When it comes to inclement weather, you can’t stop the strength or length of what’s to come. All you can really do is prepare yourself for the worst case scenario. Everything else is pretty much out of reach because it’s a natural phenomena that really depends on how hard and long the storm lasts. Being in a more tropical climate, it’s something to always have in mind during the summer and fall seasons where conditions are more Hurricane-ready. With that being said, you should take the right safety precautions to help you weather the storm.
Oviedo Florida Hurricane Resources
Orlando Sentinel Hurricane Mathew Live Updates
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/weather/hurricane/os-hurricane-matthew-live-updates-20161005-htmlstory.html
Where to get gas
http://tracker.gasbuddy.com/MobileSearch.aspx
Find Sheltor
http://www.wftv.com/weather/eye-on-the-tropics/find-the-emergency-shelter-closest-to-you/454022121
Orlando & Seminole County NOAA Weather Radio Coverage
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/coverage/site2.php?State=FL&Site=KIH63
City of Oviedo Hurricane Preparedness List – Part 1
http://www.cityofoviedo.net/node/671
City of Oviedo Hurricane Preparedness List – Part 2
http://www.cityofoviedo.net/node/1298
City of Oviedo Evacuation Routes
http://www.cityofoviedo.net/node/1538
School Info
http://www.scps.k12.fl.us/Home/NewsStories/2016/10/Hurricane.aspx
Google Public Alerts
http://www.google.org/publicalerts/alert?aid=2218cdedaae66ed7&hl=en&gl=US&source=web
20 tips to help you prepare and get through the storm as safe as possible.
1. Find a Safe Place in Your Home
Safety always comes first when you have to prepare for inclement weather. Hurricane winds can easily knock through windows or glass doors. Consider going somewhere in your house that you know has a little bit more reinforcement so that you aren’t bombarded with tons of debris and glass in case it strikes in your home. If you don’t have a safe spot in your home, you can always go to a shelter that’s more suited for hurricane tolerance. Have a few emergency numbers you can reach and places in mind in case the shelters get filled up.
2. Have Enough Food and Water to Last the Storm
You can never tell how extensive the damage is after the hurricane. It’s very important that you stock up on at least a bathtub of drinking water. Make sure the food you get is non-perishable like canned or packaged foods that have a long-term expiration date. Please be sure to go through your cabinets sometime before the storm hits so you can actually stock up on supplies while the stores have them in the shelves.
3. Make a Plan
Typically, you’ll hear about a storm a few days before it actually hits. While this does give you a bit of time to plan, never take it for granted. Hurricanes are slow movers but depending on the climate conditions, the storm can pick up the pace. Take the days before the storm to come up with a proper plan.
4. Keep Your Fridge and Freezer Stocked with Non-Perishable Items
The best thing is having a grill handy because all it requires is wood and a light. You can cook your perishable meats first and foremost because those require refrigeration. In case, you lose your electricity, you won’t have to worry about your meat going to waste. Stock your fridge and freezer with water bottles and canned foods. This will help you keep things cold and your fridge from sweating for some time until the electricity comes back on.
5. Make Sure You Have All Your Prescription Drugs on Hand
If you are someone dependent on prescription drugs, it may be a good idea to talk to your insurers and pharmacy in the case they may not honor your request for a refill. Remember, your health is at risk and it’s nothing to play with especially when you may not be able to get a fresh supply right after the hurricane hits.
6. Keep Informed With the Current News
You don’t always have to watch it on your tv or online. Sometimes, that can make you feel a bit stressed out due to the impending crisis. Listen to it in your car or on a portable radio that has an antenna. You can always ask your neighbor of what’s going on if you feel more comfortable with talking it out to another person. This way you can clue in when it’s more appropriate to get things ready for an emergency.
7. Make Sure Your Pets Are Safe
Remember, they need help as well. Make sure you have their supplies ready to go. In case of an evacuation, you might have to drive them to a relative or friend’s place for the time being because some shelters don’t accept pets. Keep this in mind before you make any major moves to prepare for the storm.
8. Get Your Supplies Ready
It’s not just about the here and now but the later as well. Some of the basic things you’ll need are batteries, tarps, plastic bags, extra clothing, flashlights, and rope. You never know what the aftermath of a storm will bring and you should always expect the worst. Make sure you also have a first-aid kit ready to help with minor injuries that could occur during and after the storm. This way you’ll be more prepared for things to come.
9. Prepare Your Home for the Worst
Have you been neglecting certain parts of your home that wouldn’t be ready in big storm? Now is the time to get it together and make sure you put the proper reinforcements in place. Get extra screws and washers on hand for your hurricane shutters. You can always get a good supply of plywood to go over your windows. You should get all of this done before the rain starts falling. Check your local news station for updates on when the storm will begin. This way you’ll have enough time to get things done in a timely fashion before the pandemonium starts.
10. Make Sure You Communicate Well With Family
Chances are you could be separated before and after the storm. If you have any relatives north of the storm, it’s a good idea to send an email in advance that you may stay there temporarily if things get bad. It’s always a good idea to pack extra chargers and batteries so that you can keep in contact through phone calls and emails. Make sure everyone is on that same page. This way no one is at a lost in case something dramatic happens during the storm. Keep your phone in a safe place like your pocket or purse so that you have it on hand when needed.
11. Keep Your Vehicle Filled With Fuel
One the first things you should do is make sure your tank is filled with gas. After a storm hits, those gas lines will be long and it’ll be hard for you to get fuel for your vehicle. Sometimes, you might even need to have your own fuel to put into your vehicle. Just put it in a safe place where it won’t spill or get tampered with so that you can use it when needed. This will also save you the trouble of having to go to a gas station where the price may be raised due to the demand. You never know how long this may last and you’ll need to travel to different places after the storm.
12. Do You Have Proper Insurance?
There’s no way to tell what can happen during a storm. It’s very hard to get new coverage when a storm is on the way. The best thing you can do is see what kind of coverage you have so you can expect any potential costs that happen after the matter. Be sure to have coverage that allows for flood damage because that’s a big issue with hurricanes. This is not only for the exterior but the interior of your home. You want to make sure that you’ll be able to repair your property with the least cost in case of any major damages.
13. Make a Plan to Evacuate
In worse cases, you might need to evacuate. Get your pet to the right place so they can be cared for during the time. Make sure you pack all of your supplies in your car as far as food, clothing, phones, batteries, and survival items. Find out where you’re going ahead of time so that you don’t have to make any unnecessary stops or take any major detours that can hinder the time it takes to get to your destination.
14. Find Out Your State’s Evacuation Routes
Remember, there are teams in the area after the storm that deal with this kind of situation. They will give you information on specific routes to take and when you should go elsewhere. By listening to your radio, you’ll find out what areas are safe for traveling so you can make the best decisions while on the road. As a rule of thumb, stay away from flooded roads and bridges that are washed out. Safety always comes first.
15. What to Do After Evacuation
Make sure you only return to the home when it’s safe. Before you evacuate the home, please be sure to secure things as much as you can. Put away loose items in your garage or shed. Always listen to the news for the most recent updates when it comes to flooding or damages in your area. This way you’ll be able to find a more suitable time to go back to your home safely. Keep some batteries handy in case you can only listen through a portable radio.
16. Check Your Food in The Refrigerator
Depending on how long you’ve been away from the home, there’s a chance your food is spoiled. Thoroughly check for damages to your refrigerator. Make sure you have a proper mask so you don’t breathe in any fumes in case your home has been flooded. This is a safety precautions because your home would be susceptible to mold and mildew. If you’re doubtful that your food has perished, throw it out. You don’t want to digest food that hasn’t been properly frozen for a while.
17. Take Pictures of Damages
If you come back to your home and you notice major damages, the best thing to do is to take pictures of everything. Make sure you’re safe and carefully go around the exterior and interior (if you can) to take pictures. This way you can send them to your insurance company so they know the bulk of the damage. This is good proof so that you can get the right repairs done to your home without breaking your bank. It can be quite expensive to replace and repair different
sections of your home after a tremendous storm.
18. Stay Away From Buildings That Have Water Around It
If you notice your home has a big body of water surrounding it, chances are it’s the same inside. This is very dangerous because your home may still have major flooding. Not only is this dangerous for your home because it’s susceptible to more damage, but it’s harmful to your health. Different fumes can emit from corrosion and other ailments due to water in a closed off place due to humid climates.
19. Hire a Professional
While it may seem costly, it’s actually better because they have the right tools. They have insurance in case they mess things up further so you won’t have to pay right out of your pocket. Also, it’s a safety hazard doing the bulk of this stuff by yourself. They have a keen eye for detail and more experience dealing with disaster situations. This way you can restore your home at a more cost and time effective manner. Sometimes, hiring a professional landscaper works in your favor as well because they know whether or not certain trees should be uprooted from your property for safety reasons.
20. Contact Your Family and Let Them Know You’re Safe
After the storm, find a way to let your family know you’re safe. Sometimes, you might need assistance that you can’t get anywhere else. Family always comes first especially in a crisis. It’s also a good comfort zone to talk to family members in these pressing times. If you can’t reach a phone, see if you can register on a website like Red Cross to show your current status. This way your other family members can keep tabs on you.
Hurricanes can be quite an ordeal. However, you can use these tips to make things easier. Make sure you prepare before the storm hits your area. Account for everything in your house and make sure you seal up your important documents and get them out of there if the storm’s really bad. This way you’ll incur the least damage.
