Evacuation and Shelters
Hurricane Safety Tips

Back to Florida Hurricane Main Page

If you are evacuating to a shelter: Remember shelters usually don't allow alcoholic drinks, pets or weapons.
Bring: Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags. Folding chairs and cots. Rain gear, extra clothing. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant. Games, playing cards, books. Important papers, including identification, medical information.

Evacuation Checklist: Let friends or relatives know where you're going. Lock windows and doors. Switch off main electrical circuit breaker. Keep a set of tools with you
Fill containers and bath tubs with water to use for washing and flushing when you return. If you have a swimming pool you should use that water for flushing. Check with neighbors to see if they need assistance.

Tips after a Hurricane - Don't examine your home for damage with matches or candles. Use flashlights. Avoid downed power lines. If you stored water in open containers such s bathtubs, do not drink without purifying first.

Safety Tips Prior to a Hurricane
Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed to avoid breakage and to keep loose limbs from becoming airborne in storm. Protect doors and windows 5/8 to 3/4 inch plywood is recommended. Taping windows does not prevent breakage, and is often ineffective in preventing flying glass. Make an evacuation plan. Make sure all family members are aware of it. Determine in advance what you will do with your pets. You can't leave them behind, and pets are not accepted at most storm shelters. Stock up on bottled water, canned goods, flashlights, batteries, radio (battery operated) canned goods.  Have available Sterno, or a camp stove.

Tips - when a Hurricane is imminent - Move all outdoor furniture, yard tools, and other outdoor items inside. Cover the windows with shuttering. Move furniture to a higher floor, if available. Move any vehicles that will not be utilized in an evacuation to higher ground. Monitor emergency broadcast resources and evacuate if instructed to do so.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Skylights can be damaged under storm conditions and high winds. Another item that is often overlooked are roof turbines. They are easily blown away in high winds leaving a hole or damaged roof exposed heavy rains. Home improvement stores carry caps to be used for turbine protection.
Check your insurance policies to see if they are up to date and provide adequate coverage. Don't wait until a named storm is threatening. Insurance companies generally will not change insurance policies after a named storm is active.

Back to Florida Hurricane Main Page

This Web Site is a public service from The Tampa Bay Top Team Our Real Estate Web Site Here

PREPARATIONS AND SAFETY
Plywood, Generators, Batteries Home Depot   Lowes
Hurricane Window Clips & Installation
How to Choose a Generator
Hurricane Evacuation Check List and Tips
Hurricane Preparation Kit
Drinking Water after a Hurricane
Food Pets Drowning Heatstroke Safety Tips
Hurricane Safe Room
Storm Shutter Installation
Hurricane Straps    Garage Door Bracing
Roof Truss Bracing    Roof Gable Bracing
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Geo Stationary Satellite Weather Images
Hurricane Ivan and Tropical Depression Frances
National Weather Radar Tracking Maps
National Weather Service Tropical Prediction
Atlantic Hurricane Season

Florida Counties - Emergency Management Offices
Map and Contact Info for All Florida Counties
Pasco County Florida
Pinellas County Florida
Hillsborough County Florida
Hernando County Florida
Manatee County Florida
Polk County Florida
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Florida Volunteer Foundation
Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council
Hurricane Hunters Into the EYE of the Storms
Florida Hurricane History 1899 to 1999

Florida Hurricane Shelters
Hillsborough County Florida

Tampa Bay Florida Flood Zones FEMA Click Here
Pinellas County Flood Zones Click Here