Having gone through several hurricanes up in Pensacola, we have come to the conclusion that hurricanes can be very destructive and downright scary if you are not prepared for them. Here are a few tips to help you secure your home, create a supply kit and to keep you, your family, and your pets safe through a hurricane.
Family Disaster Plan
- Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
- Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
- Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
- Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
- Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
- Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
- Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
- Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.
- Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.
- Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.
Disaster Supply Kit
- Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
- Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
- non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
- foods for infants or the elderly
- snack foods
- non-electric can opener
- cooking tools / fuel
- paper plates / plastic utensils
- Blankets / Pillows, etc.
- Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
- First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
- Special Items - for babies and the elderly
- Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
- Flashlight / Batteries
- Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
- Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
- Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
- Keys
- Toys, Books and Games
- Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
- insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
- Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
- Vehicle fuel tanks filled
- Pet care items
- proper identification / immunization records / medications
- ample supply of food and water
- a carrier or cage
- muzzle and leash
1921 The last major hurricane to hit Pinellas County. This Category 3 storm made landfall near Ozona, passing across the state and exiting at Jacksonville.
1935 Strongest storm ever to hit Florida. This Category 5 Labor Day storm killed over 400 people, including World War I veterans sent to the Keys to build the Overseas Highway. Winds estimated at 180 mph.
1985 Hurricane Elena, a Category 3 storm, pounded Pinellas County and west central Florida for three days. Although not a direct hit, the storm caused $100 million in damages in Pinellas County alone.
