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Are you prepared?

Written by Sonia Morgan

Sunday, 01 June 2008

With soaring gas and food prices and record foreclosures, the last thing South Floridians need is another cause for concern. But, it’s that time again, when we watch and listen to the weatherman intently as we prepare for another hurricane season. But how prepared are we really? According to a recent Mason-Dixon poll, many Floridians are not prepared to protect their families and their homes in case of a Hurricane. With 75 of those surveyed saying they have no hurricane kit, and over 50 percent admitting to having no disaster plan, one might conclude that we remain ill prepared for the despite the call for preparation each year. Hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1, is already in swing, with the season’s first tropical storm, Alma, hitting the coast of Central America. This should be fair warning that the season may not be as quiet and last year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) Climate Prediction Center said that “projected climate conditions point to a near normal or above normal hurricane season in the Atlantic Basin this year.” It also called on “residents in vulnerable areas to be fully prepared for the onset of hurricane season.” Meteorologists have predicted 15 named storms and eight hurricanes for the season, however, South Floridians, who haven’t had a major hurricane since 2005, seem to be lax in their preparation for the 2008 season. Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) spokesperson Sarah Marmion told the National Weekly that FPL has been steadily preparing for the 2008 hurricane season. She said, “Since the seven major storms in 2005, we have been working everyday to strengthen the electrical grids,” adding that they have been working with county emergency officials, 911 centers and others to strengthen poles and other infrastructure. Marmion said they have replaced 75 wooden poles in Palm Beach Gardens and “overall in Florida, we are working on 49 different hospitals to help the poles and wires to withstand the strongest hurricanes.” FPL also has a Hurricane Plan, according to the spokesperson, who said they have created a hurricane data and a walkthrough as to what they would do in case of a hurricane. She said in the event of a hurricane FPL would “Try to restore power as quickly as possible and to as many people as possible.” She said, however, until the wires are fixed, residents should “consider every downed wire as a live wire” and to prevent accidents and fires, people should follow the manufacturers’ directions for generators and never operate generators inside the house. Florida Governor Charlie Crist, has also encouraged all Floridians to prepare for the 2008 hurricane season. Crist, while speaking at the 22nd annual Governor's Hurricane Conference, told attendees, "We have learned that everyone has a role to play and a responsibility to prepare to the best of their ability. We know that we must stand together in order to be prepared for future storms that may come our way." Here are some basic items for your disaster preparedness kit: Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days — non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices — foods for infants or the elderly — snack foods — non-electric can opener — cooking tools / fuel — paper plates / plastic utensils Blankets / Pillows, etc. Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs Special Items - for babies and the elderly Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes Flashlight / Batteries Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods Keys Toys, Books and Games Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight re-sealable plastic bag — insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. Tools - keep a set with you during the storm Vehicle fuel tanks filled Pet care items — proper identification / immunization records / medications — ample supply of food and water — a carrier or cage — muzzle and leash For more information on how to prepare a hurricane kit etc visit www.FloridaDisaster.org or www.nhc.noaa.gov or www.fpl.com/storm.

 

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