PREPARING FOR A HURRICANE

You are living in an area that has a high probability of being affected by tropical storms or hurricanes. Monroe County is one of the most hurricane-prone areas in the United States. Be warned that Monroe County, especially Key West, does not have sufficient shelter space. Your Safety depends on being prepared to leave early. Do not hesitate to take the appropriate actions when a storm threatens.

BE AWARE THAT

Adverse weather associated with hurricanes and tropical storms occurs well in advance of the center or eye. Tropical storm winds, high tides, and torrential rains occur hours before the wind reaches hurricane force. Our roads to the mainland will probably be flooded well before winds reach hurricane force.

If you are tracking the storm: When plotting the hurricane location, remember that the location given on the radio or TV is for the center or eye of the storm. Tropical storm and hurricane force winds extend out from this point a distance that is stated in the advisories.

You should also prepare for a weather emergency by taking the following actions:

• identify potential home hazards that could develop during a hurricane, such as those involving gas, electricity, chemicals, and structural damage;

• install a smoke detector and check it monthly;

• buy a fire extinguisher and make sure your family knows where to find it and how to use it;

• conduct an evacuation drill for at least two ways out of your home;

• provide escape ladders for multi-story structures;

• establish an assembly point where the family meets in the event of fire or if a disaster occurs when the family is not together at home;

• give your relatives and friends the name of a contact person who will know where you are and how you are doing;

• know the location of your important papers, such as insurance policies, wills, licenses, stocks, etc.;

• instruct family members about how to shut off the gas, water, and electric mains;

• post emergency phone numbers at every phone;

• inform local authorities about any special needs, i.e., elderly or bedridden people, or anyone with a disability; and

• properly dispose of all chemicals, pesticides, and solvents not being used.

You should stock your home with supplies that may be needed during the emergency period.

These supplies should include:

• several clean containers for water, large enough for a 3-5 day supply of water (about five gallons for each person);

• a 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food;

• a first aid kit and manual;

• a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries;

• sleeping bags or extra blankets;

• a large supply of non-breakable spoons, forks, knives, cups, plates, etc.;

• water-purifying supplies, such as chlorine or iodine tablets or unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach;

• prescription medicines and special medical needs;

• baby food and/or prepared formula, diapers, and other baby supplies;

• disposable cleaning cloths, such as "baby wipes" for the whole family to use in case bathing facilities are not available;

• a portable toilet, and toilet paper;

• personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc.;

• alternate heat and cooking sources, such as a kerosene heater and a camp stove -- use these only in well-ventilated areas;

• shovels and hand tools;

• candles and matches;

• a mop, bucket, and towels;

• one or more rolls of plastic sheeting, a staple gun with staples, and duct tape;

• plastic trash bags and ties;

• an emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.;

• a citizens band radio or a cellular phone, if possible;

• games and favorite toys, etc.;

• extra cash;

• pet food;

• insect repellent; and

• rubber boots/rubber gloves.

Before the Storm

The National Weather Service will issue a hurricane watch when there is a threat to coastal areas of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours. When a hurricane watch is issued, you should:

• BE PREPARED TO EVACUATE;

• fill your automobile's gas tank;

• if no vehicle is available, make arrangements with friends or family for transportation;

• fill your clean water containers;

• review your emergency plans and supplies, checking to see if any items are missing;

• tune in the radio or television for weather updates;

• listen for disaster sirens and warning signals;

• if you must evacuate your home, pack only essential items, such as clothing, bedding, food, water, medicines, infant needs, vital family papers, and extra cash;

• outside, secure any items which may damage property in a storm, such as bicycles, grills, propane tanks, etc.;

• cover windows and doors with plywood or boards if possible. Otherwise, place large strips of masking tape or adhesive tape on the windows to reduce the risk of breakage and flying glass;

• put livestock and family pets in a safe area if possible. Due to food and sanitation requirements, emergency shelters cannot accept animals;

• place vehicles under cover, if at all possible;

• fill sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra supply for washing; and

• adjust the thermostat on refrigerators and freezers to the coolest possible temperature.

Evacuation

Expect the need to evacuate and prepare for it. Authorities will be most likely to direct you to leave if you are in a low-lying area, or within the greatest potential path of the storm. The National Weather Service will issue a hurricane warning when hurricane conditions are expected in a specified coastal area in 24 hours or less. If a hurricane warning is issued for your area or you are directed by authorities to evacuate the area:

• take only essential items with you;

• leave pets indoors in a safe, covered area with ample food and water;

• if you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water;

• disconnect appliances to reduce the likelihood of electrical shock when power is restored;

• make sure your automobile's emergency kit is ready;

• follow the designated evacuation routes -- others may be blocked -- and expect heavy traffic; and

• listen to the radio for emergency updates.

During the Storm

To get through the storm in the safest possible manner:

• monitor the radio or television for weather conditions, if possible;

• stay indoors until the authorities declare the storm is over;

• do not go outside, even if the weather appears to have calmed -- the calm "eye" of the storm can pass quickly, leaving you outside when strong winds resume;

• expect the loss of electricity, gas, and water;

• stay away from all windows and exterior doors, seeking shelter in a bathroom or basement. Bathtubs can provide some shelter if you cover yourself with plywood or other materials;

• prepare to evacuate to a shelter or to a neighbor's home if your home is damaged, or if you are instructed to do so by emergency personnel; and

• if you should lose electrical power, eat perishable food first.

BE PREPARED

Your safety depends on your actions! For Hurricane Preparedness Information, contact:

Monroe County Emergency Management
490 63rd street, Ocean, Suite 150
Marathon, Fl 33050

For additional Hurricane Information contact (305)289-6018 or 800-427-8340

Up-to-date Emergency & Weather Related Information.

Local Radio
Cable Television, Channel 5/Channel 16/Channel 19 throughout the Keys
NOAA Weather Radio:

Upper Keys: 162.55 Mhz
Lower Keys: 162.40 Mhz

The Weather Channel, Cable Channel 17

The Weather Channel has tropical weather updates approximately 10-12 minutes before the top of the hour 24 hours a day during hurricane season. When a tropical system becomes a threat to any U.S. coastal area, their coverage increases to at least 2 segments an hour.