🌪️ Get a Plan! 🌪️
Hurricane Preparedness by former ANA President Dominick Griesi
Don’t forget Hurricane Season – (June through November)
What are the necessary steps that should be taken for hurricane preparedness? Most things are usually on hand but should be stocked up and easily accessible. If it turns out the hurricane has changed its path, at least you will have known you were ready. If your city or town is in imminent danger of a hurricane, most likely evacuation announcements have been made, and should be taken seriously.
Here is a checklist to consider before you leave:
1. First, get important papers and special photos in order and secured in plastic. Identification is difficult and time-consuming to replace: so be sure to include social security cards, birth certificates, high school diplomas or GED certificates, titles or deeds to property. Photos of special occasions or loved ones cannot be replaced, so including these is important as well.
2. Think ahead and take video or photos of your property before you leave. This will help later on with any insurance checklist claims for damage that may need to be filed.
3. If staying with relatives is not an option, consider booking a room in a hotel or motel in another nearby town or state. Make sure to get directions and put them in the car ahead of time. It is easy to forget that piece of paper in the rush out the door. A cheaper route might be to find temporary hurricane shelters. Usually nearby towns not in the direct path of the hurricane will provide these for people in need.
4. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that your pet will have a place in a motel or hotel. Keep this in mind and try to find alternate housing for your loved one until it is safe to return, or check out pet-friendly hotels in your area.
5. Designate a spot, in the hall closet, to keep a bag of clothes for each person in the household. Make sure to include sleeping gear if you plan on going to a temporary shelter.
6. Along with overnight clothes, consider stocking your Hurricane Kit with the following: extra cash, generator, batteries, flash lights, battery operated radio/television, bottled water, toilet paper, non-perishable foods such as cereal or crackers, canned goods, can opener, a small cooler, candles, prescription medicines and any over-the-counter remedies you use regularly; and if you have small children - diapers, baby wipes, formula, baby food.
7. Count on the power being out for at least a day or two. Remember that ATM's will be non-operating, so have at least some hard cash in your Hurricane Kit (see no. 6, above) to see you through the storm.
When TV and computer games no longer operate, board games or a deck of cards come in handy! Arts and crafts, crayons and downloadable coloring pages are always great distractions for the kids - so make sure you've stored some of these supplies in a tote bag or in the car trunk.
8. If you decide to tough out the storm, stay downwind in your home. This means if the wind is hitting the living room windows, go to the room opposite the living room.
9. Plywood is a 'hot' commodity for those of who decide to stay. Boarding up windows that will take the brunt of the wind and rain is the wisest decision. If board is not available, protect your windows from the wind by crisscrossing them with layers of duct or packing tape. This will be enough protection for light-to-medium winds, but learning how to build and install plywood hurricane shutters is your safest bet. If you can afford it, have them installed by a professional.
10. Finally, STAY INSIDE. However tempting it may be to videotape or take photos of the storm, be sure to shoot from indoors - where it's safe, and dry!
Hurricanes are serious business. Weather forecasters can only predict so much. Educate yourself and stay on top of weather updates in your area. There is no harm in being overly cautious. In most cases where a hurricane is concerned, it truly is better to be safe than sorry.
Have these items on hand before the storm hits:
✅ Cash - Without power, banks and ATM's will be closed
✅ Drinking water - at least one gallon per person per day for two weeks
✅ Medications for at least four weeks
✅ First aid kit including bandages, antiseptic, tape, compresses, etc.
✅ Nonperishable foods - at least two weeks supply
✅ Flashlights and batteries for each member of the family
✅ Portable radio and at least seven sets of batteries
✅ Insect repellent
✅ Coolers - at least 2 large coolers - one for food and the other to keep ice
✅ Charcoal and ice -these are in short supply before and after storms
✅ Plastic tarp for roof or window repair, screening, garbage bags, tools and nails
✅ Water purification kit (tablets, chlorine, iodine)
✅ Infant necessities (medicine, sterile water, diapers, ready formula, bottles).
✅ Clean-up supplies (mop, buckets, and towels, disinfectant)
✅ Camera and film, Non-electric can opener
✅ Extra batteries for camera, flashlights, radio, portable TV, lamps, etc.
✅ Plastic trash bags, toilet paper, paper towels, and pre-moistened towelettes
If you purchase any items after a storm, get a receipt. Insurance may cover costs of emergency food and ice.
If you are Evacuating:
You may have to stay in a shelter for a while. The Red Cross does not allow alcoholic beverages, weapons or pets in shelters. Here are suggested items to bring to the shelter:
✅ Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags and air mattresses
✅ Extra clothing, shoes, eye glasses, etc.
✅ Lightweight folding chairs and cots
✅ Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, contact solution, etc.) ✅ Quiet games, books, playing cards, and favorite toys for children
✅ Important papers including drivers license, special medical information, insurance policies, and property inventories
✅ Tune to local TV/radio stations, as well as local government channels, to verify which shelters are open.
Pinellas County Emergency Mgmt. at 727-464-3800
St. Petersburg Emergency Mgmt. at 727-893-7683
St. Petersburg Citizens Info. Center at 727-893-7111
Pet-Friendly Shelter:
St. Petersburg (6th) Judicial Building
545 1st Avenue, North
Capacity=400
