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Careful prior planning and preparation might save your life during the next hurricane. Dont fall into the trap of thinking it wont happen here this summer. The consequences of not preparing for it can be catastrophic. Being ready is the key to getting your self and your family through the storm with as little pain and discomfort as possible. Here are some tips and things to consider:
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Today is Critical
Begin planning before a storm threatens because there are many things to consider when planning for the safety of your family and your home. Some final preparations can be made as the hurricane nears shore since there is generally adequate warning, but beware that some hurricanes form or change course quickly. Advance planning helps minimize the things you have to do as the hurricane approaches and brings order into the chaos caused by this disaster. Make sure your Hurricane Survival Kit is stocked and ready.
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Know Where You Live
Be aware of where you live and whether it is likely you will need to evacuate. If you live in a flood zone or in a mobile home within the warning area, there's a good possibility you'll need to leave. If so, figure out in advance where you will go - either to a shelter, the home of a friend or relative, or perhaps a hotel. If you know someone who relies on electric-powered life-support equipment, be prepared to move that person to a facility outside of the storm's projected path to avoid the risk of an extended power outage. The Polk County Hurricane Guide can help you determine if you live in an evacuation zone and can help you identify Red Cross shelters closest to you. For update shelter information contact the American Red Cross at (863) 294-5941.
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Prepare for Medical Requirements
Any residential customer who has electric-powered medical equipment at their home that is necessary to sustain life or avoid serious medical complications -- may participate in Lakeland Electric's life sustaining medical equipment (Medically Essential Program) Lakeland Electric is concerned about your safety in the event of an interruption of service such as a severe storm or hurricane. Lakeland Electric attempts to contact these accounts to advise the customer of an impending storm. It's important to note, however, that Lakeland Electric cannot guarantee continuity of service. It is incumbent on the individual using special medical equipment in the home to make prior arrangements for backup power or plan to relocate to a hospital or other facility. Lakeland Electric recommends that if you receive home health care, discuss emergency plans with your agency representative. Check with your physician and, if necessary, make prior arrangements with the hospital to stay there if you must evacuate. Hurricane shelters generally only provide first aid, not nursing care or medical assistance. For more information please call (863) 834-1555.
The Polk County Special Care program is designed to provide sheltering at special locations for clients with medical or physical conditions who require assistance during an emergency. The program also provides transportation for those unable to evacuate. Persons with medical equipment that require electrical power or are oxygen dependant are assigned to special shelters. Pre-registration is preferred by calling (863) 534-5600.
Plan an Evacuation Route
Plan your evacuation route well in advance. This plan should include information on the safest evacuation routes and nearby shelters. Learn safe routes inland. Be ready to drive 20 to 50 miles to locate a safe place and remember roads and interstates.
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Develop an Emergency Communications Plan
In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a hurricane. Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water. Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1.
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Protect Your Property
Trim back dead or weak branches from trees. Secure lawn furniture, flower pots, grills and any other items that are not anchored. Sandbags may be available from the County Emergency Operations at various locations, 519-7478 or 534-5600.
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Protect Your Windows
Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower-cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use 1/2 inch plywood--marine plywood is best--cut to fit each window. Remember to mark which board fits which window. You should pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Do this long before the storm. Taping windows doesn't protect glass, but might prevent deadly shards of broken glass from flying through the house.
Check your flood insurance policy to make sure coverage is adequate. You can find out about the National Flood Insurance Program through your local insurance agent or emergency management office. There is normally a 30-day waiting period before a new policy becomes effective. Homeowners polices do not cover damage from the flooding that accompanies a hurricane.
Understand hazards, warnings and advisories. Understand the hazards associated with a storm in the Lakeland area and what you should do when advised.
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Preparation Tips
Check supplies and make sure you have the following items: portable radio with fresh batteries, flashlight, candles or lamps, matches, first aid kit, canned or packaged food that can be prepared without cooking or refrigeration, several days' supply of drinking water (one quart per person, per day), a full tank of gas in your car and cash.
Unplug major non-vital appliances. Advanced surge-protection systems will protect your home from most power surges, but will not prevent damage from a direct lightning strike.
Pay attention to local television and radio broadcasts for hurricane position, intensity and expected landfall.
Prepare for high winds by boarding up or taping windows and other glass, anchoring objects outside and bracing garage door.
Move boats and trailers close to the house and check mooring lines of boats in the water.
Put important papers in watertight containers (take them if you evacuate) and move valuables to upper stories of your home.
Fill your bathtub with water for sanitary purposes. Because water conducts electricity, it is not safe to run water during a storm.
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