Hurricane Season
 
Hurricane Season…What You Need to Know

It’s that time of year again…Hurricane Season…and local officials are asking you to prepare your home and your family. Planning ahead can reduce the chances of personal injury or major property damage.

What to do before any sign of a hurricane:

· Contact your local humane society for information on animal shelters as pets may not be allowed into emergency shelters with you.
· Protect windows with permanent shutters or pre-plan for the installation of plywood panels by cutting them to fit each window and pre-drilling holes for screws.
· Trim dead or weak branches from trees.

What to do in a hurricane watch, issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours:

· Listen to radio or TV for hurricane progress reports.
· Check emergency supplies of food, water, and first aid kit.
· Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
· Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove outside antennas.
· Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings and open only when absolutely necessary.
· Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, and bottles.
· Review evacuation plan and make sure you have cash and credit cards handy.
· Moor boat securely or move it to a designated safe place.
· Fuel car.

What to do in a hurricane warning, issued when hurricane wind conditions or dangerously high water and rough seas are expected in 24 hours or less:

· Listen constantly to radio or TV for official instructions.
· If in a mobile home, check tie-downs and evacuate immediately.
· Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container.
· Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
· If power goes out, turn off major appliances to reduce power surge when electricity is restored.
· Use flashlights instead of open flames such as candles or kerosene lamps.

If officials tell you to evacuate your home:

· Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and main water valve.
· Tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going.
· Bring pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm protective clothing.
· Take blankets and sleeping bags to shelter.
· Lock up home and LEAVE.
· Return home only after authorities advise it is safe to do so.

After the storm:

· Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately.
· Enter your home with caution…beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground by flood water.
· Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.
· Check refrigerated food for spoilage.
· Take pictures of the damage for insurance claims.
· Check for gas leaks, electrical system damage or sewage and water lines damage.
 

 

Current Weather Conditions in the Tampa Bay Area

 

Sue Brite, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, Inc.
7347 52nd Place East, Bradenton, FL 34203
Direct: 941-780-5599
Toll-Free: 888-292-0228 / Office: 941-739-6777
Fax: 941-739-6670
E-mail: Sue@SueBrite.com

 

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