American Red Cross

Planning for the vulnerable during crises

July 7, 2020 By Mary Rathman

People with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia especially can be vulnerable during disasters, such as severe weather, fires, floods, hurricanes and other emergency situations.

It is important for the caregivers of those afflicted to have a plan that includes the special needs of people with impairments in memory and reasoning that could severely limit their ability to act appropriately in a crisis.

In general, caregivers should be prepared to meet the needs of the family for three days to seven days, including having supplies and backup options when basic services like water or electricity, are lost, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

Organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross can provide information on how to make a general disaster preparedness plan.

And, the Administration for Community Living (ACL.gov) has a disaster planning toolkit for people with dementia.

Here are some tips from the NIA on how to plan ahead:

Caregivers should consider the needs of the person with Alzheimer’s while assembling supplies for the disaster kit. All supplies should be stored in a watertight container. A kit could include: incontinence undergarments, wipes and lotions; a pillow, toy or something the person can hold onto; favorite snacks and high-nutrient drinks; recent photos of the person; and, medical documents and medications.
If a move to a safer place is required, such as to a community shelter or someone’s home, caregivers should be sensitive to the Alzheimer’s patient’s emotions, by staying close, offering their hand, or giving reassuring hugs.
While planning an evacuation, know how to get to the nearest emergency shelters; arrange with someone else for transport; make sure the person with Alzheimer’s wears an ID bracelet; take general supplies and disaster kit; keep neighbors, friends and family informed about your location; keep comforting items on hand; and keep your cellphone charged.

For more information, including what to do in the case of caregiver/patient separation, and how to prepare for disaster situations, consider contacting these organizations:

NIA Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center: Call (800) 438-4380; visit NIA.nih.gov/alzheimers or NIA.nih.gov/health/disaster-preparedness-alzheimers-caregivers; or, email .
Family Caregiver Alliance: Call (800) 445-8106, visit Caregiver.org, or email .

• Eldercare Locator: Call (800) 677-1116, visit Eldercare.acl.gov, or email .

Published July 08, 2020

Busy hurricane season expected

June 30, 2020 By B.C. Manion

As if COVID-19, an economic meltdown and soaring unemployment aren’t enough — Floridians need to brace for an above-normal hurricane season, according to forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.

Hurricane Irma gave Floridians a taste of Mother Nature’s fury. This year, weather experts are predicting higher-than-normal activity. (Courtesy of NOAA)

Just days into the season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, Tropical Storm Cristobal swept into the Gulf Coast, triggering a storm surge of almost 6 feet along parts of the northern Gulf Coast, according to national weather reports. Heavy rain triggered flash flooding as far east as Florida, and as far north as Wisconsin and Minnesota. The storm also spawned tornadoes in Florida and as far north as Illinois.

That was the beginning of an Atlantic hurricane season that experts predict will have above-normal activity. Information released by NOAA says there’s a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 named storms, with winds of 39 mph or higher. Of those, six to 10 could become hurricanes, with winds of 74 mph or higher, including three to six hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5), with winds of 111 mph or more.

An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which six become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes, according to NOAA, a division of the National Weather Service.

Concerns about the potential spread of COVID-19 — the deadly virus that has already claimed more than 3,400 lives across Florida — is causing emergency officials to plan differently this year.

Pasco County Emergency Management Director Andrew Fossa said the county will be working with the Department of Health that is maintaining a current list of COVID-positive patients, as well as people of interest.

Part of the county’s plan calls for using the center at Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, to shelter positive COVID-19 patients, or people who have been exposed to the virus.

The county also will use schools as shelters, and will open them as they are needed.

Hurricane Irma blew down lots of trees around Pasco County, including this one, across an East Pasco road. (File)

This year, because of the pandemic, the county also has lined up some hotels and a resort, to use, if necessary, Fossa said. Some empty big box stores also might serve as shelters, he added.

“You’ve got to get creative in this kind of work,” he said.

The county needs to add more potential shelters this year because, in response to COVID-19, the American Red Cross and FEMA have changed the footprint required for sheltering.

“It used to be at general population, you were allocated 20 square feet, inside this big open area. That was your little slice of life. Now, with COVID, they made that 60 square feet,” Fossa said.

Shelter routines will be different
While waiting to register, those arriving will have to stay apart from each other, to maintain a safe social distance. Before entering the shelter, they will have their temperature taken, will be asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guideline questions and will be given a mask to wear in the shelter, Fossa said.

Anyone whose temperature exceeds 100.4 degrees F., will be sent to a different shelter, if time permits, or will remain at the shelter but will be housed in a separate part of the shelter.

Fossa said the county has secured enough personal protective equipment for county staff, nurses and firefighters that will be working at the shelters.

Many injuries occur after natural disasters because inexperienced people try to handle tasks they don’t know how to do. Enlist the help of professionals, if possible, and make sure they are properly licensed and insured. (File)

The county is uncertain how comfortable people will feel about staying at a shelter because of concerns about COVID-19. It has released a survey to try to get a better idea of where Pasco residents stand on that issue.

Fossa noted that AAA has done a survey in Florida and the results showed that 42% would not go to a shelter because of COVID-19.

The emergency management director also noted that the state has issued some guidance on whether people should evacuate.

“If you have a home that was built post-1996 and you’re not on the water, you’re not in an evacuation zone, the coastline or anything like that, they’re (state officials) actually encouraging residents to stay in their houses for a Category 1, maybe Category 2 (storm).”

Fossa urged residents who have not already prepared for a potential threat, to do so now.

“Be ready,” he said. “If you don’t have a go-kit yet, you’re behind the curve.

“If we need to evacuate you, I am not going to sit at your house for 45 minutes while you say, ‘I’m going to grab this, I’m going to grab that. I’m going to grab that.’ Have it ready to go,” Fossa said.

Those evacuating should “go 10s of miles, not 100s of miles,” Fossa added. “You can go 10s of miles to stay with family and friends.”

By staying close to home, residents can avoid getting stuck in miles of traffic jams and keep hotel rooms free for people who are evacuating from more vulnerable areas.

If you are ordered to evacuate, wait for emergency officials to let you know that it’s safe to return.

The county has a fleet of drones it can use to assess damage, Fossa said.

He also noted that the county has 28 generators, which it can use to temporarily restore power to traffic lights that have been knocked out by severe weather.

And, it is getting another generator that is large enough to power a small building, he said. The primary use for that generator would be to restore power to a nursing home — to avoid a tragic outcome like the one that occurred at a Hollywood, Florida, nursing home a few years back.

Pasco County also has had to plan differently for managing its Emergency Operations Center.

“We’re not going to be like Irma. I’m not going to have 120 bodies in my EOC,” Fossa said. Instead, there will be about 17 key personnel there.

“Everybody else will work virtually. That’s the safest way to do it,” Fossa said.

The county has a wealth of information available for residents who want to find out if they’re in an evacuation zone, how to prepare for a hurricane and what to do in the aftermath.

You can find that information at PascoEmergencyManagement.com.

THINGS TO DO NOW
Before a hurricane threatens
Protect your property:

Be sure your trees and shrubs are trimmed.
Clear out clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Document your valuables by making a list of the items, and taking photos of them and your property.

If a hurricane threatens

Cover windows with pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters.
Store outdoor furniture, windchimes, garbage cans, decorations, potted plants and other items that could become projectiles in high winds.
If you have a boat, determine how and where to secure it.

Protect yourself:

Know your evacuation zone and be prepared to leave, if authorities tell you do so.

Particularly vulnerable areas include mobile homes, high-rise buildings, coastal areas, near rivers or inland waterways, and land below sea level.

If you live in a mandatory evacuation zone, prepare an evacuation plan that includes transportation routes and destinations, and considers all family members and pets.
If evacuating, reach out to family or friends, now, to see if you can stay with them. Whether you are sheltering in place, or evacuating, be sure to share your plans with someone outside of the danger zone.
When making evacuation plans, think in terms of 10s of miles away, instead of 100s of miles. People have been known to leave their homes only to go where the hurricane landed.

Have a go bag ready
Your go bag should include:

Medications
Clothing
Important documents, in a waterproof container, which includes bank account records, marriage certificates or divorce decrees, driver’s license, Social Security card, passport, titles, deeds, income tax information, trusts, wills, insurance papers and birth certificates.

Some practical pointers

Avoid gas lines: During hurricane season keep your tank full, or at least 3/4 full
Have cash on hand, in case banks are closed and ATMs lose power
Have a phone charger that doesn’t require electricity
Have a printed list of important telephone numbers, including county emergency management office, evacuation sites, doctors, bank, area schools, veterinarian, etc.
Have books and games available, to help pass the time

Stock up on emergency supplies

Water — one gallon for each person for three to seven days
Food — enough food for at least three to seven days. Nonperishable packaged or canned food and beverages, snack foods, juices. Supplies should include nonperishable foods that are easy to store and prepare, including protein bars, dried fruit, canned pastas, soups, canned tuna, peanut butter and jelly, crackers, raisins, beef jerky. Don’t forget the baby formula and baby food.

Tools/supplies

Non-electric can opener, paper plates, plastic utensils, plastic cups
Grill, cooking tools, fuel, charcoal
Hand tools, automotive repair tools
Duct tape and heavyweight garbage bags or plastic sheeting (for shelter-in-place)
A wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)

Personal comfort/hygiene/sanitation

Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags
Sunscreen, aloe, bug spray
Special items for babies, elders, persons with disabilities
Toiletries, hygiene items and sanitary wipes
Moist towelettes for sanitation
Garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)

Safety

Radio — battery-operated or hand-cranked radio, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather radio
Flashlight and batteries
Medications, a first-aid kit
Filter masks to protect your mouth and nose
A whistle to signal for help
Seasonal rain gear, sturdy shoes or boots

Plan for your pets

Your pet emergency kit should include: Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or a carrier; pet food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter, a litter pan; pet health records, current photos of your pets, in case they get lost; pet beds and toys.

DURING THE STORM
When sheltering in place

Close all interior doors. Secure and brace exterior doors. Take refuge in a small interior closet, or hallway on the lowest level. Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
Fill bathtubs or buckets with water to use for cleaning and toilet flushing.
Stay away from windows and glass doors.
Don’t be fooled by a lull in the storm. It could be the eye of the storm and the winds could resume.

AFTER THE STORM

Do not drive into water when you can’t see the bottom of the road; you could drown.
Do not walk through flooded areas, fast-moving water could carry you away. Also, the water could be contaminated with oil, gasoline, raw sewage and other contaminants. It also may be electrically charged from a downed wire.
Be careful about the foods you eat. If the power is out for a prolonged period, your food may have spoiled.
Do not burn charcoal in your house or garage, the fumes can be deadly.
Do not use gas-powered generators indoors or in a garage, the exhaust can be lethal.
If you’re using a generator, do not plug it into a building’s wiring. This can cause generator back feed, which is extremely dangerous for utility workers and for anyone in the public who comes into contact with a downed electrical wire.
If you have been evacuated, do not return to your home until authorities tell you that it is safe to do so.

If you have damage

Call your insurance agent.
Take photos of the damage.
Make emergency repairs to avoid more damage and keep receipts for tarps, lumber, etc.
Use licensed contractors to make repairs. Be wary of potential scams.

Published July 1, 2020

Keep Your Family Cool and Safe With A New A/C and Generator

June 23, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Florida’s hot and humid summer is in full force, and with it comes the dangers of thunderstorms and hurricanes. If your family is spending more time than ever at home because of COVID-19, it may be smart to consider updating or replacing you’re A/C system, and look into installing a portable or permanent all-home generator.

The outdoor unit of the Daikin Fit is half the size of a traditional condenser, which allows for more space for outdoor living.

“The only thing worse than having you’re A/C go out on the hottest day of the year, is it going out during a hurricane, and not coming back on when your power is restored,” said Dana Spears, president and owner of Cornerstone Pros in Land O’ Lakes. “It is always best to plan ahead before an emergency strikes, and if you call now, we can get a technician to your home within a few days.”

Many families decide to upgrade their A/C system either because their existing unit is unreliable and costing too much to maintain, or it is so inefficient that it uses an increasing amount of energy that results in hundreds of dollars in utility bills, Spears explains.

A new A/C system that Cornerstone Pros offers exclusively in this area is the Daikin Fit series. Available only since February, it features exceptionally cool comfort, a small footprint and high energy efficiency ratings.

“The Daikin Fit has many advantages that families value,” said Spears. “Here are the top three that our customers rave about.”

Half The Size — The outdoor unit is half the size of a traditional condenser, which makes it perfect for pool and patio areas, allowing more space for outdoor living. It is also great for homes with narrow lot lines.
Exceptionally Quiet — It’s so quiet that it can be installed outside a bedroom window and not be heard inside, which makes it great for sleeping because you don’t hear a compressor kicking on and off during the night.
Energy Efficient — It has an energy efficiency rating of 16 SEER that lowers your power bill because it consumes less energy to cool a home.

The Daikin Fit series also has the tech conveniences people want, including Wi-Fi connectivity and thermostat controls that are accessible from a phone, pad and laptop. Plus, Cornerstone offers great financing terms and rebates, and works with local utility companies to qualify customers for additional rebates. Finally, the Daikin Fit has one of the best warranties in the industry, with a 12-year parts and labor warranty included in the price of the unit.

Home Generators
Many families consider a home generator to keep their family comfortable and safe in case the power goes out during a summer storm or hurricane.

“Families of all sizes and incomes are installing home generators, especially when a family member has medical issues that require treatments needing power,” said Miguel Silva, plumbing manager for Cornerstone Pros.

Cornerstone installs Generac generators, the country’s largest and most advanced manufacturer of backup generators that run on natural gas or liquid propane, and automatically activate when there is a power outage.

“Choosing the right size generator for your home is just as important as the quality of the generator. Our technicians do a full load calculation on every home we quote, and specify a generator that best meets a family’s needs and budget,” said Silva.

Because generators can be costly, Cornerstone Pros offers permanent and portable generators, and has low-interest financing available to make monthly payments affordable.

Generac generators run on natural gas or liquid propane, and automatically activate when there is a power outage

“We want to encourage everyone who wants to protect their family’s health, comfort and safety to give us call,” said Silva. “We do everything possible to make a generator fit their budget.”

Modern generators are compact, quiet and able to power some or all of a home’s electrical appliances. A generator prevents almost all of the problems associated with power loss, including spoiled food, extreme temperatures, sickening mold, and no running water if a home is on a well.

“Many people think of backup generators as giant, noisy units that can be heard all around the neighborhood. This is no longer the case,” said Silva.

The American Red Cross recommends permanently installed backup generators because they are a safer way to provide backup power to a home than a portable generator.

Silva adds that portable generators can be dangerous if not properly installed. “A new transfer switch is usually needed for a portable generator, so that a home’s electrical panel is not blown up when the utility turns the power back on,” said Silva.

For homes with natural gas, Cornerstone Pros technicians do the plumbing that ties the generator directly into the home’s natural gas line, so the homeowner never has to worry about filling a gas tank. Homes without natural gas require a propane tank, which Cornerstone Pros connects to during its installation.

“Generators provide protection 24/7, whether you’re home or away, and turn themselves off when utility power returns, so there is no need to monitor the unit during an outage,” said Silva. “Plus, most models today offer Wi-Fi connectivity, so no matter where you are, you can monitor the status of your power and generator’s operations from a smartphone, tablet or computer.”

Cornerstone Pros offers 24-hour heating and cooling assistance. Its phones are answered 24/7, and technicians are available weekends and holidays. Call (813) 990-0561 anytime, day or night. For more information, visit the website at CornerstonePros.com.

Published June 24, 2020

Protect Your Family If Your Power Goes Out

August 28, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

With almost daily afternoon thunderstorms, and the busiest months of the hurricane season upon us, many local households are installing whole-house generators to keep their family comfortable, safe and secure if their power goes out.

“Families of all sizes and incomes are installing generators in their homes in case their power goes out,” said Miguel Silva, plumbing manager for Cornerstone Pros Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical in Land O’ Lakes. “We are installing an average of 10 whole-house generators a month, and will install many more units during the storm season.”

Cornerstone installs Generac generators, the country’s largest and most-advanced manufacturer of backup generators that run on natural gas or liquid propane, and automatically activate when there is a power outage.

“Experience matters when it comes to generators, because in addition to the install, Cornerstone is qualified to service and maintain these systems, which can have a life span of 30 years, if properly maintained,” said Silva. “It’s no different than maintaining your vehicle — generators must be serviced to ensure they work properly, and to protect the homeowner’s investment.”

Because today’s technology is essential to most families, it is critical to have electricity to power these devises that families count on.

“While you obviously need power to keep your lights on and fridge running, you also need power to keep your cellphones, computers and home security cameras going,” said Silva. “Plus, electricity is especially important if a family member has medical issues that require equipment needing power to operate.”

A generator will prevent almost all of the problems associated with power loss, including spoiled food, extreme temperatures, sickening mold, and no running water if a home is on a well.

The American Red Cross recommends permanently installed backup generators, because they are a safer way to provide backup power to a home than a portable generator.

“Because all generators emit carbon dioxide, an odorless gas that can kill, proper installation and venting is imperative for all generators,” said Silva. “Our technicians are trained to specify the safest location for a generator.”

Because generators can be costly, Cornerstone Pros offers permanent and portable generators, and has low-interest financing in place to make monthly payments affordable.

“We want to encourage everyone who wants to protect their family’s health, comfort and safety to give us call,” said Silva. “We do everything possible to make a generator fit their budget and payment ability. Plus, we’re currently offering $150 off all generator installations.”

Modern generators are compact, quiet and able to power some or all of a home’s electrical appliances, all at the same time.

“Many people think of backup generators as giant, noisy units that can be heard all around the neighborhood. This is no longer the case,” said Silva, who adds that Cornerstone Pros pulls all the permits needed to install a generator.

“Generators provide protection 24/7, whether your home or away, and turn themselves off when utility power returns, so there is no need to monitor the unit during an outage,” said Silva. “Plus, most models today offer Wi-Fi connectivity so, no matter where you are, you can monitor the status of your power and generator’s operations from a smartphone, tablet or computer.”

Call Cornerstone Pros with your generator questions and to request a quote at (813) 990-0561.

Published August 28, 2019

Be Comfortable and Safe If Your Power Goes Out

June 26, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

With Hurricane season officially underway, many families are looking at installing a whole house generator to keep their family comfortable and safe in case the power goes out.

“Families of all sizes and incomes are installing generators in their homes in case their power goes out due to summer thunderstorms and hurricanes,” said Miguel Silva, plumbing manager for Cornerstone Pros Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical in Land O’ Lakes. “This is especially true when a family member has medical issues that require treatments needing power.”

Because generators can be costly, Cornerstone Pros offers permanent and portable generators, and has low-interest financing in place to make monthly payments affordable.

Modern generators are compact, quiet and able to power some or all of a home’s electrical appliances, all at the same time.

“Many people think of backup generators as giant, noisy units that can be heard all around the neighborhood. This is no longer the case,” said Silva.

A generator will prevent almost all of the problems associated with power loss, including spoiled food, extreme temperatures, sickening mold, and no running water if a home is on a well.

Plus, the American Red Cross recommends permanently installed backup generators because they are a safer way to provide backup power to a home than a portable generator.

“Because all generators emit carbon dioxide, which is a dangerous, odorless gas that can kill, proper installation and venting is imperative for all generators,” said Silva. “Our technicians specify the safest and most economical location for a generator, and pull all necessary permits from the county to complete the install.”

Silva adds that portable generators can also be dangerous if they are not properly installed.

“A new transfer switch is usually needed for portable generators, so that a home’s electrical panel is not blown up when the utility turns the power back on,” said Silva. “And, when that happens, the homeowner has no power until the panel is replaced, plus it can be a very dangerous situation if someone is near the electrical panel when it blows.”

Cornerstone Pros pulls all the permits needed to install a generator, and the permitting process typically takes between two and five weeks.

“Because of the time permits take, people need to call now to get their generator installed before the peak storm and hurricane season,” said Silva.

“Generators provides protection 24/7 whether you’re home or away, and turn themselves off when utility power returns, so there is no need to monitor the unit during an outage,” said Silva. “Plus, most models today offer Wi-Fi connectivity, so no matter where you are, you can monitor the status of your power and generator’s operations from a smartphone, tablet or computer.”

Call Cornerstone Pros with your generator questions and to request a quote at (813) 990-0561.

Published June 26, 2019

Be Comfortable and Safe If Your Power Goes Out

May 22, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

With Hurricane season officially beginning in just a week, many families are looking at installing a whole house generator to keep their family comfortable and safe in case the power goes out.