Maintaining Your Plan

COMMUNICATION PLAN

•Make a list of family, friends and others who will be part of your plan. • Your family may not be together when disaster strikes so plan how you will contact each other. Complete a contact card for each family member and have them keep these cards handy in a wallet/backpack. Also keep on file at your child’s school. • Consider a plan where each family member calls or emails the same friend or relative in the event of an emergency. A friend/relative who lives out of town, and out of the storm’s path may be the best choice. • Watch and listen to local TV and radio for official instructions as they become available. • If you plan to evacuate your home, make sure those in your support network know when and where you plan to go. Be sure someone locally has an extra key to your home. HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATIONS • Confirm arrangements for debris/vegetation removal with landscaping company or contractor. • Establish contact list of board members/management company. • Clear drainage systems including inlets, pipes, and outfall structures. • Compile list of residents that may need assistance before and after a hurricane. • Close storm shutters on common area buildings. • Remove or secure loose items on common property. Secure/move outdoor objects or bring indoors. • Close dumpster lids.

GENERAL PURPOSE TARPS Heavy gauge and extra-heavy gauge polyethylene waterproof tarps are available from hardware stores. They have sewnin edges for extra strength and rust-proof aluminium grommets. These blue tarps can be used temporarily on a damaged roof but cannot be relied upon to provide protection during a hurricane. PREPARE YOUR POOL Never empty your pool before a major storm. Adequate water levels help hold a pool in place when heavy rains raise the local water table, and prevent it from cracking. To help manage flooding, drain only one to two feet of water from your pool. Turn off the pump and motor, and cover them with plastic to prevent them from getting soaked. Shock your pool with chlorine to prevent bacteria build-up.