Hurricane season has arrived! The good news is that it looks like Tropical Storm Erika is weakening. However this doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be prepared in the event that it hits us harder then we expect.
Below are some tips you might find helpful to prepare your families and homes should Tampa experience an impact from Tropical Storm Erika or any future severe storm.
STAY SAFE!Hurricane/Tropical Storm Preparedness Tips
BEFORE THE STORM
- Have a family emergency and communications plan.
- Build an emergency kit. Consider some of the following in your kit.
- 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day)
- 3-day supply of non-perishable food
- first-aid kit
- battery-powered radio
- flashlight
- extra batteries
- credit card and cash
- special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
- prescription and non-prescription medication
- Prepare to secure your home. Purchase materials to protect your home (i.e. plywood, sandbags, etc.)
- Determine your evacuation route.
- Trim trees and shrubs to prevent them from causing damage to your home.
- Don’t forget about your pets. Consider locating pet-friendly lodging should you need to evacuate.
DURING THE STORM
- Stay informed. Frequently listen to radio or TV for official announcements of the storm’s progress.
- Follow all instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if you are ordered to do so.
- Plan to evacuate if you live in a mobile home, along the coastline or near a river or other potential flood zone, or in a high rise building as hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations. Notify friends or family members outside the affected area of your evacuation plans.
- If staying home, unplug small appliances, turn the refrigerator to maximum cold and keep it closed, and fill the bathtub and large containers with water in case clean tap water is unavailable.
- Stay indoors during the storm and stay away from windows and glass doors. Stay in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level floor.
- Be alert for tornadoes as they are often spawned by severe storms.
- The calm “eye” of the storm – don’t be fooled. It may seem that the storm is over, but once the eye passes, winds will pick up again.
AFTER THE STORM
- Keep listening for the latest updates.
- If you evacuated, do not return home until officials say it is safe.
- Do not drive unless necessary. Avoid blocked or flooded roadways.
- Inspect your home for damage only using a flashlight. Do not use a candle or open flame.
- Wear proper shoes to prevent cutting your feet on debris.
- Avoid walking in areas with downed power lines to avoid electrocution.
- Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until officials say it is safe for consumption.
- Never use generators indoors.
Tips provided by Mayor Bob Buckhorn and the City of Tampa http://www.tampagov.net
