Hurricane Preparedness

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2004 Hurricane

Hurricane Preparedness Program: Grants may be available for area residents to fortify your home against hurricanes under the state's new My Safe Florida Home program. Learn more by visiting: www.mysafefloridahome.com

Here are some general disaster preparedness tips:

- Have your insurance papers, house deed, and other important documents in one place, so you can grab them quickly. During an emergency, keep them in a water-tight zip-lock bag and take them with you if you have to leave.

- Each year, take pictures of you home outside and inside, and all your possessions, in case of an insurance claim. Keep those with your important papers.

Note: Do not keep documents in an airtight bag for long-term storage, as condensation will deteriorate the paper.

Prepare family emergency plans for various disasters:

Hurricanes and tropical storms

These emergencies are the most likely to cause major evacuations, as they did during Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne in 2004. Here are some tips:

- Check your supply kit for flashlights, batteries, battery-powered radios, coolers, bottled water, non-perishable food, medicines and pet supplies. Click here to download a Red Cross family disaster checklist (200 KB PDF file).

- Get any cash you’ll need before a storm hits, since banks may close and ATMs may lose power or run out of money.

- Residents who live on beachside, in mobile homes or near rivers may be asked to evacuate if a hurricane is approaching. Use shelters as a last resort – stay with friends or family on higher ground, or a hotel inland.

- If you have special health needs, update your plans with your caregiver and family in case of power outages or evacuations.

- Have tarps on hand to minimize roof leaks, board up windows and seal or sandbag problem areas where water may come in. Minor roof leaks can cause major mold problems within a few weeks, so try to stop leaks quickly.

- Be extremely careful with outside generators that can send deadly fumes into your home – carbon-monoxide is odorless. Never run them inside, or in a garage or even a car port. Be careful that winds are not blowing fumes into an open window or AC unit.

- Set up one point of contact so you family knows what's going on. Designate one family member out of the area and keep them updated, so they can update the rest of your family and friends.

- Make plans for your pets if you have to leave your home. Volusia County has one shelter that accommodates pets. Otherwise take them with you, or utilize a kennel or friends.

- Listen to the official emergency public information stations: WNDB 1150 AM; WVYB 103.3 FM; WHOG 95.7 FM; US93 93.1 FM; WCEU TV 15. Ormond Beach and Volusia County also distribute public information other major radio media outlets as well.

- Don't bother duct taping your windows, it has little value. Hurricane shutters, quality hurricane window film or simply boarding up your windows are effective in protecting your house.

- In case of a major storm, call the Ormond Beach Citizen Information Line at Public Works if necessary at 676-3221.