Following the article on hurricanes in Florida, today I am explaining what to do in case of a hurricane in Florida. When you live in Florida, or even when you are simply on vacation there during hurricane season, it is important to know some basic rules on this subject.

HURRICANE ALERT CLASSIFICATION

There are 2 major classifications in case of hurricane risk:

Hurricane Watch: This alert is issued 48 hours before the potential arrival of a hurricane in order to allow residents to prepare and, in some cases, evacuate. It is strongly recommended to make the necessary preparations.

Hurricane Warning: This alert is issued 36 hours before the probable arrival of a hurricane in order to allow residents to prepare and, in some cases, evacuate. If an evacuation order is given, the affected zones must be left.

PREPARING FOR A HURRICANE

• Have an emergency kit for every member of the family (see below).
• Write down all emergency numbers (consulate, county, etc.) but do not forget: In case of emergency: Dial 9-1-1
• Keep cash on hand in case ATMs stop working.
• Protect your important documents such as IDs, bank cards, checkbooks, and insurance papers in plastic bags, on USB keys, or on hard drives.
• Secure your home and the surrounding area. Put shutters on the windows, prepare sandbags, trim trees and palm trees, and bring inside anything that could fly away, such as outdoor furniture, hoses, or a barbecue. Shelter your vehicles.
• Set your refrigerator to the coldest setting and have a cooler ready in case of a power outage.
• Identify the safest room in your home and prepare mattresses or sturdy tables under which you could shelter if necessary.
• Fill your bathtubs with water.
• Be ready to evacuate if necessary. Learn the city’s evacuation plans and identify a place to go, whether hotels, friends, family, or another city.
• Review your insurance policy and take dated photos before leaving your home in case you need to make a claim.
• Hold a family meeting before the hurricane arrives and share important information such as a meeting point in case family members get separated.

EMERGENCY KIT

This example of an emergency kit was sent to us by our residence and by the county. It is the official emergency kit recommended in case of a hurricane in Florida, and probably elsewhere as well.

1 – Keep small bills in cash, a mobile phone, and an extra battery.
2 – Have hygiene products such as wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and so on.
3 – Have a first-aid kit (you can find them at CVS, Walgreens, etc.). Bring prescription medication and glasses.
4 – Keep your medical history with you if needed.
5 – Have canned food with a manual can opener. Plan for non-perishable food. Remember the specific needs of infants and older people.
6 – Have at least 3 gallons of water per person per day.
7 – Prepare spare clothes, waterproof clothing, and bedding. Bring waterproof shoes.
8 – Have a portable radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries.
9 – Bring candles and matches in a waterproof container.
10 – Prepare gas cans and a reserve of fuel.
11 – Prepare products or anything else needed for babies and family members with disabilities.
12 – Remember to turn off electricity, gas, and water if the authorities advise you to do so.
13 – Bring road maps.
14 – Prepare plastic plates, cups, and paper towels or napkins.
16 – Have sanitary products such as water purification tablets, bleach, and so on.
17 – Have mosquito repellent products.
18 – Prepare food and water for pets.

EVACUATION

If an evacuation order is given by the authorities, it must be followed, remembering to secure your home and take your emergency kit as well as your important documents and essential items with you. Florida state laws require evacuation orders to be respected.

If you evacuate, it is absolutely necessary to follow the evacuation plan provided by the authorities so you do not end up trapped on a flooded road, for example.

USEFUL INFORMATION IN CASE OF A HURRICANE ALERT IN FLORIDA

• To follow the track and intensity of a possible hurricane in your area: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
• To prepare in case of a hurricane alert: http://www.floridadisaster.org/index.asp
• Evacuation maps by county: http://floridadisaster.org/publicmapping/index.htm
• Instructions and recommendations from the French Consulate in Miami in case of a hurricane: https://miami.consulfrance.org/spip.php?article499