Page 70 - august2017lifeinnaples

PREPAREDNESS

WORKS

by Reg Buxton with assistance from Jim von Rinteln

I just returned from the 31st annual Florida 2. CHECK YOUR INSURANCE – Homeowners or Renters
Governor’s Hurricane Conference, where this year’s
insurance doesn’t cover everything when you’re dealing with
theme was “Preparedness Works.” I guess I would
the effects of a hurricane. Separate wind and flood policies are
add to that – if you actually prepare… We have been
generally required – check with your carrier to be sure of what is
experiencing a bit of a hurricane hiatus here in Southwest
covered. Also, auto and boat policies may have special requirements
Florida over the last eleven years since Hurricane Wilma
regarding hurricanes, like removing them from evacuation areas.
stuck in 2005. I hope we go at least that long before our
next tropical event, but this is the time of the year to not 3. CHECK YOUR HURRICANE SUPPLIES to make sure things
tempt Mother Nature. Seasonal hurricane predictions and like batteries and food have not expired, or gone camping with the
El Nino notwithstanding, now is the time to review your kids… Remember, 3 – 5 days of everything you will need – don’t
preparedness for this year’s hurricane season. Even if at forget your pets.
the end of last year’s season everything was in order, the
following steps are worth thinking about: 4. KNOW HOW TO SECURE YOUR PROPERTY. In newer homes
1. REVIEW, OR MAKE AN EMERGENCY PLAN. this can be as simple as making sure all the doors and windows are
closed and locked, but if you have shutters and panels you need to
Actually, two plans, one for if you stay in your home and check for serviceability and that you still have all of them. If you’re
one for if you need to evacuate. The Collier County All planning on using plywood, you might want to purchase it now
Hazards Guide (AHG) is an excellent resource, which is and pre-cut it to save time. If you have a boat or other equipment
designed to assist you in your preparedness. Additionally, that will need relocation or tying-down, it’s a good idea to practice
the State of Florida has an on-line tool that will give you it all once before you need to do it for real.
step-by-step assistance to prepare a plan (floridadisaster.
org/getaplan) 5. WHAT IF YOU HAVE TO EVACUATE? We hate to do it, but
we live near the beach… Know where you want to go, how you’re
going to get there and what you’re going to take with you – and
plan to leave early. Make sure your family knows where you are
going and how to reach you when you get there.

6. WHAT TO DO AFTER THE STORM. Generally speaking, less
if you do some preparation… But, with that said the hardest part
of a hurricane event is cleaning up afterwards and getting things
back to a semblance of normal. With good community/personal
planning and preparation it can be a little less painful and time
consuming. If you evacuate you may want to stay away until the
power comes back on, otherwise things can be a bit like camping
out in Florida in the middle of the summer - if you remain,
remember safety first! For some after the storm considerations
check out the guide.

I don’t know when the next storm will strike here, but I do know
we’re a day closer to when it does. Please take some time to review
your family’s preparedness and if you haven’t picked up a guide, it’s
available on-line at: colliergov.net/home/showdocument?id=71413