Florida will likely face a ‘one-two punch’ having an Andrew size hurricane on top of the Coronavirus pandemic. We’ve had to stay home, not see friends and family, nor do other activities that bring us joy. And, just as it seems there is a light at the end of the virus tunnel, June 1st will be upon us in 20 days. As we all know, June 1st is the start of hurricane season. Unfortunately, meteorologists are forecasting a higher than average hurricane season by 40%. 16 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes are predicted to hit the U.S. coastline.
We are disaster weary, but we must prepare for the hurricane season. Due to the virus, additional effort needs to be made for the 2020 season. In particular, everyone and their loved ones need an evacuation plan that includes the location to evacuate if a major hurricane hits us. It will help if you get prepared now. All year long, you need to have certain general supplies in the home just in case you lose power. These supplies must be on hand before a hurricane is forecasted as supplies run out quickly. And, in this time of the virus, you need to have a supply of masks and gloves. Therefore, two plans are needed: A) Non-evacuation and B) Evacuation.
General supplies to be kept all year long – right now, check they are in stock and working
· Flashlights with NEW batteries (generally D) – you may want a ‘lantern’ type LED light not to have to use your hand to hold it and thus free up that hand.
· Charger for cell phone with the battery life of three to five days
· Battery-operated radio with extra batteries
· Extra set of keys
· Bottle of hand sanitizer
· Plastic cups, plates, and utensils
· Manual can opener
· Pre-moistened towelettes
· Mosquito repellent and sunscreen
· Water purification kit (includes chlorine and iodine)
· First-aid kit with aspirin, antibiotic cream, antacids, anti-diarrheal, bandages, adhesive tape
· Medic-alert tags
· Oxygen
Before June 1st – NOW
· Contact friends and family who are inland to ask if they will shelter you during a hurricane. If they agree, send a confirmation in writing to what they agreed, including:
o There is a place for you at their home, and they are willing and able to take others in your household and/or your pets
o They have a generator that can last at least eight days
o Their address and contact information of the family to be given to family members
o If they are not able to take your pets, find a person or place who is willing and able; confirm this in writing
· If you are unable to identify a person to shelter with, be prepared to contact hotels that are not likely to be in the storm’s path; path’s change so you must constantly review it – the virus has closed hotels and motels, but if a hurricane strikes, it is highly likely, they will be deemed essential and will be open.
· Use your cell phone, camera, or video camera to take photos of all of your belongings – room by room
· Buy a mobile phone charger
From the First Forecast of a Hurricane
· Keep a cell phone on your charger
· Check your prescriptions and order if needed – once a hurricane warning is issued, you can renew any prescription for 30 days without a doctor’s authorization
· Gas up and check all fluids or charge your vehicle
· Get extra cash – enough to last three weeks
· Freeze a glass of water, then place a quarter on top. Return glass to the freezer. If evacuation is required, upon return, the placement of the quarter will provide an idea of how long there was no power so that you can dispose of food if needed. When in doubt, dispose of the food.
· Decide what is important to keep from getting water damage (photos, small artwork, jewelry), put those items in the dishwasher which is air-tight and thus water-tight, remove racks for more storage room
Important Papers
· Place the important papers listed below in one or more large plastic bags
o Copy of homeowner’s, auto, medical and pet insurance policies
o Medical policies and cards, including Medicare card
o Contact information: family, doctors, insurance agents, attorneys
o Serial numbers of items such as a pacemaker
o Photos/video of home belongings
o Pet photo, license, and medical records
Impending Hurricane
· Fill up the bathtub with tap water so that you have water to use
· Bring inside everything from your patio, balcony, terraces – e.g., furniture, bicycles, potted plants, etc.
· Move indoor furniture away from windows and glass doors
Hurricane Plans – A & B Plan A – Non-evacuation If you want to wait out the storm, you could be without power, services, and supplies for two weeks. Therefore, you will need a two-week supply of bottled water, non-perishable food, and medications with directions. Also, in the summer heat, having a generator is very important for an older person.
Plan B – Evacuation If you plan to drive to evacuate – very important for those living on or near the water – you will need supplies for three days: bottled water, non-perishable food, and medications with directions. Also, pack extra eyeglasses and batteries for personal items such as hearing aids. You will want to bring linens with you, including towels and sheets and items such as adult diapers. If you are driving, you need to check the storm’s path, the roads, and traffic. Plan for long delays as everyone else will be evacuating too.
If you do not have a person to shelter with, start contacting hotels that are not likely to be in the storm’s path; path’s change so you must constantly review it – the virus has closed hotels and motels, but if a hurricane strikes, it is highly likely, they will be deemed essential and will be open. Re-confirm the hotel reservation before you leave and while you’re driving.
If you are flying out of the area, confirm your reservations several times before the departure day and time.
Before you leave, make sure ALL windows and doors are locked.
We at Personal Affairs Management Group specialize in helping all aspects of the day-to-day of busy professionals, families, and seniors. We have a team devised to tackle and manage concerns that many may have. If you have questions or need information about you or your loved one’s life management issues, please reach out to us. We are here to make your life simple, secure, and stress-free. Call us at 305-646-1833 or email at Corrine@mypersonalaffairsmanagement.com.
