” n a l P A t e G “ ! a l l u k a W I nside ng & i k c a r T e n A Hurrica
• Hurricane Tracking Map • Information for Before & After the Storm • Hurricane Tips by Scott Nelson
Photos by Lynda Kinsey
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Page 2H – The Wakulla News
Get A Plan Wakulla
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Wakulla County prepares for 2009 hurricane season
Scott Nelson By SCOTT NELSON Director of Wakulla County Emergency Management
The Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management in coordination with The Wakulla News is providing you with the Hurricane Tips located throughout this edition. As we enter what is forecasted to be another active hurricane season, it is important that every resident prepares for the potential of a land falling Hurricane. Wakulla County has one of the highest storm surges in the nation so we encourage each citizen, family and business
to take the time to prepare for hurricane season. Develop your personal, family, pet and business preparedness plans and establish your 72-hour disaster supply kits. Be prepared to protect your property and plan ahead so that you will be able to take action when called to do so. County Emergency Management personnel are constantly monitoring all weather conditions in the county. In the event of a storm, EOC personnel stay in frequent contact with the National Hurricane Center. The media also assists by providing frequent updates on storms, as well as emergency protective actions recommended by the Emergency Operations Center. As a hurricane or tropical storm moves closer to our area, the Emergency Operations Center will be activated coordinating local needs with response agencies. The National Weather Service also broadcasts continually over NOAA Weather Radio. Alarm activated http://www. nws.noaa.gov/nwr/nwrrcvr.htm NOAA Weather Radios with a battery back-up are inexpensive and can be purchased locally. NOAA weather broadcasts are invaluable sources of “real-time” information during severe weather conditions.
For emergency action statements affecting your county, listen to local radio and TV broadcasts. Every resident should monitor storms closely and be prepared to evacuate when asked to do so. The past three hurricane seasons have been relatively quiet. However, we cannot take for granted that this year will be the same. Hurricane prediction experts Philip J. Klotzbach and William M. Gray have predicted 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major storms during this season. No one can predict if any storm will directly impact our community. That’s why your County’s Emergency Management team works year round to ensure we are ready to respond to hurricanes or any other type of disaster. We encourage all county residents to be prepared – Know your Evacuation Routes, Have a Plan, and Know Your Plan. This guide is loaded with reminders and tips on ways to keep your family, pets and belongings safe. Please utilize the information listed throughout this preparedness edition for the development of your personal family disaster plan. It is important that each citizen take steps to protect their property and assure for their
safety during disasters. The first step to protecting your family is to develop your specific plan, which includes a process for evacuation. The county and state have very robust response capabilities to meet your needs immediately following disasters. However, the only way we can protect you from life threatening situations is to remove you from harms way prior to the event. The entire county is vulnerable to devastating storm surge meaning that we are all potentially within mandatory evacuation zones. Every major disaster is chaotic as power, communications and access to resources are strained and in many cases unavailable. It is important for every citizen to understand that land falling hurricanes in our community will be devastating, regardless of our response capabilities. Every citizen must take steps to prepare for and recover from the impacts of hurricanes. Homes and property are replaceable, but we cannot replace lives. We need citizens to fully understand and plan for their specific vulnerabilities. The Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office along with our partner response agencies will do everything possible to assure we meet your needs. However, every citizen has a responsibility
to follow evacuation orders and to assure that they are prepared to recover from disasters. When determining where you will go during an evacuation, consider family friends and motels that will take pets and plan accordingly. If you or a family member has a special medical need (electricity dependent, oxygen dependent, etc.) they should contact the Emergency Management Office for information on our special needs registry at 926-0861. Please take a few minutes to think about your current plan and the actions you will take in response to disasters in your community. For more information on family preparedness plans go to www.Floridadisaster.org. If you have any questions you can contact the Sheriff’s Office, Division of Emergency Management at 926-0861 or visit our web site at http://www.wcso.org. As we move through what experts are predicting to be a busy storm season, I remind all of you that it only takes one storm to be significant to our community. Hopefully this hurricane season will end without impacts to our nation, state, or community. We all know that it is not if a storm will impact our county, but when it will occur.
Predictions, advisories, ratings and names to know The 2009 Hurricane Season Started Monday, June 1 and will officially end Monday, November 30. Those of us who live along the Florida Gulf Coast should track every Atlantic hurricane or tropical storm. This guide contains a hurricane tracking map in the center section. When tracking a storm, remember that a hurricane is not just a point on a map. Usually the coordinates of the center of the storm are given so that you can track it on your map, however, hurricanes can have tropical storm force winds over 200 miles from that center and even hurricane force winds over 75 or 100 miles from the center. We must remember that hurricane forecasting is not an exact science and they don’t always go where predicted. 2009 Hurricane Predictions Number of named storms - number of hurricanes - number of major hurricanes: Colorado State/Bill Gray, 14–7–3; Weather Research Center, 7–4–0; Weather Services Inc., 13–7–3; and Accuweather, 13–8–2. It’s important to know the meaning of
advisories issued: National Hurricane Center. It is also impor• Category 4; winds 121-155 m.p.h.; Tropical Storm Watch tant to know hurricane ratings: • Category 5; winds 156 m.p.h. and Issued when tropical storm conditions are Storm Strength greater. possible in the specified watch area, usually The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a 2009 Hurricane Names: within 36 hours. 1 to 5 rating on a hurricane’s intensity. Ana, Bill, Claudette, Danny, Erika, Fred, Tropical Storm Warning • Category 1; winds 74-95 m.p.h.; Grace, Henri, Ida, Joaquin, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Issued when tropical storm conditions • Category 2; winds 96-110 m.p.h.; Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, are expected in the specified warning area, • Category 3; winds 111-130 m.p.h.; Victor, Wanda. usually within 24 hours. Hurricane Watch Issued when hurricane conditions are possible in the specified watch area, usually within 36 hours. During a hurricane watch, be prepared to take immediate action to protect your family and property in case a hurricane 2001-A Crawfordville Hwy. 1272 Timberlane Rd. warning is issued. Crawfordville, FL 32327 Tallahassee, FL 32312 Hurricane Warning (850) 926-1777 (850) 893-5177 Issued when hurricane conditions are expected in the specified warning area, usually www.drscareyandjones.com within 24 hours. Storm preparations should be completed and evacuation under way. Note: Due to the amount of time required for evacuation in Wakulla County, evacuation orders may be issued before a hurricane watch or warning have been issued by the
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Get A Plan Wakulla
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Before The Storm
While at home during a hurricane, you should have the following items on hand. Please remember that if you are in an area that is evacuated, it is important to leave when the order is issued.
Every year, prior to hurricane season, review your hurricane plan and make changes as necessary. It should include evacuation plans, where you will go, and the route you will take to get there, when you will leave and what supplies you will take.
Water - Store one gallon of water per person per day for at least 5 days Food - Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food
First Aid Kit - One for your home and the other for your car Tools - Basic tool kit for making temp ora ry rep a irs a fter the storm
Clothing and Bedding - Work boots and gloves, rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags, lots of towels, hats and sunglasses Special Items - Baby formula, diapers, bottles and medications for children and adults
Entertainment - Games and books for children and adults
If you plan to stay, make sure you have all of the supplies necessary to be on your own for at least 72 hours. If you are planning to go to an evacuation shelter, have your shelter supplies kit packed and ready. Make sure you have all the materials on hand to protect your home. You should also trim dead wood from trees. Don’t forget to make arrangements for pets. Print and save this page for future reference. You may not have power if a storm is approaching. If the storm is threatening the area you should listen to local media for information and actions to be taken. In addition you should: • • • • • • • • • •
Fuel your car. You will need it to evacuate and pumps don’t work without electricity. Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools. Install your storm shutters or cover windows with plywood and secure all doors. If you don’t cover our windows, remove your screens so they won’t blow away and you can reinstall them after the storm to keep mosquitoes at bay. Prepare boats as appropriate. Turn refrigerators and freezers to the highest settings. Freeze plastic bottles of water (leave room for expansion). Turn off small appliances that are not needed. Turn off LP tanks. Call an out-of-town friend or relative to let them know of your plans. Then instruct other family members to call that person for information about your family after the storm. Fill sinks and bathtubs with water. Check them for slow leaks. Get an extra supply of cash. Banks and ATMs may not be operational immediately after the storm.
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Page 4H – The Wakulla News
Get A Plan Wakulla
Thursday, June 11, 2009
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Page 6H – The Wakulla News
Get A Plan Wakulla
Insurance Council tips help settle claims
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The following tips, provided by the Florida Insurance Council, Inc. may be helpful when settling an insurance claim following a disaster. Remember, you bought insurance to take care of emergencies and you should be satisfied with the way insurance companies honor their part of the contract. Making The Claim Contact your insurance agent as quickly as possible. Let them know about your losses. If you are relocated temporarily, provide the address and phone number. The claim process may begin in one of two ways. Your insurance company may send a claim form for you to complete or an adjuster may visit your home first, before you are asked to fill out any forms. Most homeowners policies cover additional living expenses. Your insurance company should advance you money if you need temporary shelter, food and clothing because you can no longer live in your home and your clothes have been ruined. They will also advance you money if you need to replace major household items immediately to continue living there. Keep receipts for everything you spend. Make sure the check for additional living expenses is made out to you and not your mortgage, the bank or other lender. This money has nothing to do with repairs to your home and you may have difficulty depositing or cashing the check without their signature. Make only those repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your home or business. This must include covering breaks or holes in the roof, walls or windows with plywood, canvas or other waterproof material. Your insurance company will reimburse you for the costs of your repairs, so keep receipts for any materials you buy. Do not have permanent repairs made without first consulting your agent. Unauthorized repairs may not be reimbursed. Avoid using electrical appliances, including televisions and stereos, which have been exposed to water, unless a technician has checked them. If your car was damaged and you have “comprehensive” coverage in your auto insurance policy, you should also contact your auto insurance company. Preparing For The Adjuster’s Visit An adjuster is a person professionally trained to assess the damage. The more information you have about your possessions the faster your claim can be settled. You should already have a complete inventory of the items in your home that includes a description of the item, model and serial numbers (if applicable) and the original cost and what it would cost to replace it. Make a list of damaged items. Take photographs of the damage and put together a set of records for each item that includes any old receipts or bills. Don’t forget to list items such as clothing, sports equipment, tools, china and linens, etc. Don’t throw away damaged furniture or other items because the adjuster will want to see them. Identify the structural damage to your home and other buildings on your premises. Make a list of everything you want to show the adjuster when they arrive. In some cases, the adjuster may recommend hiring a licensed engineer or architect to inspect the property. You should also get the electrical system checked. Most insurance companies will pay for these inspections.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Stay Informed After The Storm • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Keep listening to your local radio or TV stations for information. If you evacuated, return home only when authorities advise that it is safe. Make sure you have plenty of gas, and bring any supplies you may need (batteries, water, non-perishable food). Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. Immediately following the passage of the storm, debris and downed power lines may be covering roadways making them impassible. Emergency crews will be working to clear roadways but it may take hours or even days to clear them all. Avoid sightseeing. Roads may be closed for your protection so if you encounter a barricade, turn around and go another way. Do not drive in flooded areas. Avoid weakened bridges and washed out roadways. If water is touching the span of the bridge, do not cross over. Stay on firm ground. Moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from downed power lines. Beware of downed power lines. Lines may be charged and dangerous. Beware of snakes, insects or animals driven to higher ground by flood waters. Enter your home with extreme caution. Beware of fallen objects or damaged roof and wall sections. Remove shutters or plywood and open windows and doors to ventilate or dry your home if necessary. Replace screens if you removed them prior to the storm. Check gas, water and electrical lines and appliances for damage. Do not attempt to repair damaged gas or electrical lines. Call a professional. Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated. Avoid using candles or other open flames indoors. The fire department may not be able to respond if you have a fire. Use a flashlight, glow sticks or battery-powered lighting. Use the telephone to report emergencies only. This includes cellular phones. An older “corded” phone can be used if your power is out but you phone lines are up. Be especially cautious when using a chainsaw to cut fallen trees. Ambulances may have difficulty responding to accidents, and roads to hospitals might be impassable. Never connect portable generators to your house. Use them only to run necessary appliances and plug the appliance into the generator.
Storm Strength The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a 1 to 5 rating on a hurricane’s intensity. • Category 1; winds 74-95 m.p.h.; • Category 2; winds 96-110 m.p.h.; • Category 3; winds 111-130 m.p.h.; • Category 4; winds 121-155 m.p.h.; • Category 5; winds 156 m.p.h. and greater.
During The Storm If you stay at home during a hurricane you should take the following precautions in addition to those mentioned in the Before the Storm section as the storm approaches:
• Stay away from windows and doors, even if they are covered. • Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, hallway or basement if available. If you live in a two story home, choose a room on the first floor. • Close all interior doors and brace exterior doors if possible. • Lie on the floor under a table, or another sturdy object. • Some protection is afforded by covering with a mattress during the height of the storm. • If the eye of the storm passes over, it will be calm for a short period of time. REMAIN INDOORS! As soon as the eye passes over, winds will increase rapidly to hurricane force from the opposite direction. • Remain calm. It may take several hours for the storm to pass.
2009 Hurricane Names: Ana, Bill, Claudette, Danny, Erika, Fred, Grace, Henri, Ida, Joaquin, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor, Wanda.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Get A Plan Wakulla
The Wakulla News – Page 7H
Take time to plan for pets
Storm winds punish the Wakulla County coast during Tropical Storm Dennis.
Older adults may be vulnerable With the start of hurricane season upon us in the U.S., older adults may be among the most vulnerable victims when disasters strike. That’s why Home Instead Senior Care, the international caregiving company with more than 800 locations in 15 countries, has issued a disaster safety preparation checklist to help prepare seniors for the possibility of natural disasters. “We know that a disaster can be deadly for some seniors because of physical and other limitations,” said Scott Harrell, owner of the Home Instead Office serving Leon, Gadsden and Wakulla counties. “That’s why the sooner the better for families to talk with their senior loved ones and begin preparing in advance for any kind of emergency that could threaten their health or safety. Consider this checklist as you help your older adult get ready.” Home Instead Senior Care’s Disaster Prep Checklist For Seniors: • Tune in. Contact the local emergency management office to learn about the most likely natural disasters to strike your area. Stay abreast of what’s going on through your local radio, television or Internet. • Take stock. Decide what your senior can or can’t do in the event of a natural disaster. Make a list of what would be needed if a disaster occurred. For example, if your loved one is wheelchair-bound, determine an evacuation strategy ahead of time. Prepare for whatever disaster could hit the area. • To go or to stay? When deciding to evacuate, older adults should go sooner rather than later. By waiting too long, they may be unable to leave if they require assistance. • Make a plan. Schedule a family meeting to develop a plan of action. Include in your plan key people - such as neighbors, friends, relatives and professional caregivers - who could help.
• More than one way out. Seniors should develop at least two escape routes: one to evacuate their home and one to evacuate their community. The local emergency management office can tell you escape routes out of the community. • Meet up. Designate a place to meet relatives or key support network people outside the house, as well as a second location outside the neighborhood, such as a school or church. Practice the plan twice a year. • Get up and “Go Kit.” Have an easy-tocarry backpack including three days non-perishable food and water with an additional four days of food and water readily accessible at home. Have at least one gallon of bottled water per person per day. Refresh and replace your supplies at least twice a year. And don’t forget the blanket and paper products such as toilet paper. • Pack extras and copies. Have at least a one-month supply of medication on hand at all times. Make ready other important documents in a waterproof protector including copies of prescriptions, car title registration and driver’s license, insurance documents and bank account numbers, and spare checkbook. Also take extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries. Label every piece of important equipment or personal item in case they are lost. • Your contact list. Compile a contact list and include people on a senior’s support network as well as doctors and other important health-care professionals. • If you can’t be there. If you’re not living close by to help your loved one, enlist the help of family or friends, or contact a professional caregiving company. For more information about disaster preparedness, contact Home Instead Senior Care at www. homeinstead.com.
Only 38 percent of U.S. households have children, but 43 percent have pets. Take time now to plan how you will protect yours during a weather emergency. All pet owners should make arrangement for their pets if they plan to evacuate. Public shelters will not accept pets. If you can’t take your pets with you, arrangements should be made with a clinic or kennel that is outside of the evacuation area. These arrangements should be made well in advance because available spaces fill up quickly as a storm approaches. If you plan to take your pets with you, you may want to ask your vet for a mild sedative (for the pet) and remember to take these items for their care: • A secure pet carrier of appropriate size. • Food/water bowls. • A one-week supply of dry food. • Water in plastic containers • Medications and health records. • Leashes (muzzles if necessary). • Newspapers and paper towels for cleanup. • A favorite blanket. Many hotels/motels will accept pets, especially in emergency situations. If you plan to go to a motel, determine in advance if pets are welcome and what, if any, special rules are applicable. It is also a good idea to photograph each of your pets and include these pictures with your health records. All pets should have current immunizations and ensure that they
have a collar with proper identification. Service Animals Though pets are not allowed in public shelters, in compliance with 28 CFR Part 36, supporting the American Disabilities Act, service animals will be allowed in both general and special needs shelters. If You Must Leave Your Pet At Home If you have to leave your pets at home try to secure them in a safe area of your home. Otherwise, your pets may escape and become disoriented as a storm could alter landmarks and scent trails. Make sure the pet is wearing a collar with proper identification. Remember, don’t leave dogs and cats in the same space. Even if they normally get along, things may change as the storm approaches. Some other things to remember are: • Place pets in ventilated safe rooms without windows. • Leave at least a three day food supply. • Leave plenty of water. • Leave access to elevated spaces in the event of flooding. Pet stores sell slow-release feeders for fish tanks if you evacuate. After the storm, walk pets on a leash until they become reoriented to their home and surroundings. Downed power lines and other debris pose risks for you and your pets. Don’t let pets consume food or water that may have become contaminated.
Tropical Storm Dennis battered Bayside Marina in Ochlockonee Bay.
Page 8H – The Wakulla News
Get A Plan Wakulla
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Wakulla County Storm Surge Map
Hurricane storm surge has Wakulla officials concerned It is hard to predict what kind of damage a serious hurricane would create if it struck Wakulla County directly. But Wakulla County Emergency Management Director Scott Nelson has more of an idea than the general public.
The county storm surge map, above, gives emergency management officials an idea of what portions of the county might be under water if a hurricane hits Wakulla. The low coastline and shallow bay areas make Wakulla County a prime candidate for serious flood-
ing, particularly when a Category 4 or Category 5 hurricane strikes. The Category 5 hurricane surge would flood all of Wakulla County, according to the map. Category 4 and category 3 hurricane surges would also create flooding in most of the county. The surge would be
less serve in tropical storms and Category 1 hurricanes, although residents along the coast are familiar with the unpredictable nature of tides and flooding as conditions change rapidly during bad weather.. Storm debris covered the coast-
line following Tropical Storm Dennis just a few years ago. Coastal residents have witnessed flood damage even with unnamed storms. The Apalachicala National Forest property is not included in the flood map area because few residents live on inholdings.