August 31, 2006

Feature Article - for release the week of September 3, 2006

Dan Culbert - Extension Horticulture Agent

 Ready for the Next one ?  

 Last week’s little tropical visitor did little serious damage to our area’s health and welfare, and the rainfall has certainly ended this summer’s spotty dry weather. Tropical storm Ernesto may have done us another favor – it gave us a chance to review our personal plans for preparing for these regular summer events.

Today’s column will review a University of Florida Hurricane preparation checklist, and I’ll offer a few of my personal observations that may remind local residents to take a peek and update storm preparation plans. Why not take a few minutes this Labor Day to be prepared, just in case.

Preparation takes time- how much for you? 

How much time do you need to prepare for a storm?  When the hurricane watch is announced, have a very clear idea of how much time you need to shop, secure your property, prepare and pack if evacuating.  Coordinate your personal needs with those of your family, neighbors and employer.

With fuel prices going up and up, be sure you have enough time to fuel your vehicles. Make sure the battery is in good condition, and all other systems are ready for the long haul if you plan to evacuate.  Do you have a current map, and have you looked it over before you start to drive away? 

Check your other battery-powered equipment.  A friend of mine keeps a secret stash of extra batteries put away and never touches it until the storm season is over.  Take an inventory of how many C’s, D’s, 9-volts, etc. that you have on hand.  A radio could be your only link with the outside world, and a flashlight can be a lifesaver when there is no power.  

Did you lower or secure TV and radio antennas before Ernesto arrived?  This can prevent antennas from flying into electrical wires, and make communication possible as soon as the storm passes.  Check that generator, run it, and remember to have some oil on hand too.

Many homeowners, me included, have too much stuff around in the yard. It all needs to be removed from the yard and open patios.  Do you have a place to put it inside a garage or in the house? 

Protect Windows

Protect your windows. Wedge sliding glass doors to prevent them from being lifted from their tracks.  Forget about taping windows – it’s not an effective task. Board up with heavy duty shutter materials that can withstand impacts from flying debris.   Have extra hardware and tools on hand to do the job.  If you use battery operated tools, have extra chargeable batteries ready to go. 

Close up awnings, windows and drapes. And put the tools in a place that you can get to after the storm is over.  Brace your garage door.  Remember that power may fail, and know how to safely open the garage door manually.

How’s your supply of emergency food and water?  Expiration dates on stored food supplies should be checked.  Remember to plan on time to shop for missing items.  Realize that other last minute shoppers will make lines longer and supplies limited.  Purchase containers that serve the size of your family without leftovers. 

Fill clean containers with drinking water.  Don’t store drinking water in used milk containers – instead, save empty water jugs. Other containers or clean bathtubs can also be filled with drinking water.  If you have special medical needs fill prescription drugs and have an extra supply of special medication.

Waterproof your valuables including important papers and those irreplaceable photos.  Pack or secure jewelry, or put them in a bank safety deposit box.  Otherwise, if you will be evacuating, keep your valuables and important papers with you at all times.

Pack it in Plastic 

Disconnect and put electronic equipment in plastic.  Make backup copies of important computer data and take discs or portable hard drives with you.  Protect appliances and furniture – if your prep time is limited make choices on which to protect based on replacement costs.  Elevate items above floor level and cover them with plastic. Do you have the materials on hand to do this?

Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting.  This keeps food as long as possible in case of a power failure. If leaving, shut off gas and electricity at the main power source.  Shut off water lines to your home – and this may require a special tool.  Lock all windows and doors before leaving.  If staying, avoid using electric appliances.  Have a safe room designated in a small, interior area such as a hallway, closet or bathroom.

Pools and Pets 

Don’t drain your swimming pool or spa.  Keep water levels about 12 inches below the edge to handle expected rainfall.  Spa covers need to be secured from winds or stored inside.  Add extra sanitation chemicals to the water.  And make arrangements for the safety of your boats - remember during evacuations drawbridges will be closed to boat traffic. 

Make arrangements for the safety of your house pets.  Pets are not allowed in most public shelters or hotels.  If evacuating, make reservations with pet-friendly homes of friends or public hotels well in advance of your departure.

Share your cell phone numbers with relatives and friends, and tell them if you are staying or where you are going. Make lists of neighbors, friends and co-workers and take them with you.  If evacuating, take the phone numbers of local officials as well. 

Remember seeing the long evacuation lines on the highways?  If your home is well-constructed and is not in a flood zone, plan to stay.  Don’t stay if you live in a mobile home - officials recommend evacuation. 

More information about how to prepare for any future tropical storms and hurricanes can be found on our Extension website, SolutionsforYourLife.com or visit us on the Okeechobee web page, http://okeechobee.ifas.ufl.edu.  If you need additional information, email okeechobee@ifas.ufl.edu or call us at 863-763-6469.  Local residents can stop by our office at 458 Hwy 98 North in Okeechobee, and visit our Okeechobee County Master Gardeners from 1 to 3 PM on Tuesday afternoons.  Happy Labor Day!

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Trade names, where used, are given for the purpose of providing specific information. They do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of products named, nor does it imply criticism of products not named. The Florida Cooperative Extension Service - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.  Florida Cooperative Extension Service / IFAS / University of Florida.  Larry A.  Arrington, Dean Last update: 08/31/2006 .  This page is maintained by Dan Culbert 

references

This article adapted from:  Martin County Public Safety Department.  Prior to the Hurricane – a Checklist. [UF/IFAS Publication DPR-0712]  Gainesville: UF/IFAS Extension Disaster Handbook, August 2005.  http://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu/PDFS/CHAP07/DPR-0712-web.pdf

O'Neill, Gene.  Okeechobee County Emergency Management (webpage). Okeechobee: Board of County Commissioners, August 31, 2006. http://www.okeechobeeeoc.com/