| Hurricane
Guide 2008 |
| The information provided is intended to assist residents in
making preparations for an approaching storm as well as some
additional information to help you after the storm. With a little
preparation, being "Hurricane Prepared" is not a difficult
thing, nor is it very time consuming. All it requires is a little
planning, a little shopping and keeping up with the weather
both in your local area and in the tropics. You may want to
save this information in a safe place and review the contents
when a storm is approaching. |
|
| Hurricane
Season June 1 through November 30 |
| The Colorado State University forecast team anticipates
15 named storms forming in the Atlantic basin between June 1
and Nov. 30. Eight of the storms are predicted to become hurricanes,
and of those eight, four are expected to develop into intense
or major hurricanes. National Hurricane Center director Bill
Read, who is in his first year on the job, has said he would
prefer to characterize the season in general terms - as above
average, average or below average - instead of trying to forecast
a precise number of storms.
"It doesn't matter what the numbers are," center
spokesman Dennis Feltgen said Wednesday, repeating a center
mantra that it takes only one powerful storm to make it a
bad season. |
|
| 2008
Hurricane Names |
• Arthur
• Bertha
• Cristobal
• Dolly
• Edouard
• Fay
• Gustav |
• Hanna
• Ike
• Josephine
• Kyle
• Laura
• Marco
• Nana |
• Omar
• Paloma
• Rene
• Sally
• Teddy
• Vicky
• Wilfred |
|
|
| Have
A Plan In Place |
1. You and your family should have a plan in place before
disaster strikes. Decide on places where you would meet, for
example a neighbor's home, public place or school.
2. Have an out-of-state relative or friend as a family contact
so that all family members have a single point of contact.
3. Identify two ways of contact like a phone number and email
address. Post emergency telephone numbers by your telephones,
on the refrigerator, in your wallet or purse, and in children's
backpacks.
4. Make sure children know how and when to call 911.
5. Take photographs or video of your home and personal property
for possible insurance claims.
6. Listen carefully to authorities to know whether you should
remain in your home or evacuate to safety.
7. Be prepared to take your disaster supply kit with you if
you evacuate.
8. Plan how you will take care of your pets.
9. Review and practice your disaster plan with your family every
six months.
10. Also, be sure you have at least one vehicle with a full
tank of gas at all times.
|
|
| What
Should I Do When A Watch or Warning Is Issued? |
A TROPICAL STORM is an organized system of
strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and
maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph.
A HURRICANE is a tropical cyclone, which generally
forms in the tropics and is accompanied by thunderstorms and
a counterclockwise circulation of winds and maximum sustained
winds of 74 mph or higher.
A HURRICANE WATCH indicates the possibility
that our area could experience hurricane conditions within 36
hours. This watch should trigger your family's disaster plan,
and proactive measures should be initiated especially those
actions that require extra time such as boarding up, securing
a boat and loose debris around the outside of your home.
A HURRICANE WARNING indicates that sustained
winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours. Once
this warning has been issued, your family should be in the process
of completing proactive actions and deciding the safest location
to be during the storm.
Before A Watch Or Warning Is Issued….YOU NEED TO BE PREPARED!
|
|
| Be
Prepared |
| Assemble your Hurricane Disaster Kit now. Put
aside in a special box in the garage or some other area. Keep
heat sensitive items inside home and rotate stock throughout
the season. Batteries can go in the refrigerator. When a storm
threatens, lines will be long and supplies short. We recommend
you get the following items now: |
|
Flashlights - Buy one
for everyone in the home and make sure they are of good
quality. |
|
Battery powered radio - Am/Fm radio
A MUST. Weather radio is good. |
|
Rechargeable battery - operated
lanterns - Candles and kerosene lanterns are
fire hazards. You can use them but don't fall asleep or
leave them unattended! |
|
Clock - Wind-up or battery-operated
|
|
Work Clothing - A clean change of
clothes for everyone store in water tight plastic bags.
|
|
Rain gear - Found in surplus stores
|
|
Sturdy swamp boots and working gloves -
Flooding should be expected. |
|
TV antenna - An inexpensive model,
to use when cable goes out. |
|
Working fire extinguishers – You should
have one or two in your home at all times, not just when
a hurricane is expected. Inspect seal, check charge gage.
Should be a class ABC! |
|
Extra batteries - For flashlight, lantern,
radios, and clock. |
|
Extra bulbs - Make sure they fit the
flashlights you buy |
|
Toilet paper - One roll per family
member. |
|
Matches - Good ones, Ohio blue tip,
lighters, they are cheap...get a bunch. |
|
Plastic garbage bags - Get quality
for storage, and get cheap ones for trash. |
|
Manual can opener – Cannot open most
canned foods without one. |
|
Pocketknife - preferably Swiss Army
style. |
|
Grill or camp stove - or some other
cooking device and plenty of fuel. Use canned fuel inside
your home, not charcoal or gas. |
|
Ice chests - Coolers - Try to have
at least two...one for ice and one for refrigeration.
|
|
Paper or plastic plates, cups, and silverware
- There might be no running water to keep dishes
clean. |
|
Medicines/Prescription Drugs - You
need to keep at least a two week supply on hand. |
|
A MUST...CASH - Banks and ATMs may
not be open or available for extended periods. |
|
It is important to have the following documentation:
|
|
Phone numbers - Make this
ahead of time and test the numbers. Important numbers...family,
friends, and insurance company. |
|
Homeowners insurance policy - Talk
to your agent about your coverage and keep a copy of your
policy in a safe place and keep one with you in a zip
lock bag. |
|
Life insurance policy - keep a copy
of your policy in a safe place and keep one with you in
a zip lock bag. |
|
Car insurance policy - keep a copy
of your policy in a safe place and keep one with you in
a zip lock bag. |
|
Proof of Residence - Your drivers
license or another picture identification should have
your correct address...if not the police may not let you
back into the area. |
|
|
| Food
& Water Supplies |
Right now, before you change your mind, go out and buy all
the nonperishable foods you will need to feed your family for
a week. Put these items in a box and rotate the stock, as needed.
Avoid foods that are salty or high in fat or protein; they'll
make you thirsty.
After a hurricane watch is issued, stock up on ice and pack
coolers as early as possible, if you wait too long the stores
will be mobbed and sold out of ice. Freezing or storing ice
ahead of time is a lot less hassle than fighting for it at a
store. Do not use empty milk jugs, no mater how well they are
cleaned, you will never get all the milk out of the pores in
the plastic! Bacteria will grow and you will get sick from it.
Before the power is lost, break out the ice cube trays and put
them to use. Store cubes or small blocks of ice in sealed bags
and containers so you can drink it after it melts.
Fill jugs with water, so you can be making and storing ice
in your freezer or coolers around the clock.
Before the storm hits, turn your refrigerator and freezer to
the coldest setting, and let them get as cold as possible.
After the power goes out drape blankets over them, this will
help keep them cool. Then move perishables you will use first
into ice chests to limit opening of refrigerators.
Designate one cooler you will open regularly; fill that with
drinks and less perishable items. Set aside other coolers for
more perishable things such as meats and open them rarely.
|
|
| What
to buy |
|
Bottled water - This is
very handy you can carry them as you work |
|
Shelf packaged juice and milk boxes -
These store well |
|
Beverages - powdered or canned, fruit
juices, instant coffee, tea |
|
Prepared foods - canned soups, beef,
spaghetti, tuna, chicken, ham, corned beef hash, fruit
cocktail, packaged pudding |
|
Canned vegetables and fruits |
|
Dried fruits - snacks for you and
the kids. |
|
Snacks - crackers, cookies, hard candy,
and nuts watch the salt content. |
|
Snack spreads - peanut butter, cheese
spreads, and jelly. |
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Cereals - They are good without milk.
|
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Raw vegetables - keep them cool |
|
Sugar, salt, pepper - There has to
be taste in your food! |
|
Bread - This will keep for a little
while |
|
Dry and canned pet food - don't forget
these guys. |
|
Extra formula, baby food – the baby
won't let you forget. |
|
|
| During
the Storm |
Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
Find the safest place in the house to ride out the storm...generally
some place in the interior of the house i.e., an interior closet.
Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid
open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source
of light. If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce
power "surge" when electricity is restored.
|
|
| Shelters...For
People Who Cannot Stay At Home |
The schedule for opening shelters will be announced on local
radio and television stations. Residents and tourists are advised
to monitor broadcast stations for shelter openings. Red Cross
emergency shelters are available four hours after an evacuation
order is issued. A Red Cross shelter is a place of refuge for
residents and tourists whose homes or hotels are in the evacuation
zone or are deemed unsafe, such as a mobile home. The shelter
is not a medical shelter; only basic first aid will be available.
The Red Cross does not accept responsibility for storing valuable
personal property. Shelters are equipped with generators, but
they may or may not be airconditioned. If electrical power is
interrupted, portable generators will not be able to keep air
conditioners running.
What to Bring
Evacuees should bring with them what they require to secure
their personal comfort. Cots, air mattresses, blankets and pillows
(none will be provided), snacks and personal meals. Bring playing
cards, games, and books for entertainment. Personal items such
as medication, eyeglasses, hearing aid, flashlights, toothbrushes
and toothpaste, battery-operated radio. For babies, an ample
amount of food, formula, juice, blankets, diapers and wipes.
Also bring a stroller and portable playpen or crib.
Before Leaving Your Home
Have a good meal. Turn off electricity at the fuse box (to prevent
possible fire). Turn off water at the outside line. Turn off
gas for gas water heaters (to prevent possible fire).
What NOT to Bring
Pets...there is one pet shelter, but pre-registration is required,
call 954 359-1313 ext. 227 for more information. Firearms or
explosive devices; intoxicating beverages or illegal drugs.
All evacuees must register at the time they enter the shelter.
The head of the family may register for all.
Special Needs Shelters
Broward County operates a Special Needs Shelter Program for
qualified residents in an evacuation area in the event of a
hurricane. Special needs residents are defined as persons with
health-related problems who do not qualify for admission to
a public shelter operated by the American Red Cross due to the
nature of their health care needs. YOU
MUST
REGISTER IN ADVANCE, BEFORE A STORM THREAT.
If the Hurricane Hotline has already been activated in response
to a storm threat, it is TOO LATE to register for a special
needs shelter. Call a family member, friend, physician, or as
a last resort, hospital.
For Special Needs Shelter
To register, residents should contact the Broward County
Elderly and Veterans Services Division at 954-537-2888 or TTY
954-537-2882. Your primary care physician will be required to
complete a portion of the registration form.
For Shelters Allowing Pets
Call 954 359 1313 ext. 227 |
|
| Shelters
for residents of North Lauderdale |
1. Lyons Creek Middle School - 4333 Sol
Press Boulevard, Coconut Creek
2. Coral Glades High School - 2700 Sportsplex Drive,
Coral Springs
3. Monarch High - 5050 Wiles Road, Coconut Creek
4. Pompano Beach High School - 1400
NE 6th Street, Pompano Beach
5. Millenium Middle School - 5803 NW 94th
Ave., Tamarac
6. Park Lakes Elementary School - 3925 N. State Road
7, Lauderdale Lakes
|
|
| After
The Storm |
Be careful to take certain precautions after the storm has
passed. Damage to your home can have a dramatic emotional impact,
and it's best to have a plan before the storm strikes. Having
a plan, and being aware of certain risks, will minimize the
threat of harm to you or your family.
Stay turned to local news organizations, such as a radio or
television station, for important announcements, bulletins,
and instructions concerning the storm area, medical aid and
other forms of assistance, such as food, water, and shelter.
If the need arises, North Lauderdale will have a distribution
of water, ice and meals at Hampton Pines Park, 7800 Hampton
Boulevard. The distribution spot WILL NOT BE OPEN for
three to five days.
You must be prepared for the first five days. Remember that
you may not have immediate access to your home. Emergency rescue
crews, power crews, and other personnel may be attending to
special needs. Roads could be blocked, power lines could be
down, and people may be trapped and in need of assistance. Make
sure that you have current identification. You may have to pass
through identification check points before being allowed access
to your home/neighborhood. Avoid driving, as roads may be blocked.
Avoid sightseeing, or entering a storm ravaged area unnecessarily.
You could be mistaken for a looter.
Avoid downed power lines, even if they look harmless. Also,
metal fences and other metal objects near downed lines. DO
NOT use matches in a storm ravaged area until all gas
lines are checked for leaks. (Keep flashlights and plenty of
batteries at hand.) DO NOT cook with charcoal
inside your house. DO NOT use a generator in
the house or near open windows.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of death after
a hurricane. Avoid turning the power on at your home if there
is flooding present. Have a professional electrician conduct
a thorough inspection first. Consider having professionals/licensed
contractors inspect your home for damage and help in repairs.
This includes electricians, as well as professionals to inspect
gas lines, remove uprooted trees, and check plumbing. Remember
that downed or damaged trees can contain power lines that can
be a hazard.
Use a camera or camcorder to record thoroughly any damage done
to your home, before any repairs are attempted. In certain areas,
the flooding rains that accompany a storm can create pest problems.
Be aware of potential pest problems in your area, such as mice,
rats, insects or snakes, that may have "come with the storm".
Telephone lines will likely be busy in the area; use a phone
only for emergencies. Flooding brings with it the risk of waterborne
bacterial contaminations. You should assume that the tap water
is not safe and use properly stored water, or boil your tap
water.
|
|
| Clean
Up |
Once the roads are clear, cleanup on your own property may
begin. Storm debris should be prepared for pickup as quickly
as possible since special collection may be available only for
a limited time. After the designated time, debris will be the
responsibility of the property owner. Please follow these instructions
and separate storm debris into these categories:
Household garbage Perishable items, such as food and
normal household waste, will be collected by your regular garbage
service provider. This type of garbage will have priority service.
Service may be interrupted due to road closures. Normal recycling
collection will resume as soon as possible, but all other services
have priority.
Yard debris Plants or small tree branches should be
contained in a bag, box, can or tied for normal collection.
Excessive tree debris and large cut tree sections may be collected
as an expanded service after a storm. All material must be moved
to the road right-of-way.
Construction debris bulk items Storm damaged bulk items,
such as large furniture and materials relating to building construction,
may be collected as an extension of service. Construction debris
is not included in normal collection service.
After a severe storm, citizens should follow regular service
guidelines, watch for service changes published in the local
news media or contact Public Works (listed below) for more information.
|
|
Top
Tips |
WATER
If a "Boil Water Order" is issued for North Lauderdale,
it will be announced in the media. Residents should stay tuned
to local radio and television station for updates or call the
Hurricane Hotline at 954-831-4000. Generally, a boil water order
applies to drinking water. Residents are safe showering under
a boil water order, but should keep water out of the eyes and
mouth. If the quality of your water is questionable, there are
three ways to disinfect water:
1. Boil water for 1 minute before drinking it.
2. Use water purifying tablets (generally available from the
local pharmacy), according to package directions.
3. Use common household, unscented bleach. Add 8 drops chlorine
bleach per gallon of water. Mix thoroughly. Let stand for 30
minutes. If water does not have a slight chlorine odor, repeat
the dosage and let stand 15 minutes.
TREES
Before the Storm
• Trim very tall trees (30-40 feet high) so they will not topple
over in the wind or suffer broken branches.
• Prune trees before storm season, and when the tree is healthy.
• All branches that rest on the roof should be removed.
After the Storm
• Trees that have been overturned are not necessarily lost.
• If the tree is large, cover the roots with burlap or heavy
cloth and keep it wet with a hose.
|
|
| Emergency
Phone Numbers |
| Keep these numbers handy for before, during and
after the storm. Only call 911 in case of an emergency, as police
and fire rescue will be too busy for non-emergency calls. Once
winds reach 45 miles per hour or higher all emergency vehicles
will be parked. That is why it is important to be prepared and
hunker down in a safe place until the storm passes through.
|
Police/Fire: 911
Broward County Hurricane Hotline: 954-831-4000
Broward Emergency Management: 954-831-3900
Broward County Transit: 954-357-RIDE (7433)
North Lauderdale Hurricane Hotline: 954 551-2566
North Lauderdale Public Works: 954-724-7070
North Lauderdale Parks & Recreation:
954-724-7061
North Lauderdale Community Development: 954-724-7069
American Red Cross: 954-763-9900
|
To report an outage to FP&L, call 1-800-468-8243. This
automated system will record your outage. Have your account
number with you. Visit www.FPL.com
for news of storm restoration and maps.
Peoples Gas for any natural gas emergencies call 1-877-832-6747
Bell South Telephone service calling from a Bellsouth
phone dial 611 or from wireless or non-Bellsouth phone or
outside of Florida 1-800-432-1424
Please remember... distribution sites for water,
ice and meals will not open for three to five days after a
storm hits. You need to have essential items on hand for your
family. North Lauderdale will have a distribution site at
Hampton Pines Park 7800 Hampton Blvd.
• If the tree is small, reset it back into the hole, brace
it, trim the top back and fertilize.
• North Lauderdale will remove trees from public rights-of-way
only. |
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