listen to media for information on when your waste collection service will resume. 
Take small amounts of hurricane debris to a Neighborhood Trash and Recycling Center. 
Place large piles of debris on the right-of-way of your property – away from fences, mailboxes, drains, power lines and low-hanging wires.
Don’t place debris on a vacant lot. 
Don’t place debris in front of commercial properties, nurseries and farmland. 
Check local media advisories for information on the resumption of waste collection   
If your garbage cart is lost or damaged it is your responsibility to ask for a replacement. 
Be patient. Be careful. Cleanup after a storm can take time.
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