This is an updated version of a previous story that offers tips to help our readers prepare for possible impacts from Hurricane Irma.
The path of Hurricane Irma remained uncertain on the afternoon of Sept. 8, but residents were being urged by Gov. Rick Scott and local authorities to be vigilant and do what they could to protect themselves from the monster storm.
Here are some practical tips intended to help keep you and your family safe from Irma’s potentially deadly dangers, and to help protect your property.
Prepare ahead of the storm
• Remove loose and damaged limbs from trees. Secure and brace external doors. Board up external windows.
• Remove items around your home that could act as projectiles in high winds, such as potted plants, barbecue grills, garden gnomes, chairs and garbage cans.
• Place sand bags around low-lying areas near your house.
• Stock up on hurricane supplies, including flashlights, batteries, self-powered portable lights, waterproof sheeting, a nonelectric food storage cooler, a portable generator and reusable ice.
• Have personal items available, such as blankets and pillows; hygiene supplies, moisture wipes and toilet paper; waterproof and seasonal clothing; reliable shoes; a first-aid kit and special medications; tools; and, cameras.
• If you sheltering in place, be sure you have adequate supplies, in case you lose power and water for several days, and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads. Be sure to have plenty of food. Suggested items include juices, crackers, breakfast and protein bars, canned and dried fruit, peanut butter, bread, canned protein (tuna, chicken, Spam), powdered milk and condiments. Also have on hand disposable utensils, plates and napkins.
• Secure your important documents in a watertight plastic bag or waterproof container.
• Have cash on hand, in case the storm knocks out power from gas pumps and ATMs.
• Park your car as far inland as possible and on higher ground, to protect it from possible flooding. Do not park it next to a tree.
• Take photos of the interior and exterior of your home, in case you need to file an insurance claim.
• If you have a pet, have a plan for it.
• Have a family emergency communication plan. Your loved ones need to know how to contact you before the storm, and especially afterwards, when communication infrastructure may be damaged or overwhelmed.
• Check on your neighbors to see if they need help.
Before losing power
The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers these tips for steps to take before losing power:
• Keep appliance thermometers in both the refrigerator and freezer to ensure the temperatures remain food safe during a power outage. Safe temperatures are 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower in the refrigerator and Zero degrees Farenheit in the freezer.
• Freeze water in one-quart plastic storage bags or small containers prior to the storm. These containers are small enough to fit around the food in the refrigerator and freezer to help keep food cold. Remember, water expands when it freezes, so don’t overfill containers.
• Know where you can get dry ice or block ice.
• Have coolers on hand to keep refrigerator food cold if the power will be out for more than four hours.
• Keep a few days’ worth of ready-to-eat foods that do not require cooking or cooling.
If you evacuate
• If you choose or ordered to evacuate, know the local evacuation route and have a plan where you can stay. (Pasco County officials have advised residents that manufactured homes can only withstand winds of 90 mph. Those living in a manufactured home, follow the storm’s path closely and consider evacuating, if necessary. Officials also say that those living in a low-lying area that is prone to flooding should monitor the storm’s path closely and consider evacuating).
• Have a disaster supply kit you can take along with you. It should include a flashlight, batteries, cash, required medicine, first aid supplies, 2 gallons to 3 gallons of water per person, documents such as a driver’s license, Social Security card, passport, insurance information and tax documents, a hand-crank or battery-operated radio and a cellphone with a charged battery.
• If you have a pet, know where you can take your pet with you. Be sure to prepare a hurricane kit for your pet, including food, any medicines, toys, a bed and so on.
During the storm
• Stay inside and away from windows and doors
• Close all interior doors
• Keep curtains and blinds closed
• Get into a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level
• Lie under a table or other sturdy objects
A potentially deadly waste of time:
The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes warns that using masking tape, duct tape or window film on windows or door is not only ineffective, but also dangerous. These products can create larger, deadlier shards of glass, according to the nonprofit organization. Preparation time and money is better spent on proven products and techniques, it says.
Protect your business
Businesses are reminded to sign up for Florida Virtual Business Operations Center to receive up to date storm-related information. Businesses also will be able to fill out damage reports and post hours of operation during the storm. To sign up, visit http://flveoc.org/index.php?action.
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