HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS PLAN
FOR
SEA RANCH CLUB “A” RESIDENTS
This Hurricane Preparedness Plan has been put together to assist you in being prepared in
the event of a hurricane.
A) BEFORE A HURRICANE THREATENS:
Decide in advance where you will stay during a hurricane. Technically, our area is
considered an evacuation zone for a category 1 hurricane and above. When an evacuation
for our area is announced, by law, you are supposed to leave the area.
Plan your evacuation alternatives now
∙
Make arrangements to stay with friends or relatives outside of the evacuation zone or at
a low-rise, inland hotel or motel. Pick a back-up location in case there is a problem with
your first choice.
∙
As a last resort, go to a Red Cross Shelter. Hurricane shelters will be available for
people who have no other place to go. Shelters may be crowded and uncomfortable,
with no privacy, and little food. The shelters should be left for people with nowhere else
to go.
The following are three primary shelters which are close to us. Keep in mind that shelter
locations may change and other shelters may be opened as needed. When a storm
threatens the area, listen to the radio and TV to learn which shelters are open.
1.
2.
3.
Boyd Anderson HS 3050 NW 41 Street (31 Ave between Commercial and Oakland
Park Blvd.)
Dillard HS 2501 NW 11 Street (NW 25 Ave just north of Sunrise Blvd.)
Piper HS 8000 NW 44 Street (NW 44 Ave just north of Oakland Park Blvd. And west
of University Drive.)
Food may or may not be provided. If you must evacuate to a shelter, bring along your own
supplies. Plan now for a Hurricane Shelter Supply Kit.
Shelter Supply Kit
Bottled water, packaged or canned food, non-electric can opener, battery-operated radio,
change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes, blankets, pillows and/or sleeping bags, extra
car keys, cards, games and books, eating utensils, extra batteries, first aid kit, eyeglasses,
identification and valuable papers, medicine, one flashlight per person, toiletries, credit
cards, cash, list of family physicians.
Pets, firearms, and alcohol are prohibited in Shelters !
Special Needs
If you are elderly, frail or handicapped, and normally need help with transportation or other
need from social service agencies, contact and register with Broward County’s Special
Needs Registry now. (954) 357-6402.
They will send you an application to be completed by you and your doctor. This office
provides transportation assistance to Special Need Evacuation Shelters for individuals with
physical or psychological limitations. A person with special needs must bring a 72 hour
supply of prescribed medication and personal items (bedding, clothing, water, etc.) to the
shelter. Public shelters, however, should be your last choice as a place to go. Try to stay
with friends or family. If you or a family member receive home health care discuss
emergency plans with you agency representative. If you need any special medical care,
make arrangements with your doctor now for how to meet your needs. If you do not fit into
the category for the Special Needs Evacuation Shelters, but know you will need some
assistance in leaving your apartment, let the Building Manager know. If you live alone,
consider “teaming up” with a neighbor to work out an evacuation plan. You can help each
other by sharing supplies and car pooling.
Telephone Numbers
Prepare a list of phone numbers of family members, doctors, employers, and insurance
agents. Have the telephone number of an out of town person to relay messages to if
communications are down for an extended period of time. Tell the emergency contact
person where you will be during the hurricane.
Shutters
Any building or apartment without hurricane shutters is at risk during a severe hurricane.
Hurricane winds come from all directions. The purpose of shutters is to protect windows
and doors form flying debris. Because the force of hurricanes is greater in high rises, the
force of wind can do damage not only to one’s apartment, but to the common hallway areas
of the buildings. Taping windows will not prevent shattering but may reduce flying glass.
Insurance and Valuables
Before each hurricane season starts, review your insurance to make sure you have
adequate coverage. Keep a copy of your policy and your inventory records in a safe
deposit box. When a hurricane hits, plan to have a copy of your policy on you and a secure
place for valuables.
B) WHEN A HURRICANE THREATENS
By now you should have completed your pre-season preparations such as planning where
you will go, stocking your supply kit and buying hurricane shutters.
There are two types of official warnings:
1. A “hurricane watch”
2. A “hurricane warning”
1. HURRICANE WATCH
Means a hurricane may strike an area within 36-48 hours. You should begin preliminary
preparation to protect life and property. Stay tuned to radio and TV updates.
Food, Water
Check your Hurricane Supply Kit and make sure all emergency battery-operated equipment
is in working order (radios, flashlights). If you have shutters, have your storm shutters ready
for use and make sure you have all the parts.
Evacuation Preparation
Listen to TV or radio for evacuation instructions and organize your things for evacuation.
Valuables and Documents
Place valuables and personal papers in waterproof containers and store them in the highest
possible spot. Use plastic bags for large items. Make sure you have plenty of cash or
traveler’s checks. Banks might be closed for days afterwards.
2. HURRICANE WARNING
Means a hurricane is expected to strike in 24-36 hours. You should rush to complete all
hurricane preparations. Follow evacuation instructions from local officials. Leave early to
avoid delays.
Vehicles
You will probably want to drive you car out of an evacuation area as there will be flying
debris and flooding.
In your home
Make sure all windows are tightly closed. Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest
settings. Fill freezer with empty water jugs or crumpled paper to keep it tightly packed. This
will maintain food preserving temperature for up to two days without electricity. You may
want to take pictures off the walls, and loose items off tables and store them in a closet.
Remove any loose items such as plants and furniture from your balcony.
Shutters
Install hurricane shutters over windows and glass doors.
Evacuation Preparation
Listen to the radio or TV to find out which shelters are open. Don’t go to a shelter unless
you know it’s open. Eat before going to a shelter. Food may not be immediately
available. Bring your Shelter Supply Kit.
If you are taking a bus to a shelter, you may bring only one shopping bag and pillow per
person. If you insist on staying in the building, move to a low floor (first 3 floors). DO NOT
WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO EVACUATE. GET OUT EARLY !
C) AFTER A HURRICANE STRIKES
Stay tuned to your local television or radio stations to hear the official “all clear”. If you have
evacuated, don’t return home until officials announce your area is safe.
Don’t use the telephone unless it’s absolutely necessary so that people with emergencies
have access to the system. Don’t report individual interruptions in electric, gas, water or
telephone service. During this time, use only your pre-stored water for drinking, cooking,
etc.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, SHELTER AND EVACUATION IN BROWARD COUNTY
American Red Cross.......................................................................... 763-9900
Bus Information ................................................................................ 357-8400
Emergency Management Office ........................................................ 831-3900
Hurricane Hot Lines (in emergency) .................................................. 831-4000
Shelter Information ............................................................................ 357-6402
Senior Connections (all seniors, not just special needs) .................... 484-4357