Resident Hurricane Preparation Procedures

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Luke Boone
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1 Resident Hurricane Preparation Procedures Table of Contents Definitions: Watch vs Warning... 1 Aquanique Building Actions... 2 Resident Preparation in Advance of a Hurricane... 2 Hurricane Supplies Checklist by FPL... 3 Things to do when a Hurricane Watch is issued... 4 Things to do for a Hurricane Warning... 4 Evacuation... 4 Where to go... 5 If you do not Evacuate... 5 Returning to the Condo... 5 Shelters... 6 Hurricane Season is from June 1- November 30 (peak is mid-august to late October). Water and electricity will probably not be available so each resident is recommended to have their own procedures in place. Below are some TIPS to get you started. (This document strives for accuracy but it is not guaranteed.) Definitions: Watch vs Warning Hurricane Watch: An announcement that hurricane conditions are possible within the specified area. Because outside preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, watches are issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. Action: During a watch, prepare your home (remove everything from your balcony) and review your plan for evacuation in case a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Warning is issued. Listen closely to instructions from local officials. Hurricane Warning: An announcement that hurricane conditions are expected within the specified area. Because outside preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. Action: During a warning, complete storm preparations (close shutters and lock all windows and doors) and immediately leave the threatened area if directed by local officials. See section below for more detail on what to do. Extreme Wind Warning - Extreme sustained winds of a major hurricane (115 mph or greater), usually associated with the eyewall, are expected to begin within an hour. Action: Take immediate shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure. Reference: Aquanique Ocean Club Page 1

2 Aquanique Building Actions The sliding doors on front and storage side of the building are locked and secured as they are subject to wind damage that causes them to swing inward. Entrance/exit is then by the fob operated doors only. If the fob doors do not operate, check the library side door. It may be unlocked during part of the day and locked at night. Because our staff will be busy with many tasks to secure the building, Volunteers are needed to help secure the building and grounds (bring pool furniture inside, remove any chairs, etc. from area near boardwalk). Announcements will be made regarding volunteer activities. Lights in hallways and electrical outlets will operate on generator power. One elevator will operate on generator. When the generator runs out of fuel there will be no power or elevators. In the past when we were running low on fuel, we manually shut down the generator for selected time periods. The Office will collect contact info to inform owners of the status of their unit and actions to prevent additional damage. Hallways are the preferred safe places or bathrooms with the doors closed. People on the higher floors have reported feeling the building sway during the height previous storms. Hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations. Lower floor hallways may be preferable but not the 1 st /main floor as it may flood. Resident Preparation in Advance of a Hurricane Secure a re-entry pass from the Ft. Piece Police Dept. for access to the Island. Proof of property ownership is required. Accepted forms of ID are Florida driver s license or copies of electric or phone bill with your name. Keep your car(s) gas tank filled. Service stations may run out of gas or lines may be long. Have flashlights, candles, batter powered radio, extra batteries, sufficient drinking water and non-perishable food in your unit to last for three (3) to seven (7) days for each person in case you are unable to evacuate.. Ensure that you have the key to release the door from the electric opener. Call your relatives/friends and advise them of your plans and confirm when you have returned. Store valuables and all original documents off-site or back home or use a safety deposit box. If important documents are in your Unit, a GRAB & GO BOX should contain items such as: 1. Will(s) or trust agreement(s) 2. Insurance policies 3. List of checking/savings account numbers 4. Emergency cash 5. Recent tax return 6. Safety deposit key(s) 7. List of all prescription drugs for the family or guests 8. List of credit card numbers and phone numbers of vendors 9. Copy of Driver s license(s) 10 Copy of social security card(s) 11. Current bills 12. Birth/marriage certificate(s) 13. Power of attorney 14. Investment statements 15. Extra prescription drugs 16. A suitcase with hygiene products, clothes for 3 days minimum Aquanique Ocean Club Page 2

3 Hurricane Supplies Checklist by FPL Medical supplies Arrange for a one-month supply of all medications. Contact your doctor and pharmacy early. Also, ask your doctor about how to properly store medication during a power outage, especially the medication that you would normally keep in the refrigerator. Have extra prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses and hearing aid batteries. Food, water and related supplies Non-perishable foods, such as ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables; canned/bottled beverages; and dry foods such as crackers. At least a 5-7 day supply of food is recommended. Non-electric can opener THAT YOU CAN TURN by hand Drinking water. At least one gallon per person, per day. A two-week supply is suggested. Soaps and detergents Non-electric stove (optional). Do not forget to buy fuel for it if you use one. Several coolers and ice. Consider making blocks of ice in advance to use in the coolers when you need them. Disposable eating utensils (optional) or several sets of dinnerware Pet food, supplies and carrier cage Large and small trash bags Paper towels, tissues and rubber gloves Personal products Sanitary/continence supplies (toilet paper, adult diapers, etc.) Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, etc.) First aid/protective gear First aid kit Fire extinguisher Insect repellent and sunscreen Bleach without additives (for purification purposes) Disinfectant Protective clothing and hats Extra pairs of dry socks and several pairs of comfortable shoes Other supplies and documents Flashlights and extra batteries Battery operated radio, fan and extra batteries Matches in a waterproof container Umbrellas and lawn chairs Tarp or plastic sheeting Pillows and blankets Sleeping bag/folding cot Get a non-cordless telephone! CORDLESS PHONES WILL NOT WORK IF THE POWER IS OUT. Have an extra battery pack for your cellular phone or a charger for use in a car lighter. Have cash/travelers checks in case banks are closed and ATMs aren t working. Put all important papers such as insurance policies (home, auto, life), list of medications, Medicare and/or Medicaid cards, birth certificates, etc. in a waterproof, portable container and put in a safe place. Have a current phone list of family and friends. Aquanique Ocean Club Page 3

4 Things to do when a Hurricane Watch is issued Moved everything indoors including outdoor furniture, plants, floor mats, pots, wreaths and decorations. Everything becomes a danger during a storm.. Remove screens from windows and doors and store indoors. Things to do for a Hurricane Warning Close all hurricane shutters.. Lock all windows and sliding doors (wind has blown windows open and allowed water intrusion) Move all valuable furniture and objects away from windows if you do not have shutters. Put towels or pigs on the floor in front of your doors and windows to help minimize water intrusion. Turne off your hot and cold water supply valves to the unit. Empty ice from freezer and shut off the ice maker. Remove anything perishable from the refrigerator and all items from your freezer. During Hurricane season, it would be good to only keep one week of frozen supplies. Shut off your HVAC unit. Start again once the cooling tower has been powered back up.. Leave phone numbers on your kitchen counter where you can be reached in case of an emergency. Fill all bath tubs with water for use until city water service has been re-activated. Bathtub water may not be safe to drink. Un-plug all electrical appliances including TV s, computers, cable lines, etc. If your radio is not battery operated, you could buy a UPS (Universal Power Supply) for about $50 which has a built in battery (and surge protector) to operate any 110 volt radio.. Close garage doors completely. Evacuation The Office of Emergency Management or other official government agencies are authorized to mandate evacuation orders. You may also want to evacuate if the Aquanique Property Management Company has to shut down of all Condo facilities in order to protect the buildings and common area or they have to turn off the water or the electricity or both. If the building has to operate on the generator, only one elevator or none may be operable. Power and water could be lost at any time. Aquanique Ocean Club Page 4

5 Where to go Not all shelters in the area are open at the same time. Information will be provided on TV or the local radio stations. Listen to them for more detailed instructions on locations, times and points of access. The Health Department of St. Lucie County operates a shelter located at the Civic Center, 25th St. and Virginia Avenue. Other shelter locations can be the Middle School and High School. Listen to the radio for details. Most shelters have first aid personnel on site. All public shelters are safe refuge during a hurricane. The American Red Cross is usually operating these facilities. Assistance is provided. You should bring: pillow, blanket or sleeping bag, towels, soap, lots of reading material, folding chair, playing cards, radio, change of clothes, flashlight, extra batteries, non-perishable food and water.. Most shelters do not accept pets If you chose not to stay in a local emergency shelter, there are many hotels and motels outside our area. Travel in a direction away from the storm such as Orlando. Hotels will fill up quickly. Make a reservation by credit card to ensure a guaranteed stay. REMEMBER MANY PEOPLE WILL BE TRAVELING IN THE SAME DIRECTION. THE ROADS WILL BE CROWDED, GIVE YOUR SELF PLENTY OF TIME. If you do not Evacuate Note: if the civil authorities order an evacuation and you choose to stay, they may not respond to your call for help. Have flashlights, extra batteries, candles, battery powered radio, sufficient drinking water and non-perishable food in your unit to last for three days to one week for each person staying.. Freezing ice in large containers (milk cartons, large plastic bottles) will allow you to keep perishables for a couple of days without refrigeration. Sign the register in the lobby notifying others staying in the building of your intent to stay. Include contact names and phone numbers. Notify relatives or friends of your intent to stay.. Do not exit the building unless you are certain that the storm has passed. The calm may be the eye of the storm. Returning to the Condo Once the storm has passed and the office of Emergency Management has issued orders for a safe return, access might be on a limited basis. Have property ownership ID with you. Check the bulletin board for specific instructions regarding available utilities, damages, etc.. Wear proper shoes if there is debris around. Stay away from downed power lines Check your unit and report all damages to Building Management or a Board Member. All off site property owners should make arrangements to check their units as quickly as possible for any damage. Aquanique Ocean Club Page 5

6 Shelters For a more recent list, see ST. LUCIE COUNTY + C.A. MOORE ELEMENTARY 827 N 29th Street - Fort Pierce + FLORESTA ELEMENTARY 1501 SE Floresta Drive - Port Saint Lucie + LAKEWOOD PARK ELEMENTARY 7800 Indrio Road - Fort Pierce + MORNINGSIDE ELEMENTARY 2300 SE Gowin Road - Port St. Lucie + OAK HAMMOCK ELEMENTARY 1251 SW California Blvd. - Port St. Lucie + PARKWAY ELEMENTARY 7000 NW Selvitz Road - Port St. Lucie + TREASURE COAST HIGH SCHOOL 1000 SW Darwin Blvd. - Port St. Lucie + WEST GATE K NW Cashmere Blvd. - Port St.Lucie + WINDMILL POINT ELEMENTARY 700 SW Darwin Boulevard. - Port St. Lucie + FT. PIERCE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL 4101 S. 25th. St. - Ft. Pierce + SAMUEL GAINES K S. Jenkins Road - Fort Pierce + WESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 1801 Panther Lane - Ft. Pierce Special Medical Needs Shelters + HAVERT L. FENN CENTER 2000 Virginia Avenue.- Ft. Pierce + PORT ST. LUCIE COMMUNITY CENTER 2195 SE Airoso Boulevard Port St. Lucie INDIAN RIVER COUNTY + FELLSMERE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 50 North Cypress Street - Fellsmere + GLENDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL th Street - Vero Beach + J.A. THOMPSON LIFELONG LEARNING CENTER th Avenue SW - Vero Beach + V.B.H.S. FRESHMAN LEARNING CENTER th Street - Vero Beach + HIGHLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL th Street SW - Vero Beach + VERO BEACH HIGH SCHOOL th Street - Vero Beach + OSLO MIDDLE SCHOOL th Avenue SW - Vero Beach OKEECHOBEE COUNTY + OSCEOLA MIDDLE SCHOOL 825 S.W. 28th St. + SOUTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2468 S.W. 7th Ave. + OKEECHOBEE HIGH SCHOOL 2800 Hwy N YEARLING MIDDLE SCHOOL 925 N.W. 23rd Lane + NORTH ELMENTARY SCHOOL 3000 N.W. 10th Terr + EVERGLADES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 3725 S.E. 8th St. + SEMINOLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2690 N.W. 42nd Av + FRESHMAN CENTER AUDITORIUM 610 S.W. 2nd Ave. + NEW ENDEAVOR HIGH SCHOOL 575 S.W. 29th St. + AMERICAN LEGION POST # S.E. 2nd St. + FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 401 S.W. 4th St. + FORT DRUM COMMUNITY CHURCH N + SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH 9001 S.W. 6th St. Aquanique Ocean Club Page 6

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