You may hear the terms “Hurricane Watch” and “Hurricane Warning” in your local forecast. Understanding the difference between them is essential to helping you prepare for a hurricane.
A Hurricane Watch means hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours. Begin stocking up on emergency supplies in the event a warning is issued. If you live in a coastal area, you also should be prepared to evacuate.
A Hurricane Warning is more serious. Hurricane-force winds (74 mph or higher) are expected to hit your area within 36 hours. Seek shelter or evacuate, if notified to do so.
IMPORTANT HURRICANE REMINDERS
Protect your home – be prepared:
When flying debris cause windows to break or strong hurricane gusts cause entry doors to blow apart, water and wind will now pour into your home causing severe damage to everything inside. So secure your home in the following manner:
- All windows and exterior doors need to be protected with Florida Building Code (FBC) approved storm shutters.
- Your garage door needs to be fortified with FBC approved bracings rated for large missile impact to prevent being blown out by strong wind gusts.
- Trees can be a hazard in wind storm, prune tree limbs within 10 feet of your home
- Secure outdoor items or move them inside they can become airborne in hurricane
Protect your belongings:
- Take photos of your home before the storm and photos of the damages.
- Document all your valuable belongings by taking photos or video of furnishings, electronics, jewelry, collectables, etc. Keep the photos in a waterproof container somewhere safe from the storm.
- Keep birth certificates, insurance declarations, deeds, ID cards, Passports, etc. in a watertight container and take that with you if you leave.
Personal reminders:
- Fill all prescriptions and have a first aid kit.
- Get cash and plenty of antibacterial wipes.
- Get supplies for your outdoor grill—you may be cooking outside.
- Make sure you have 1 gallon of drinking water per person per day for 7 days. Your pet also needs water.
- Fill 1 car with gas.
- Fill your emergency generator fuel tank if you have one and have extra fuel.
- Have a portable radio, flashlights, batteries and chargers for your cell phones that can be powered by your car.
