I doubt if anyone can ever be 100% prepared for any disaster, but at least we can make our best efforts to protect ourselves and make the aftermath and recovery a little bit more tolerable.
Remember the cold showers? If you were lucky enough to still have running water, or even a roof, and if you still had a house left!!!!
For those of us who felt the vengeance of both 2004 and 2005 hurricanes, and of course lets not forget the increasing amount of tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, land slides, fires and other everyday disasters that don’t necessarily make the national press, disasters that occur all over the United States, lets us take a moment to give thanks that we’re OK and remember those that were not so fortunate.
Living here is south Florida in the aftermath of both hurricanes Katrina and Wilma, we are still reminded everyday of what nature’s wrath be-stowed up us, from displaced people still without permanent homes, to blue tarps still covering roofs, to damaged cars and the 1000’s of condemned buildings.
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Contents |
Contents |
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1. Communicate with the Family 2. Plan where to meet after a disaster 3. Cash, Credit & Bills 4. Financial & Other Important Records 5. Food & Water 6. Yard, Pool & House 7. Hurricane Shutters 8. Vehicles 9. Pets & Wildlife 10. Utilities/Phones/Computers 11. Generators 12. Insurance 13. Repairs 14. Mold 15. Hurricanes & Tornados |
16. Lightening Storms 17. Winter Storms & Blizzards 18. F.M.E.A 19. Assistance Programs 20. Dealing with Stress 21. Chemical and Airborne Hazards 22. Where to get more Information 23. Miscellaneous Items 24. My Possessions Checklist 25. My Records Checklist 26. My Contacts Checklist 27. Disaster Supply Kit/Checklist |
The better prepared you are ahead of time, the easier, calmer AND more assured you and family will be.
Communicate with your family members about what disasters are likely to happen where you live. Explain what can happen and what potential dangers there could be.
Tell everyone in the family where the emergency contact information is kept, and better still make copies for everyone to carry with them and review it frequently to ensure it is current, see section 2 below.
Allocate responsibilities to each family member’s for disaster planning, what they are required to do and make sure that everyone knows their own and each other’s responsibilities. Also, designate a “deputy” for each duty just in case:
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Task/duty |
Responsibility of: |
Deputy |
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Who will turn off/secure the utilities? Who will gather important documents? Medicines and first aid supplies Who will notify other family members? Who is responsible for the pets? Generator maintenance Verifying house/auto/boat/life insurances Checking the hurricane shutters and putting them up? Where do the vehicles go? Have Jet Ski’s, R.V or boat? Who is responsible for securing those vehicles? Obtaining additional gas Pre-paring the pool Securing/storing out door furniture Checking and obtaining supplies? Who is responsible for updating the contact list? Checking/replacing the batteries in smoke alarms etc Inspecting the fire extinguishers |
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I am sure you can keep the list going……………..
Make sure that each family is aware and familiar with the communities’ disaster warning signals, what they sound like and what you should do when you hear them.
Learn what the disaster warnings and plan is for where you work, your children’s school and day care centers.
Conduct fire drills and practice evacuating your home constantly during the year.
You may want to choose Two (2) places for this:
Right outside of you home – for example after a sudden fire
Outside of your neighborhood – in case you are evacuated and can’t return to your home
You also need to determine the following plan(s):
The best escape route from your home – if possible, find 2 ways out of each room
The best escape route from your neighborhood
If possible, establish a contact person who is out of the area to be the “contact” point, each person can then call that person (if we have phone service) and they can act as “family center”. Make sure all family members have the persons phone number.
Determine what you are going to do with your pets. Hurricane shelters where you can take pets are limited and you need to reserve in advance. Check out www.redcross.org animal section for further information.
Decide before, if you are going to leave the area, and if so:
Where are you going to go?
Who is responsible for making the arrangements?
Who is going to go?
What are you planning to take with?
Don’t forget to tell someone your plans, where you went etc
Remember to withdraw CASH before a pending disaster.
After a disaster banks may be closed and with power outages ATM’s and credit card facilities might not be working, so make sure you have enough money to see you through for several days.
Also, if you pay your bills on line or over the phone, pay them before the hurricane hits, even if they are not due. With loss of power and interrupted phone service you may not be able to do this and may even incur late fees.
Remember that the mail service will also be disrupted.
If you can, ensure that you have 1 credit card with sufficient available credit for emergency use.
Also refer to our Organizing Financial Records information brochure.
If you have ever lost your home through, fire, flood, tornado or hurricane, you know how important it is to have your financial information available, or least have enough information to contact the relevant parties to obtain it.
When Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne hit Florida in 2004, and Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma stuck in 2005, thousands of families suddenly found that they had lost ALL their records.
Now what happens?
Maybe the more fortunate ones had backup documents with relatives or friends outside of the area. But most families had to reconstruct their financial lives. How do you it?
Some experts say that the first step is to stabilize the family's living situation and then seek the help: government, employers, banks, relatives and friends in putting their financial houses back in order.
Due to power outages, flooding and other damage, cash may be needed just for day-to-day living. Debit and credit cards may not accepted due to no power, and going to the bank may not be an option either.
You will need to contact your insurance company right away. Making sure they are aware of the damage to your property, and also ensure that they know the severity of that damage.
Contact the disaster recovery centers set up by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross, who may be providing funds to cover living expenses.
The AICPA has more suggestions in its publication titled Disaster Recovery -- A Guide to Financial Issues on its Web site at: www.aicpa.org.
If you haven’t already got a detailed list of your possessions, you want to create this as quickly as possible, of all your home furnishings and possessions so you can file insurance claims. Refer to “possessions checklist” attached.
Try to mentally reconstruct your home by drawing a little map of your home on paper of every single room and wall. Then thinking about what contents were in each room, on each wall and in each closet: What furniture did you have in each room? What pictures were on the walls? What items/clothes were in the drawers and closets?
In an ideal world we should all do this BEFORE a disaster, and keep it updated, and keep it somewhere safe along with all are other important documents.
You should try and estimate replacement values for things, this can be done by going through catalogues and checking Web sites. Publications such as Kelley Blue Book: www.kbb.com list new and used car prices.
When it comes to reconstructing other records, you should try to contact the financial institutions that produced them in the first place:
The escrow company involved in the purchase of your home, which should have copies of closing documents.
Building contractors, who can provide copies of bills for major improvements or an affidavit of the work done and the cost.
Banks, brokerages and credit card companies, can make copies of previous bills and statements. However, there may be a charge for these services.
The IRS also can be a good source for historic financial information.
Taxpayers requesting copies of previous tax returns can file IRS Form 4506.
Keep all your records readily available so at the hurricane warning you can easily gather them together into a waterproof storage box for transportation with you.
Use the Contact and Records Checklists attached as a guide.
What type of documents you need varies from family to family but as a guide look at the following:
Birth Certificates
Driver’s licenses
Auto/house/boat/life Insurance documents
401 K information
Medical information
Utility and Phone information
Mortgage documents
Social Security papers
Immigration documents
Wills and trusts
Police or court papers
IRS information & Taxes
Financial Institution information – bank statements, bonds, IRA’s, credit card statements
Every time we get an hurricane warning, we are advised to do it, so why don’t so many of us actually do it?
Stock up on food & water!!!!!
The FEMA recommended amount is a minimum of 3 to 7 days supply per person.
But should we leave it until the last minute to stock up? NO
If we do, everyone else will be after the same (or similar) supplies, so maybe it would be good planning and common sense to do it year round and before any emergency happens?
Just a thought!
If you look at the supermarket shelves now, I bet you don’t see shortages of canned goods, non-perishables or water? I’m not saying shop, shop and shop some more, but be realistic and if you can keep your cupboards stocked with food & liquids that you can use year round.
If you are on a strict budget then try and purchase 1 extra item a week year round.
My “other half” always laughed at me, saying that was keeping enough tinned and non perishable food in the pantry to feed “a small army” comments like: “we’ll never eat all that food” “it’s a waste of money” “why do you have to hoard food” – but after living in the aftermath of hurricane Wilma (October /November 2005), and being feed “as normal” for the 2 weeks without power, he’s never made those statements again.
Food Safety:
Always assess the safety of your food, and remember:
“If in doubt – throw it out”
The last thing you, or your family needs is being ill (or even worse) with food poisoning.
Remember grilled foods such as hamburgers should have an internal temperature of 160 degrees, and chicken needs to be 170 degrees.
Use disposable food cutting sheets for cutting food, and wear disposable gloves when preparing foods.
This way you can simply throw them away after use.
Also, use disposable plates and utensils to prepare and eat meals, mix salads and save any leftovers in plastic food bags, instead of using plates or bowls, this way you don’t have to use water to wash up afterwards.
Using plastic food bags takes up less space in ice chests compare to using bowls.
Did the food come into contact with floodwater?
If so, it could be contaminated, so throw it out.
Refrigerated Foods:
Usually food kept in an unopened refrigerator for 24 hours is still cold and remains safe.
With the new technologies used to enhance the appearance of meat, you can not longer just rely on the foods appearance to show if is off, just because the steak is still nice and red, is no guarantee it is still edible.
Trust this editor – who had salmonella food poisoning twice (yeah, I know) and trust me, it is not worth the risk so – “if in doubt – throw it out”
Milk: discard if un-refrigerated for more than 2 hours.
Fresh eggs: safe un- refrigerated for 5 to 7 days. Discard if shells are cracked or order or discoloration is present.
Hard-boiled eggs: discard if held at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Hard cheese, butter, and margarine: safe un- refrigerated if well wrapped. Discard if mold or rancid order develops.
Fruits and vegetables: normally safe as long as they look acceptable. Discard if mold or yeast smell develops.
Fresh meats: Discard after 2 hours at room temperature
Lunch meats/hot dogs: Discard after 2 hours at room temperature
Opened mayo: discard after 2 hours at room temperature
Frozen Dairy Produce:
If the food is partially frozen you can cook and serve or refreeze it.
If the food is thawed, throw it away.
Frozen Meats:
If the food is still partially frozen, you can refreeze it.
If it is thawed and held at room temperature for less than 2 hours, you can cook and serve it, or cook and refreeze it. Otherwise throw it away.
Frozen Casseroles, Stews and Pies.
If the food is still partially frozen, cook it and serve immediately or refreeze it. Otherwise throw it away.
If it is thawed and held at room temperature for less than 2 hours, you can cook or reheat it and serve it immediately. Otherwise throw it away.
Frozen Vegetable, Fruits and Juices:
If the ice crystals are intact, you can refreeze it, however they’re maybe some loss in texture and taste.
If thawed and held at room temperature for less than 2 hours, cook it and serve.
Juices can be refrozen.
Canned goods:
Eat canned goods within 2 hours after opening the can. Bulging, rusty cans should be thrown away.
Nutrition Tips
During and right after the disaster, it will be vital that you maintain your strength:
Eat at least one well-balanced meal each day
Drink enough liquid to enable your body to function properly – 2 quarts a day
Take in enough calories to enable you to do any necessary work, and remember you may be doing more manual work than you are used to doing
Include, vitamin, mineral and protein supplements in your stockpile to assure adequate nutrition
Food Tips & Ideas:
What to do when it’s peanut butter, jelly, tuna and spam - again and again, and again ………ARRRGGGHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bread: if bread has become a bit stale, don’t throw it out, instead you can break it into crouton size pieces and add to soups, or add to a marinated salad.
Cooking Water: when you have used a pot of water to heat up boil-in-the-bag foods, don’t throw the water away; keep it for the next time you need to heat boil-in-the-bag foods.
Make Gazpacho: by adding tomatoes juice and water to a jar of salsa.
Grilled Spam: OK I agree Spam is not a very exciting meat, but it is ground pork, and you don’t have to eat it cold, grill slices of Spam on your BBQ, top it with either BBQ sauce or even canned pineapple and brush with a teriyaki sauce for an different oriental flavor.
Make a “canned” salad: using different canned vegetables, beans and/or noodles, drain and toss with a good olive oil and balsamic (or red wine) vinegar, to create your own salads.
Bottled Salad Dressings: can be used as marinades for other foods (chicken, pork and beef) that you want to grill, so don’t be afraid to give it a try.
Spice up Rice & Couscous: use a variety of spices and herbs to bring life to rice and couscous dishes. Or toss them in oil and vinegar to spice them up.
Water Tips
Check the status of water in your area from the local water authority and use only bottled water or disinfected water for drinking, cooking, brushing your teeth, and for pets, until the local water authority declares the water safe.
Only use bottled water for cleaning contact lenses.
How to disinfect water:
Strain any solids from the water
Boil at a rolling boil for 10 minutes
Let cool
Add a pinch of salt to taste
Pour the water back and forth between clean containers to reduce the flat taste.
Store in containers
Fill up your bath tub(s) with water before the storm hits.
If the pressure is too low to flush the toilet use water stored in the bathtub or from the pool.
Bathing or showering with the tap water is OK, but avoid getting it in your ears or mouth.
If you have saved tap water prior to the storm, make sure that the container has no air left in it and it is airtight, it also needs to be stored in a dark place. If stored this way, it should be good for up to 6 months, if in doubt: disinfect it.
Boil water orders are often used after a disaster, usually because the public water authority has lost pressure within it’s system and that makes it possible for contamination to occur. Dangers with contaminated supplies can cause severe diarrhea and untreated diarrhea can be life threatening.
Did you know that you could get warm water by laying the garden hose on the ground and letting the sun warm it? This will provide a small amount of warm water for that quick shower when the power is out.
The Roof
Roof edges: Inspect boards along rood edges and gables
Tiles and Shingles: Repair cracked or missing roof tiles or loose asphalt
Trusses and Beams: repair or replace trusses or beams with cracks, large knots or insect damage.
Gable ends: reinforce wood gable ends. Connect 2-by-4s to trusses.
Hurricane straps: check the metal straps, which hold the roof frame to the walls of your house.
Nails and Plywood: resin-coated nails should be used at 6-inch intervals.
Gutters and downspouts: check for blockages and loose bracing.
Seal around flashings, chimneys or vent pipes to keep them secured
Garage Doors
Garage doors are one the most vulnerable parts of a house.
If strong winds blow it in or out during a storm, several experts say that this could cause leas up to a buildup of internal pressure that pressure could cause a blowout of the roof and supporting walls.
To help to reinforce a garage door at it’s weakest point, you can do this by placing posts in the opening.
Single garage doors use one brace
Double-wide garage doors, use two or three braces
You can attach the brace(s) by bolting it to the garage floor to secure the bottom of the post, additional brackets attach the door hinges to the post, and finally the post is attached to the wall at the top of the garage door with U-bolts.
These can be purchased for approximately $150 per brace.
Safe Room
A safe room is a reinforced area inside your home; however, if you live in an evacuation zone it will not protect you against rising water. The space should allow for at least 10 square feet per person and it needs to have both running water and a toilet. Safe rooms can be constructed within a garage, or can be an outside addition to the building, and it is also possible to convert existing rooms (storage, utility, closet etc) into a safe room.
FEMA recommends that if modifying an existing room into a safe room that all the existing walls must be removed and replaced with walls and a ceiling resistant to extreme winds and flying debris.
The yard & Pool
Bring items in doors: lawn furniture, BBQ’s, trash cans, children’s toys, garden equipment, clotheslines, hanging plants and any other objects that can fly around in high winds.
Trees and shrubs:
Keep your trees and shrubs trimmed and cut limbs that could fall on to the house, cars etc
Do not do this as the storm approaches, local trash collection will not have time to collect the debris before the storm.
Look for potentially hazardous items, such as: coconuts, un-ripened fruits and other objects in trees and around your property that could break off and fly around in high winds, cut them off and store them indoors until the storm passes.
The Pool:
Make sure that drains are free from obstructions and debris.
Keeping sufficient water in your pool provides the important weight to hold the sides and bottom in place never empty your pool when a hurricane is approaching, but you may consider lowering the water level slightly, to prevent possible flooding if the drains become blocked with debris during the storm.
Turn off the electric power at the circuit breakers before the storm hits and if possible remove the filter motor for protection, if you can’t remove it then try to waterproof it by wrapping it, remember if you filter motor gets wet you need to call a repair service.
After the hurricane the pool can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Make sure that you bring the water level back to normal so it can be skimmed properly and remove any debris, balance the pH. Keep the pool super-chlorinated until you get the filters operating again and until the water is clear.
Mobile Homes
I am sure that if your home is a mobile, then you are the first ones on the evacuation list, to leave your home.
Building official recommend that all mobile home owners should have the anchoring system checked and inspected on a regular basis.
You can always get in an outside company to do this inspection for you.
The anchoring system is in 3 parts:
The anchors, which are steel rods several feet in length, with most of their length screwed into the ground, only a few inches should be seen above ground.
The steel straps, which are fastened around the frame of the home and are then attached by bolts to the anchors. Depending on the age and size of the mobile home the number of these steel straps will vary from between 8 to over 20.
The piers, these are usually concrete blocks stacked onto concrete pads, and they are what the mobile home actually sits on.
Usually all the above area are hidden behind decorative side panels or skirting, you need to be able to see and feel through this skirting in order to be able to do an inspection, if not, or if the mobile home has been constructed with concrete skirting, you may have to remove it (or some of it) in order to do the inspection – so maybe using the outside company to do the inspection is looking better and better.
Some of the problems to look for:
Rust or cracking in the anchors and straps
That piers are straight and stable, the blocks are not crooked or broken.
Wooden shims or spacers are set firmly and are not rotting or damaged.
The straps are tight and have tension, they should not be loose
Ensure that they straps do not have any rust; these should have been galvanized to help protect them from rust.
If you find a problem – get professional help.
Misc:
Windows:
Inspect all windows regularly to make sure they are in working condition. Practice putting up all of your hurricane shutters.
Doors:
Inspect all doors regularly to make sure that they are in good working condition. Add extra locks or side bolts.
Gravel:
Replace gravel landscaping with shredded bark.
Screened enclosures:
Check to see if they have sufficient bracing.
New screen enclosures must building codes requirements for wind:
146mph in Miami-Dade
140mph in Broward and Palm Beach County
Dish satellites and TV antennas:
If you can get on to the roof safely, try to disconnect and remove any satellite dishes or antennas before the storm.
There are many different types of hurricane shutters/protection available:
Plywood shutters:
Plywood shutters need to be fitted into the inset as tightly as possible, so that they prevent wind from getting underneath the shutter. Secure the shutters using barrel bolts or lag screws. When not in use, they need storage space.
Average cost: $1-$5 a square foot.
Average preparation time: 1-2 hours per window.
It should be noted that plywood shutters do not meet South Florida Building Codes.
Storm Panel:
Made from either steel or aluminum with 3 styles to choose from, they attach to the walls by the use of wither bolts or tracks. When not in use they need storage space.
Average cost: $5-$8 per square foot
Average preparation time: 15-30 minutes per window depending on the style, and can be difficult to handle.
Roll-down shutterage preparation time: Minimal, probably the easiest shutter to operate
Accordion shutters:
These shutters are attached to the building at the side of each window, for larger windows they could be placed at each side. They are pulled out into position by hand when needed. They are corrugated so the each piece overlaps the next for additional strength. When not in use they are rolled back to the side of each window.
Average cost: $15-$25 per square foot
Average preparation time: 15-30 minutes for the entire (average size) house.
Colonial shutters:
These are 2 piece decorative louvered shutters that are permanently attached to the wall at the side of each window. They are folded together to protect the window, but can’t be used to protect doors. When not is use they are a decorative feature at the side of each window.
Average cost: $18-$35 per square foot
Average preparation time: 45-60 minutes for the entire (average size) house.
Bahama shutters:
A One-piece decorative shutter that is permanently attached to the wall above the window and the shutter is propped open at the bottom to provide shade. They are lowered into position for protection but can’t be used to protect doors. When not in use they are decorative and provide privacy and shade for the window.
Average cost: $18-$35 per square foot
Average preparation time: 15-30 for the entire (average size) house.
Hurricane Glass:
Hurricane glass is designed to withstand hurricane force winds, however the actual wind speeds depend on the counties building code requirements – check your counties building code requirements.
This glass can withstand debris and eliminate the need for additional shutters. A window contractor must install the windows and it is more expensive to retrofit an older house.
Average cost: $35-$60 per square foot
Average preparation time: None.
Safeguard your car
Remember the lines for gas after Hurricane Wilma? First suggestion, fill up your tank with gas.
Check your insurance policy, and check to see if you are covered for wind damage and water? Also, will the policy replace any personal items in your car?
Keep copies of your registration documents in your car but the keep the originals in a safe place.
Park you car in a safe area, away from tree limbs that may fall on to it.
Is your car prepared for a hurricane:
Spare tire (properly inflated)
Bottled water
Flashlight
Extra batteries
Tools – screwdrivers, wrenches etc
A working jack
Booster cables
Shovel
Out door/waterproof clothing
Extra clothes
Flares
First aid kit
Got a boat?
Depending on the size of your vessel, where it is docked, local requirements and marina rules, the advise varies, with the exception of one golden rule: Never attempt to ride out the storm in a boat.
Determine carefully what your insurance requirements are and what you are covered for
Keep a list of your registration numbers
Photograph the boat, if possible with a date/time imprint
Inspect all your lines, fenders, fire extinguishers, life preservers and equipment – replace now if needed
Obtain in advance extra lines, fenders and other material you may need
Check your supplies of water, fuel, oil etc
Remove all your canvas, outriggers, antennas and store them below or in an other safe place
If you keep your boat at a marina, verify what their hurricane policy is? Some marinas will make you vacate the slip when a hurricane warning is posted. Be prepared.
If your boat is small enough, consider storing it the garage until the storm passes.
If it is on a trailer outside, tie the boat and secure it
Decide where are you going to keep the boat during the storm? And make firm arrangements,
A word of caution: several places that sell you dockage for during the hurricane, usually do so on a “first come first served” basis, so you may not have that “safe haven” when you actually need it!!
Know how long the trip will take you, do you need bridge openings, will the bridges be locked down, make sure you know all the answers.
As soon the hurricane watch is posted, begin your boat preparation, it’s never too soon to start, and if the hurricane doesn’t hit, then at least you’ve had some practice getting prepared.
Pets:
ONLY leave pets alone at home as a last resort and NEVER leave a pet at home on a tether.
You need to decide ahead of time, what you are going to do with your pets, and you have 3 choices:
Take them with you to a shelter
Leave them with a friend or board them at a kennel
Keep them at home with you
With both options 1 and 2 you will be restricted as t which shelter and boarding kennel will be accepting pets, so you need to plan for this before hand.
Most hurricane shelters, for health reasons, do not accept pets, (usually with the exception of seeing eye dogs) and shelters that do accept pets require that you register with them well in advance of any storm, you can not just turn up on the day expecting them to welcome you.
Also, will the boarding kennels be open during a storm? Maybe they have been evacuated, so again, make plans well in advance, check to see if you need to register, and what, if any, and are additional requirements.
Just like planning for the families disaster kit, make a disaster kit for your pets:
Ensure that you pets are current with vaccinations and shots
Do you have all their immunization records?
Current tag and/or identification chip
Pet carrier
Leashes
Photo’s of you pet in case they get lost
A weeks worth of food and water
Food bowls
Manual can opener
Litter boxes and litter
Newspapers and plastic bags for cleaning up
Wildlife:
Wildlife may become very unpredictable after a disaster, even if you knew the animal before, there environment has changed and they could become more dangerous, so you need to limit you and your families contact with any wildlife, start by observing a few simple rules:
Do not approach or try to help an injured or stranded animal, call your local animal/wildlife control office.
Do not corner wild animals. They will feel threatened and may endanger themselves and you.
If animals have taken refuge in you home, do not approach them. If possible, open windows and doors to see if it will leave on their own, if not call your local animal/wildlife control office.
For health reasons, do not attempt to remove a dead animal. Call your local animal/wildlife control office or health department
If bitten or scratched by an animal seek medical attention immediately
For more advise and information visit:
We can all remember the devastation of the 2005 Hurricanes, just in South Florida alone, nearly 4 Million households in 3 counties were left without power, some for over 3 weeks. Not to mention the utter devastation c caused in Louisiana and Mississippi.
When the power goes out, it is not just residential property that suffers, what about the airports, supermarkets, gas stations and water pumping stations. So we need to remember that those services that we rely on to bring everyday normality to our lives maybe not be functioning and we need to plan accordingly.
Power is restored to those who need it first: Police and Fire Departments, Hospitals, Utility Plants, Red Cross Centers and government Buildings, only then will it be restored to the neighborhoods.
Electricity:
If the lines are down or sparking, call the police and power company immediately. Don’t rely on some one else doing it – they might be thinking that you have called!!
Treat all cables and wires, (cable TV, phone and electrical) both inside the house and outside, with extreme caution*, and if they were still charged.
Don’t touch any wires or electrical appliances/equipment, unless you know that they are dry. The only exception is if you are wearing protective equipment (rubber gloves and rubber footwear) and are standing on a dry wood. Best advice is don’t.
Keep yourself, children and pets away from any standing water, both inside and outside of the house, you don’t know what dangers* may be present.
If you have lost power, it is recommended that you unplug or disconnect electric appliances and equipment. Fires have been caused when the power comes back on and so has your stove!!!
Be careful using candles, instead use flashlights or approved kerosene lamps.
If in doubt about the safety of your electric wiring and appliances – get an approved electrician to look at it.
* Did you know that most hurricane related deaths usually occur after the hurricane.
Gas:
If you home has natural gas or a propane tank, then take normal precautions, avoid open flames and sparks. If you smell gas call the necessary authorities.
Phones:
Here is a classic – if you have lost your phone service, you need to call the local phone company to report it! Sorry but that one always makes me smile.
If the power is out, modern phones will usually will not work without the power source, so it is a really good idea to keep 1 of the “old” style phones as back up for use during these times, it might not match your décor, but who really cares when it gives you access to the outside world.
Cell phone service may (probably) also be disrupted, and don’t forget, if you have no power how are you going to re-charge the batteries? So if you have service, keep the calls to a minimum.
Computers:
Although you probably conduct backups, a full backup should be completed in response to a hurricane threat, and that should be retained at a separate and safe location.
In addition, your computer should be shut down properly and unplugged from the wall outlet, along with the monitor, speakers and printers. Move them away from windows and doors, and covered with plastic sheeting.
All electric items should be kept at least 2 feet from the floor in case of flooding and water damage.
If after the disaster the equipment appears to be damaged or wet, call in the professionals.
Garbage & Debris:
After any disaster, it is assumed that the trash collections are going to be out of their normal schedules, plus with all the additional debris…
Check with your local trash collectors when the schedule will resume and what trash they will be collecting, and remember that not all debris after a disaster may be collected by your normal trash collector. The city or county may make alternative arrangements for the collection of “disaster” debris:
Pile debris neatly and as close to the road as possible
Do you need to have separate piles of debris (yard debris and other)?
Keep the piles away from utilities poles.
Double bag your everyday household trash.
Spray the inside of your trash bins with insect repellant to control pests, infestation problems and also the smell.
Be very wary of the hidden dangers when collecting debris.
The power is out, the night is still, you welcome the peace and all you can hear is the sound of, no not bird song but the sound of 100’s of running generators, a welcome sound or not depends on your own perspective.
Generators have become part of our lives, and, if used correctly they can be your best friend, if not, they can be deadly…
As long as you follow the guidelines, then your generator will certainly make life a bit more bearable:
Fuel, Oil and Maintenance:
The amount of fuel used by the generator and the watts will affect how much time between fill ups, allow on average for a generator-working non-stop, to refill approximately every 6 to 8 hours.
For oil changes, comply with the manufactures guidelines, but on average oil should be changed every 25 to 50 hours of operation.
Maintenance of generators varies depending on which one you have purchased and if it is a permanent fixture. Always adhere to the manufactures guidelines. In general portable generators should be run every 3 months for approximately half-hour or so, and the fuel should be checked to ensure that no sludge has built up.
How to work out how many Watts:
ALL generators have a maximum Watts capability and you should NEVER exceed this.
First of all you need to decide what appliances and lights you will be using and then you can work out how many Watts they are.
For example:
A generator that is rated at 2,250 Maximum load, can support up to 2,225 of appliances and lights:
Refrigerator (800 watts)
Microwave (625 watts)
5 X 100 watt light bulbs (500 watts)
Radio (100 watts)
And 1 other item not exceeding 200 watts
The other option would be to disconnect an appliance and use that “spare” wattage if you needed to use an additional appliance: for instance disconnecting the microwave when not in use will give you 625 watts, this could be used for another appliance, However, if you’re thinking about using a hair dryer – beware that can need 1,500 watts!!!!!
NEVER connect appliances to the generator before you have started it and ALWAYS unplug appliances before you turn the generator off.
We are not insurance experts or advisors, so we recommend that you speak to the professionals for coverage and questions on your policy needs. We have below to give an idea and an outline on insurance issues.
This comes down to the million dollar question, of who are you insured with? And what does the policy cover and exclude? OK, that’s 2 million dollars questions.
Always review your insurance coverage annually, is that new Plasma TV covered, the new computers or major appliances that you just bought?
Most policies limit coverage on items such as: jewelry, guns, silverware, boats, antiques and other items, so you need to check with your insurance company to ensure that you are covered, or to request additional coverage.
Confirm what coverage and exclusions you have if you live in a condominium and what the association is covered/excluded for.
If you are in rental property, check what is covered and excluded, do you need to obtain renters insurance?
Keep all your receipts for purchases and detailed inventory lists of all your belongings room by room, and if possible take photos or video footage with date/time stamps for extra proof. For your convenience, we have included a “My Possessions Checklist” for you to use.
Standard homeowner policies do not cover Flood Damage, so you need to carefully check where you live and whether or not you need to take out additional flood damage insurance. Flood insurance does not usually cover: your personal auto, accounts, bills, deeds, evidence of debt, money, coins and postage. Depending on where you live, you may qualify for the National Flood Insurance Program. If you do not have flood insurance contact FEMA to find out what assistance is available: www.fema.gov or call 1-800-621-3362
Some homeowner policies do not cover damage caused by Windstorms, so you may have to obtain coverage through Citizens Property Insurance Corporation: www.citizensfla.com or call 1-888-685-1555.
Most homeowner policies have additional living expenses included, this will cover you for some expenses if you have to leave your property during repairs, and if civil authorities issue a mandatory evacuation order. For the exact amount and length of coverage, check with your insurance policy provider.
Insurance Fraud cost each family in Florida an additional $1,500* a year in increased premiums. *This figure was taken from The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud. If you suspect insurance fraud call the toll free hotline at 1-800-378-0445.
What type of policy:
“Replacement Cost” or “Actual Cash Value” policies?
This can make BIG difference on any claims that you may have.
For example:
An Actual cash value policy will replace the TV you bought in 2002 for $1000, for fraction of what it will cost to replace it now.
The Replacement cost policy, will replace that same $1000 TV for what it will actually cost you to replace it at today’s value.
See the difference?
Making a claim:
When you need to make a claim, report it immediately to the insurance agent and company.
Take photos and/or video footage with a date/time stamp if possible, of the damage etc “a picture speaks a thousand words”.
The insurance agent/company will give you a claim reference number; make sure you don’t lose this, as you will need this number when you deal with the company.
If you have to undertake temporary repairs, keep all the receipts and take before and after photos and/or video footage with date/time stamps as your evidence.
Your insurance company/agent may arrange for an adjuster to visit you and assess the damage. This person is specially trained to determine the amount of nay claim, loss or damage payable under the policy.
There are 3 types of adjuster:
Company Adjusters: who work as insurance company employees
Independent Adjusters: who don’t work as employees of the insurance company but usually work for companies who the insurance company uses to handle their claims.
Public Adjusters: These adjusters are contracted with the policyholders and not the insurance companies, they are paid by receiving a negotiated % of the claims settlement.
All adjusters must be properly licensed, for more information contact 1-800-342-2762.
With still 1000’s of un-repaired roofs in south Florida, some 6 months after Hurricane Wilma stuck, it may not be as easy as it seems to obtain good quick repairs after damage has occurred.
Lets look at a few basic points:
Hire licensed and reputable contractors, if possible from your community: The Disaster Contractors Network (DCN) is a virtual organization of construction related associations, state and federal emergency management organizations and regulatory agencies. www.dcnonline.org is restricted to certain states.
Try and verify references
Before of any one who wants “cash only” for completing the work
Don’t pay too much upfront, licensed and established contractors rarely want more than 10% deposit.
Verify a contractors license:
Verify a contractor’s workers compensation insurance
Mold can affect your health, so take it seriously. Do not breathe it in, if you have to go into a mold-infected house, use a mask.
When we have humid conditions, along with a warm and damp environment, plus no air conditioning, mold will begin to grow.
Those conditions are perfect for it to thrive, so what can we do to prevent it:
If there is a breeze outside, open windows to allow the breeze to flow through the building.
If it is humid outside, keep windows closed.
Use large fans and a dehumidifier to try and dry the area.
If you have air conditioning don’t set it too cold, you need to promote evaporation so set the AC around 80.
Do not use fans on their own, as this can increase the humidity and help the mold spread
Remove any standing water in the building
Dispose of everything that got waterlogged: furniture, clothes, rugs, drapes and tiles etc,
Remember no product, even bleach, will kill mold, it will just slow it’s growth.
Call in the professionals
Hurricanes
Hurricanes are measured using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane scale:
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Hurricane Category |
Wind force MPH |
Damage you should expect |
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1 |
74-95 |
No real damage to buildings. Damage to unanchored mobile homes and poorly constructed signs. Possible coastal flooding |
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2 |
96-110 |
Some damage to roofs, windows and doors. Damage to mobile homes. Flooding. Damage to piers and small boats in unprotected moorings. Some trees blown down |
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3 |
111-130 |
Some structural damage to buildings. Large tree blown down. Destroy mobile homes and some signs. Flooding will destroy smaller structures on coast. Larger coastal will be damaged due to floating debris. Some flooding inland |
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4 |
131-155 |
Extensive structural damage. Major erosion of beaches. Inland flooding |
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5 |
156 and above |
Massive evacuation of residential areas needed. Extensive structural damage with some complete building failures Major damage from flooding near coastal areas Inland flooding and damage |
What is a Hurricane?
Information taken from NOAA website: www.noaa.com
A hurricane is a severe tropical storm that forms in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Northeast Pacific Ocean east of the dateline, or the South Pacific Ocean east of 160E.
Hurricanes need warm tropical oceans, moisture and light winds above them. If the right conditions last long enough, a hurricane can produce violent winds, incredible waves, torrential rains and floods.
In other regions of the world, these types of storms have different names.
Typhoon — (Northwest Pacific Ocean)
Severe Tropical Cyclone — (Southwest Pacific Ocean)
Severe Cyclonic Stricane. However, they are also often found elsewhere embedded in the rain bands, well away from the center of the hurricane.
Some hurricanes seem to produce no tornadoes, while others develop multiple ones. Studies have shown that more than half of the land falling hurricanes produce at least one tornado. Nonetheless, the effects of tornadoes, added to the larger area of hurricane-force winds, can produce substantial damage.
We have no way at present to predict exactly which storms will spawn tornadoes or where they will touch down. The new Doppler radar systems have greatly improved the forecaster's warning capability, but the technology usually provides lead times from only a few minutes up to about 30 minutes.
Consequently, preparedness is critical.
What is Tidal and Storm Surge?
Storm surge is simply water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the mean water level 15 feet or more. In addition, wind driven waves are superimposed on the storm tide.
This rise in water level can cause severe flooding in coastal areas, particularly when the storm tide coincides with the normal high tides. Because much of the United States' densely populated Atlantic and Gulf Coast coastlines lie less than 10 feet above mean sea level, the danger from storm tides is tremendous.
Tidal surge is often miss-used to describe storm surge, but storm surge is independent of the usual tidal ebb and flow. In some inlets, rapid changes in sea level due to the tides will cause a tidal bore or surge to move in to or out of the inlet. This surge occurs independent of the present weather.
Inland Flooding:
Inland flooding is different to Storm or Tidal Surge and can be just as devastating and deadly.
Lets take a look at some safety precautions that we can make:
Tornado’s
Tornadoes are the most violent atmospheric phenomenon on the plant.
When associated with hurricanes, tornadoes are not usually accompanied by hail or a lot of lightning, clues that citizens in other parts of the country watch for.
Tornado production can occur for days after landfall when the tropical cyclone remnants maintain an identifiable low - pressure circulation.
They can also develop at any time of the day or night during landfall. However, by 12 hours after landfall, tornadoes tend to occur mainly during daytime hours.
Tornadoes are measured using the Fujita scale:
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Tornado Category: |
Wind force MPH |
Damage you can expect |
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F0 |
40-72 |
Some damage to chimneys. Tree branches broken off. Shallow rooted trees uprooted |
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F1 - Moderate |
73-112 |
Peels surface off roofs. Mobile homes overturned. Moving autos pushed off roads. |
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F2 - Significant |
113-157 |
Considerable damage. Roofs torn off frame houses. Large trees snapped or uprooted. Light-object missiles generated. |
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F3 – Severe |
158-206 |
Severe damage. Roofs and some walls torn off well-constructed homes. Trains overturned. Most trees in forests uprooted. Heavy cars lifted off ground. |
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F4 – Devastating |
207-260 |
Well-constructed houses leveled. Structures with weak foundations blown off some distance. Cars thrown and large missiles generated |
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F5- Incredible |
261-318 |
Strong frame houses lifted off foundations and disintegrated. Automobile-sized missiles fly through the air in excess of 100 mph. Trees debarked. |
Getting prepared:
Always monitor the weather and when a Tornado warning has been issued for your area, do the following:
Homes & small buildings:
If possible go to the basement.
Or, move to a small interior room on the lowest floor away from windows. Such as a closet or bathroom. To protect yourselves from flying debris, cover yourselves with blankets, comforters or overcoats.
Consider constructing a tornado safe room in or adjacent to your home.
Mobile Homes and Cars.
Abandon them immediately – Most deaths occur in cars and mobile homes.
Have a plan of where to go during a tornado threat—a nearby pre-identified safe structure within walking distance.
When conditions warrant, move to the pre-identified safe structure.
If you live in a mobile or manufactured home park, get together with other residents and the park owner/manager to designate safe shelter areas in the park or community.
If you do not have any suitable structure nearby: lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression and cover your head with your arms.
Offices, Schools, Hospitals, Factories and Hotels
Take shelter in an interior room or hallway on a lower floor, such as a closet, bathroom or small room.
Stay away from glass spaces or areas with a wide-span roof, such as auditoriums and warehouses.
Crouch down and cover your head, try to cover yourself with protective materials.
As a last resort, get under heavy furniture, away from windows.
Lightening causes approximately 100 deaths a year in the United States, and lightening can strike several miles away from the thunderstorm and when it isn’t raining.
A few Safety precautions:
If you feel you hair standing on end, squat down with your head between you knees. DO NOT lie flat.
Avoid using the telephone and other electrical appliances.
Do not take a bath or shower
If outside, take shelter immediately
If boating or swimming, get out of the water immediately and take shelter away from the water
If in a wooded area, take shelter under a thick growth of smaller trees
Certain things should be avoid at all times when in a lightening storm:
Isolated trees
Tall objects
Sheds
Fences
Bodies of water
Convertible cars
Motorcycles
Tractors
You already know if you live in area that gets winter storms.
A winter storm watch is issued when the following condition are expected within the next 12 to 36 hours:
Snow greater than 6 inches in a 24 hour period
Winds over 35 MPH
Visibility less than 1/4 mile.
In addition, if you are planning on traveling, give someone your travel itinerary and timeframes, with contact numbers, and if possible do not travel alone.
Prior to winter you need to begin to prepare for the worst, the following are the basics that you will need:
Working flashlight
Fire extinguisher
Smoke detectors
Battery powered NOAA radio
Extra batteries
Extra food for several days
Water for several days
Medicine
Pet foods and medicines
Baby foods and baby items
Additional heating fuels
Emergency heating source for the home
Keep your vehicles gas tank full
Make sure you have winterized your vehicles
Within each vehicle carry a winter storm survival kit, to include the following as a minimum:
Blankets or sleeping bags
Flash light and extra batteries
Non-perishable food (high energy bars)
Knife and tools
Sand or cat litter
Hand warmers
Small can and matches (waterproof)
Shovel
Tow rope
Scraper
Jumper cables
Compass
Road maps
Water containers
Extra clothing
Waterproof clothing
What about the animals when a winter storm watch issued:
Move animals to sheltered areas
Extra food for the animals
Is there a water supply available?
When the winter storm watch is issued, and you are in a car or outside, then you need to take the following precautions:
Try to prepare a lean-to shelter for some protection
Cover yourself to reduce exposure
Build a fire for heat
Melt snow first before drinking, do not eat snow
If you are in a vehicle (car or truck) – stay inside it – do not leave it
Open the windows a small bit for fresh air (and to avoid any carbon monoxide)
Make sure the exhaust is not blocked
Try to make yourself visible to rescuers (tie a bright cloth to the antenna, leave the inside light on at night)
Exercise to keep warm and your blood circulating
U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), can be contacted via the following:
800-621-fema (3662)
Government disaster assistance covers the basic needs, it does not usually cover victims for the total loss, the following are usually (may be) covered:
Damage to your house
Its contents
Rental assistance
Lodging expenses resulting from the disaster
Medical expenses
Dental expenses
Funeral expenses
FEMA DOES NOT cover:
Food losses from power outages
Second or third vacation homes
Loss of wages (see section 20)
When contacting FEMA for assistance you will need to give them the following information:
Your name and address of damage property
Social Security number
Insurance information
Total household gross annual income
Contact phone numbers
Routing and account numbers of your bank (for direct transfer of funds into your account)
After applying a FEMA (trained) inspector will contact you to arrange an appointment, usually within two weeks. However, the FEMA inspector will not come until after your insurance company issues a decision letter, settlement or denial.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
The Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program is in co ordination with FEMA and the State Workforce Agencies, the program offers assistance to residents whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of the disaster.
Each state has there own contact numbers and information, please refer to your own states program for assistance and information: http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/disaster.asp
FEMA Disaster Food Stamp Programs
After a disaster FEMA usually establish a Food Stamp Program for residents/victims who are unable to purchase food due to lack of income.
For more information visit www.fema.gov for more information.
Disaster Housing Assistance Program
FEMA co ordinates with The U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and local authorities in order to assistance families who have been displaced through a disaster.
For more information visit www.hud.gov.
No power days, no hot showers, no T.V, no DVD’s, no electronic games, no hot food, no spare batteries, no where to go and lets not forget: no A.C.
Not only are the adults stressed at times like this, but also with small children to care for and keep amused during the aftermath of any disaster the stress factor goes of the chart!!!
People display signs of stress differently and the emotional effects more not show for months afterwards, listed below are some the indicators of stress that you may feel or begin to see in others:
Trouble sleeping
Increased use of alcohol and/or drugs
Confused
Difficulty in concentration or lack of attention span
Becoming frustrated quickly
Depression or feeling sad
Crying easily
Not wanting to leave the house or being afraid of crowds/people
Headaches, tiredness, hearing problems, tunnel vision or cold symptoms
Feeling guilty
If you, your family or friends display the above signs, it may be time to seek professional counseling.
Before you start to feel the effects try the following methods to help with stress:
Realize that you are not alone in this situation
Be patient
Talk to others around you about how you feel
Get as much sleep and rest as possible
Take a long walks
Do exercises; deep breaths and stretching all help to reduce tensions.
Try to keep meals times as routine as possible
Participate in memorials
Make sure you are getting the correct nutrients in your diet
Spend time with family and friends
Use support groups and religious institutions
Hugs from family and friends
Disasters can be worse for children, they may be confused, frightened and could even feel somehow responsible for the disaster, so it is important to reassure them that they were not responsible, that their feelings are normal and answer their questions thoughtfully. Allow them to express their feelings in conversations, drawings and activities.
You may also want to allow children to help in the clear up (providing it is safe to do so), and give extra praise for good behavior.
“Shelter-in-Place” – hear these words from the authorities and it means that there is potential exposure to a chemical or airborne hazard.
This is totally different to sheltering from a hurricane or tornado.
Should you hear the warning “Shelter-in-Place” take the following steps:
Close and lock all windows and doors
Turn of all A.C systems, including heating and fans
If you have a fireplace, close the damper, but don’t forget to open it again when all is clear.
Then with disaster kit and working radio: go into an interior room (not the basement) without any windows (closet or bathroom).
Use duct tape to seal all cracks and holes around the doors and any vents in the room
Listen to the radio (or TV if you have one in the room) for news on developments, and await further instructions.
Listed within this document are various links to more information, this section details other web sites for information and assistance before, during and after a disaster.
You should also your own local community and state web sites for more information on your area.
www.sba.gov - Small Business Administration
www.nokr.org - Next of kin register
www.nws.com - National Weather Service
www.bbb.org - Better Business Bureau
www.nhc.noaa.gov - National Hurricane Center
Looting:
Unfortunately after any disaster, looters can take advantage of the situation in the days following. After some disasters, local authorities implement curfews in order to cut down on this behavior.
There are some steps that you can take to protect yourself and your property:
If possible, keep your home well light at night
Station some one out your home, looter generally will not go inside if there is someone watching outside
If you haven’t a dog, make people think you have, put up “beware of the dog” signs
Tarps give a criminals somewhere to hide, so try and restrict the use of tarps
Keep you house locked at all times
“You loot, I shoot” messages, according to police, can be a deterrent.
Remember, protecting your property is not worth or sustaining personal injury or even worse, losing your life.
NOAA Weather Radio All hazards:
This small and portable radio is available at many electronics and department stores, or via the Internet.
It provides immediate information on all weather warnings and civil emergency messages.
Complete for every room and include ALL items: pictures, lamps, china, furniture etc
Room:_____________________________________ Date:___________________
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Food & Water |
First Aid Kit |
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Canned meats & fish (tuna, chicken, ham, corned beef and of course, Spam) Canned fruits in water (not syrup) Canned soups and stews Canned chili Canned vegetables Instant coffee and teas Unsalted nuts Jelly Honey Non-perishable puddings Dried fruits Unsalted crackers & chips Ready-to-eat cereals Instant cereals (make with water) Powered & evaporated milk Potatoes – (will keep at room temperature for several days) Dry pasta Pet foods Fruit juices Sodas Bottled water – at least 1 gallon per person per day Bouillon cubes Fresh fruit (apples, oranges, bananas, lemons – will keep for several days at room temperature). Baby foods Vitamins & supplements Paper plates & plastic utensils
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First aid manual Aspirin, Advil etc 3 rolls of 3-inch sterile roller bandages 3 rolls of 2-inch sterile roller bandages Scissors and tweezers Needles Antiseptic sprays Hydrogen peroxide Rubbing alcohol Iodine Thermometer Petroleum jelly 12 2-inch sterile gauze pads 12 3-inch sterile gauze pads 3 triangular bandages Bar of soap in water proof container Moistened towelettes Ointments for cuts and burns Safety pins (various sizes) Latex gloves Hypoallergenic adhesive tape Sterile adhesive bandages in various sizes Antacid tablets Acetaminophen tablets
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Misc items |
Misc items |
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Manual can opener Flashlight Extra batteries Cellular phone & spare battery Mattress and blankets Baby diapers Radio (NOAA radio) Animal carriers Kitty litter Games for the kids Shovel & Tools Duct tape |
Household unscented bleach Large freezer bags Protective clothing & extra clothing Sturdy shoes Medicines Toiletries Moisture wipes Extra fuel CASH Fire extinguisher Waterproof matches Clean containers |