It’s Time to Make Preparations
For Hurricane Season

By Commissioner John E. Rodstrom, Jr.
Chairman, Broward County Commission, District 7

Now that summer has arrived in South Florida, it is time to think about hurricane season, which runs from June 1st through the end of November.

While we are still experiencing a severe drought and could use some of the rain that is typically associated with tropical storms, it is a good time to take an inventory and make preparations in case a hurricane should head our way.

Are you prepared? I’ve put together some questions and answers, which should be useful for residents living in our coastal district. While I have tried to cover the major areas of concern, I suggest you visit Broward County’s web site: www.broward.org/disaster for more detailed information. Or, call the Emergency Management Division at 831-3900 for a free copy of the Broward County Hurricane Safety Guide.

Do I have enough insurance? You need to purchase insurance early. Make sure you have adequate coverage. Review your policy to make sure it includes improvements you have made to your home and expensive items you have purchased, such as a computer and new appliances. Dated photographs or video tapes of your possessions could be very useful if you later have a claim. Flood insurance must be purchased separately–contact your agent.

Is my house safe? Properly shutter or board-up windows. Draw curtains/shades/blinds to act as a barrier to broken glass. In a one-story home, the strongest room is often a bathroom or a walk-in closet near the center of the house. Take refuge in this area in the event of extremely high winds. Make sure lawn furniture and other loose objects outside your home or properly stored or tied-down.

Suppose I live in a condo or apartment? Close and lock your windows and use your shutters, if you have them. Patio doors should be wedged to prevent them from being blown off. Remove fragile objects from shelves, as winds could cause vibrations. Locate an exit stairway near your unit and count the number of steps from your door to the exit, in case the lights go out. Unplug electrical items from wall outlets and disconnect television antennas.

Suppose the elevator is not working? Never use an elevator during a hurricane. Before a storm, park the elevator car at the top floor so that if an upper floor is flooded, the water will not fall on top of the car and damage the operating panel. Clear out gutters, drains and down spouts to prevent an accumulation of rain water which may cascade to the floors below and find its way into the elevator shafts.

Should I buy bottled water? It’s a good idea to have bottled water in reserve. However, if you want to store tap water, you will need to sterilize available bottles, cooking utensils and other containers by throughly cleaning them with a bleach solution. Fill the bathtub for personal washing and flushing the toilet

Should I buy food in advance? Yes, buy a supply of non-perishable foods to have on hand–especially food that doesn’t require cooking. Set refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep from opening unnecessarily. A refrigerator stays cold many hours if the door is not opened frequently. If you use natural or propane gas, it is not necessary to turn off your gas service. NEVER use charcoal grills indoors–the smoke can be lethal.

Should I disconnect my appliances? It’s a good idea to disconnect those which you are not using, including your computer. If you leave your house, unplug or turn off all appliances. Check to see that flashlights, emergency generator, battery operated radios and other equipment are in working order. Have a supply of batteries.

What do I do with my swimming pool? The water level of a pool may be lowered slightly, but no more than a foot or two. Otherwise, hydrostatic pressure will be too much for the pool and it could pop out of the ground. Turn off power to the pool equipment. If possible, remove the motor and store it inside, in a dry area, to prevent water damage.

Where should I put my car or truck? If you have a garage or carport, use it. If you don’t have a covered area for your vehicles, park them close to the building on the side away from the wind and away from trees. Fill your fuel tank before the storm.

What do I do with my boat? If a small boat is at home, it may either be left on its trailer or be stored upside down along the side of the residence. If the boat is left on the trailer, water that collects inside the hull may damage the trailer. Let out some air from the tires of the trailer and block the wheels to prevent rolling. Avoid placing the boat between buildings because of the potential for wind funneling. Sailboats, in sheltered water, might be sunk, but only after all gear has been removed. If the boat is sunk, there is the possibility of damage if water action moves the boat up and down on the bottom. Otherwise, the boat should be tied out from the docking area by using anchors (forward and aft) and lines into deeper water. Large portable boats should be stored indoors. If the boat is left outdoors, all equipment should be removed, all drains should be cleaned and trailer springs should be opened and blocked. Owners of non portable boats should make arrangements with a property owner before going up any canal with intentions of tying up. Among other things, make sure you have sufficient fuel on board.

What should I do with my pets? Prepare a pet survival supply kit that includes a two-week supply of food. Make sure your pets have vaccinations. Pets can not be brought to shelters. If you board your pet, make reservations early, well before a hurricane starts. If you must leave your residence, place a notice outside, in a visible location, indicating that pets are inside. If you have fish, consider purchasing a battery-operated pump for aeration, in case electricity fails.

Should I trim my trees? Yes, trim them now, while the trees are healthy. Very tall trees should be cut back so that they will not topple in the wind. Heavier trees are more likely to be blown over during a severe storm. Don’t begin trimming at the last minute–there might not be time to dispose of the cuttings.

Will I have to evacuate? Typically in a Category 1-2 hurricane, all residents in the area east of the Intracoastal Waterway will have to evacuate; in the event of a Category 3, 4 or 5 hurricane, all residents in the area east of U.S. 1 will be required to evacuate.

Where are the shelters? The following shelters in our area will be opened in the event of an emergency: Blanche Ely High School, 1201 NW 6th Ave., Pompano Beach; Floranada Elementary School, 5251 NE 14th Way, Fort Lauderdale; and, Plantation Elementary School, 651 NW 42nd Ave., Plantation.

What if I am disabled? If you are disabled and think you will need assistance during an emergency, contact the County’s Special Needs Registry at 357-2888 in advance of a storm. You might qualify for a Special Needs Shelter space during a hurricane.

If Broward County’s Emergency Operations Center is activated, the hotline number will be 831-4000. Have a safe and enjoyable summer, but be prepared in case a hurricane heads our way. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. My number is 357-7007 or you can e-mail me at jrodstrom@broward.org