New to Florida? 9 helpful tips to get you through a hurricane

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, peaking in August through October, and Florida is a bull’s-eye for hurricanes.

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If you are new to the Sunshine State, here are nine important tips to know about living through a hurricane.

READ: What do they mean? Disturbance, depressions, tropical, subtropical storms, hurricanes

1. CREATE A PLAN:

Floridians know that when a hurricane is potentially hitting the Sunshine State, it’s best to be ready days before.

Decide whether you are staying home or if you need to evacuate. Coastal locations are prone to mandatory evacuation, so be ready to leave at moment’s notice.

Just because you are inland doesn’t mean you won’t be told to evacuate. The orders to evacuate are issued based on historical flood maps and the strength of the storm.

If you are in a mobile home, leave. Mobile homes can sustain severe damage even during weaker storms.

2. EVACUATION PREPAREDNESS: FIND SHELTER, EVACUATION ROUTE:

The American Red Cross has evacuation route information for your county: https://rdcrss.org/2LcJ2ft
If you plan to evacuate, you can find open shelters in your area via this FEMA app: https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app
Assemble supplies (nonperishable food, water, first-aid kit etc.) that are ready for evacuation, such as a “go-bag” you can carry when you evacuate.
Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions.
Secure your home. Closing and lock doors and windows. Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.
Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat.

3. SHELTERING IN PLACE: WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE STAYING HOME:

Ahead of the storm, trim trees on your property, shop for approved window coverings, collect loose outdoor items, secure your doors and find a safe location for your vehicle.
You should cover all windows with shutters or plywood.
If you plan to ride the storm out at home, make sure you have a “safe room” to go into when the storm hits. If you don’t have a storm shelter, you should be in an interior room of the house (no outside walls, if possible).
Consider purchasing a generator. If you do, never run it inside your house.

READ: Where sandbags are available in Central Florida

4. MAKE A COMMUNICATION PLAN:

Devise a family communication plan. It can be difficult to keep in touch with family members during a storm.

Whether you are staying at home or evacuating, make sure you let someone know where you are or where you are going, such as an out-of-state family or friend.

Here’s a checklist to help put together a communication plan: http://bit.ly/2zsISeC

5. PETS:

Keep your furbabies safe! Never leave them behind to ride out a storm.
List of hotels that accept pets: http://bit.ly/2MG2HHZ
Link to pet-friendly emergency shelters: http://bit.ly/2U9ixvu
Link to an Emergency Route Planner that shows you hotels and shelters that accept pets along the route you enter: http://bit.ly/2LhjrlF
The American Humane Society offers tips on preparing your pet for hurricanes: http://bit.ly/2zo52hU

6. FINANCIAL AND OTHER IMPORTANT RECORDS:

Get financial records organized. Need help? Use this checklist: http://bit.ly/2HJjcyX

7. MAKE AN INVENTORY OF YOUR BELONGINGS:

Here’s a link to tips on creating a home inventory to help with insurance claims: http://bit.ly/30GcLE6

8. CHECK YOUR INSURANCE POLICY:

This hurricane insurance guide explains storm coverage and helps you determine if the insurance you have is adequate: http://bit.ly/2L2x1uk

9. PUT TOGETHER A SURVIVAL KIT :

Checklist of supplies: Provided by FEMA | Red Cross

Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and an NOAA weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Can opener for food
Cash or traveler's checks and change
Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes
Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air
Emergency reference material such as a first-aid book
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Flashlight and extra batteries
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Click/tap here for a list of food that doesn't need refrigeration.
Household chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper. Dilute nine parts water to one part bleach to use as a disinfectant.
Identification and bank account records; store them in a waterproof, portable container
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies
Infant formula and diapers
Local maps
Matches in a waterproof container, or waterproof matches (look for them at places that sell camping equipment)
Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Paper and pencil
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Prescription medications and glasses
Sheeting and duct tape
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Whistle to signal for help
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

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