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storm guide
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Hurricanefree
streak at 10 years
Ten years and counting. That is how long it has been since a hurricane
has touched land in the Sunshine State. In fact, this is now the longest
stretch of consecutive years since 1851 that no hurricanes have hit
Florida. The longest hurricane-free streak prior to this one was five
consecutive seasons from 1980 to 1984. Such long gaps in hurricane
activity can lead to complacency. Residents of Southwest Florida should
take steps to be ready every year and this guide is designed to help you
be prepared.
staff
THE NEWS-PRESS MEDIA GROUP
President & Publisher Mei-Mei Chan
Executive Editor Cindy McCurry-Ross
Hurricane Guide editor Mark H. Bickel
Designer Lindi DaywaltFeazel
Contributing reporters
Michael Braun, Jennifer Ogles
Copy editor Dave Holmes
Graphics
Mike Donlan, Dennis Wright
Photos News-Press archives
Niche Publications General Manager
Kathryn Kinsey
Customer Service 1 (800) 468-0233
Call 239-335-0350 x3 to reach the newsroom
contents
6 Season overview
21 Window prep
Hurricane Guide is a
24 Pool prep
10 Supplies checklist
25 Avoid gouging
12 Generator tips
12 Electricity dangers
28 Smallbusiness recovery
14 Boat prep
28 Important websites
28 Insurance advice
33 Storm cleanup
20 Roof prep
key numbers
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE
Emergency
Operations
Centers
Lee: 533-0622
Collier: 252-3600
Charlotte: 941-833-4000
DeSoto: 863-993-4831
Glades: 863-946-6020
Hendry: 863-674-5400
Hotlines
State of Florida
Emergency Info 24-hour
hotline: 800-342-3557
Disaster Unemployment
Services: 877-872-5627
Florida Dept. of Financial
Services Hurricane Help line:
800-227-8676
DCF Information:
866-762-2237 or call
a local office
Elder Helpline:
800-955-8770
Attorney Generals
Price Gouging Hotline:
866-966-7226
To report unlicensed
activity: 866-532-1440
To verify contractor
licenses:
850-487-1395
Agricultural and Consumer
Services: 800-435-7352
Contractor
information
Division of Workers
Compensation:
800-742-2214
Florida Association of
Electrical Contractors:
407-260-1511
Florida Wall and Ceiling
Contractors Association:
407-260-1313
Associated Builders and
Contractors of Florida:
813-879-8064
American Red
Cross offices
Charlotte: 941-629-4345
DeSoto: 863-494-2348
To volunteer
and donate
Power
companies
Florida Power
& Light: 800-468-8243
LCEC: 800-599-2356
Glades Electric
Co-Op: 800-226-4024
generators
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE
irst-time buyers should find out which appliances they want to run and the wattage they need.
Most generators can power between 2,500 and
5,000 watts enough for your refrigerator and
maybe a few lights, but not your entire home.
Make sure your appliance plugs match
the generators socket.
capacity.
NEVER try to power
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide from portable generators can kill you
in minutes.
Carbon monoxideWhen the power is out after a hurricane,
operating your generator safely can mean the difference
between life and death.
The exhaust from generators contains poisonous carbon
monoxide, an odorless, invisible killer. The amount of carbon
monoxide from one generator is equivalent to hundreds of
idling cars. Carbon monoxide from a portable generator can kill
you and your family in minutes.
Whos at risk?
All people and animals are
at risk for carbon monoxide
poisoning; however, certain
groups pregnant women,
infants and people with
chronic heart disease, anemia
or respiratory problems are
more susceptible.
Symptoms of poisoning
Headaches Dizziness
Tightness of chest
Fluttering of heart
Safety tips
Never use a portable
generator indoors, including
in your home, garage,
basement, crawl space, shed
or partially enclosed area,
even with ventilation.
Use a portable generator
in a dry area far away from
doors, windows and vents
that can allow carbon
monoxide indoors.
Install battery-operated
carbon monoxide alarms or
plug-in alarms with battery
backup in your home.
Get to fresh air right away
if you start to feel dizzy or
weak.
electrical safet y
Report
lines down
trong winds
from hurricanes and
severe storms
can rip power lines
down, creating
dangerous hazards for
residents and public
safety workers.
Numbers to know
Call 9-1-1
FPL at
800-4OUTAGE
(800-468-8243)
LCEC at 656-2300
or 800-599-2356
Glades Electric CoOp at 863-946-6200
propert y
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE
Securing on land
Avoid exposure to the wind
and park away from trees.
Lash the boat to the trailer
and secure the boat with
heavy lines to a fixed object,
preferably from four directions.
Block the tires to prevent
rolling.
Seal doors and secure
windows.
Remove sails, rigging and
other loose objects.
Hauling
Be sure the marina can
haul your boat and store and
secure it quickly. Check into
At the dock
Double all lines and protect
them from chafing. Make
sure boats will not strike a
roof as water levels rise. Make
sure that cleats and winches
are well secured to the boat.
Adjust lines to accommodate
unusually high or low water.
Install fenders to protect the
boat from rubbing against a
pier, pilings and other boats.
Shut off all electrical devices
Anchoring
in open water
Select a location that offers
the best protection from wind
and storm surge.
Before leaving the dock, remove sails, riggings and other
loose articles.
Seal doors and other openings.
family plan
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE
if everyone is separated.
you.
Locate evacuation
routes and shelter
locations.
Know how to
accommodate persons
with disabilities.
Speak with your child
about emergency exits,
sirens, flashing lights and
alarms.
Have a plan
for your pets
If you cant take your
pet to a temporary shelter,
contact friends, relatives,
veterinarians or boarding
kennels in advance to make
arrangements to keep your
pet.
Some hotels will let you
bring your pets.
Watch animals closely.
Normally quiet and friendly
pets may become aggressive
after a storm.
Make sure ID tags are up
to date and securely fastened
to your pets collar.
Pack a pet survival kit,
which might include food,
water, medications, veterinary records, cat litter,
manual can opener, first-aid
kit and food dishes.
Carry a photo of your pet
for identification.
propert y
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE
Before a storm
Look for curled, torn or
loose shingles. If possible,
replace with new shingles.
If possible, drive new nails
through the original holes.
After replacing the nails,
Clean gutters
Normal Florida rains will
tax your gutters if they
dont allow a free flow
of water. Also, make sure
downspouts direct water
away from your homes
foundation.
Tile roofs
Replace loose tiles, which
can become airborne with
heavy winds.
During a
hurricane
propert y
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE
Window
covers
Plywood
Impact-resistant
windows
Pro: No last-minute
preparation. New windows
have a National Fenestration
Rating Council sticker that
provides an impact rating
specific to the windows size
and model.
Panel shutters
Roll-down
shutters
window.
Con: Expensive; electric
versions wont operate in
a power failure unless you
have a battery-powered
backup (solar-powered
versions are available);
require occasional
maintenance.
Cost: $60 to $80 per
square foot.
Accordion
shutters
Colonial or
Bahamian
shutters
Fabric or
soft-panel
options
storm surge
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE
Southwest Florida
evacuation zones
propert y
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE
Pools
THE NEWSPRESS FILE PHOTO
restored.
Wrap the pump motor with
a waterproof membrane or
plastic bag, and tie it securely
in place to prevent sand and
driving water from entering
the motor. Tie down the pump
box lid, if present.
Remove all loose items from
the pool area. Dont sink patio
aftermath
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE
shelters
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE
aftermath
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE
s hurricane season
approaches, it is
important to review your policy.
Remember: If Florida is
under a hurricane watch or
warning, it is likely too late
to purchase insurance.
Here are some details to review about your insurance:
Windstorm insurance
typically carries a much
higher deductible than other
coverage.
Take your insurance
documents with you if you
leave the area because of the
storm.
Scan your insurance documents into your computer
and then mail those files to
an email account.
New or increased coverage cannot be issued when a
tropical storm or hurricane
Understand what
is covered ... or not
When hurricane warnings are issued, the Florida
Department of Financial
Services is mobilized to assist
with insurance and banking
questions.
The toll-free hot line is
800-22-STORM.
Everyone lives in a flood
zone in Southwest Florida.
And you dont simply need
to live near the water to be
flooded. Many flooded areas
are caused by overloaded
drainage systems.
Flood damage is not covered by your homeowners
policy.
You can purchase flood insurance no matter what your
flood risk is, as long as your
community participates in
the National Flood Insurance
Program.
A maximum of $250,000
of building coverage is
available for single-family
capecoral.net: The
official website of Lee
Countys largest city.
Where to find
agency help
fema.gov: This is
the Federal Emergency
Management Agency
website. It offers
detailed instructions
for natural disasters,
including action plans,
safe rooms and the
National Flood Insurance
Program.
redcross.org: The
American Red Cross
keeps residents informed
about response and
recovery operations.
Insurance help
The Small Business Administration
provides low-interest disaster loans
to homeowners, renters, businesses
of all sizes and private, nonprofit
organizations to repair or replace
real estate, personal property,
machinery and equipment, inventory
and business assets that have been
damaged or destroyed in a declared
disaster.
Any business that is located in
a declared disaster area and has
incurred damage during the disaster
may apply for a loan to help repair or
replace damaged property to its predisaster condition.
To learn more
aftermath
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE
Situations to be
mindful of:
In the yard: Dont trim trees
Cleanup
aftermath
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE
Mold
How to start
the cleanup
Assess the
damage
Asthma (lungs)
Symptoms include acute
attacks of coughing,
wheezing, and shortness
of breath. Reactions
usually occur within
minutes. May repeat
6-10 hours later.
duration of the storm.