| Before the Storm |
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| Careful prior planning and preparation might save your life during the next hurricane. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking it won’t happen here. It has and it is going to happen someday again. The consequences of not preparing for it can be catastrophic. Being ready is the key to getting your self and your family through the storm with as little pain and discomfort as possible. Here are some tips and things to consider: |
Today is Critical |
| Begin planning before a storm threatens because there are many things to consider when planning for the safety of your family and your home. Some final preparations can be made as the hurricane nears shore since there is generally adequate warning, but beware that some hurricanes form or change course quickly. Advance planning helps minimize the things you have to do as the hurricane approaches and brings order into the chaos caused by this disaster. Make sure your Hurricane Survival Kit is stocked and ready. |
Know Where You Live |
| Be aware of where you live and whether it is likely you will need to evacuate. If you live in a flood zone or in a mobile home within the warning area, there's a good possibility you'll need to leave. If so, figure out in advance where you will go - either to a shelter, the home of a friend or relative, or perhaps a hotel farther inland. The Polk County Hurricane Guide can help you determine if you live in an evacuation zone and can help you identify Red Cross shelters closest to you. |
Plan an Evacuation Route |
| Plan your evacuation route well in advance. This plan should include information on the safest evacuation routes and nearby shelters. Learn safe routes inland. Be ready to drive 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place and remember roads and interstates. |
Develop an Emergency Communications Plan |
In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." 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 contact person.
Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a hurricane. Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water. Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1.
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Protect Your Property |
| Trim back dead or weak branches from trees. Secure lawn furniture, flower pots, grills and any other items that are not anchored. Sandbags may be available from the County Emergency Operations at various locations, 519-7478 or 534-5600. |
Protect Your Windows |
Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower-cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use 1/2 inch plywood--marine plywood is best--cut to fit each window. Remember to mark which board fits which window. You should pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Do this long before the storm. Taping windows doesn't protect glass, but might prevent deadly shards of broken glass from flying through the house.
Check your flood insurance policy to make sure coverage is adequate. You can find out about the National Flood Insurance Program through your local insurance agent or emergency management office. There is normally a 30-day waiting period before a new policy becomes effective. Homeowners polices do not cover damage from the flooding that accompanies a hurricane.
Understand hazards, warnings and advisories. Understand the hazards associated with a storm in the Lakeland area and what you should do when advised.
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Precious Commodities Before and After a Storm |
• Gas
• Cash (With no power, banks may be closed, checks and credit cards unaccepted,
and ATMs may not be operational).
• Charcoal, wooden matches and grill, refill propane tanks.
• Ice
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