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| Hurricane Survival Guide for the Capital Area |
Florida, which has experienced tremendous coastal growth over the last several decades, is a "sitting duck". On July 11, 2005, Hurricane Dennis slammed into the Big Bend Region of Florida and was a painful learning experience. Hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, and winter storms have recently emphasized the need for everyone - families, businesses, agencies and institutions - to be prepared.
Hurricane Survival Guide for the Capital Area - Downloadable Version
Found below is a downloadable version of the Hurricane Survival Guide for the Capital Area.
| Document | Format |
| Hurricane Survival Guide for the Capital Area |
Recent Storms
Recent Tropical Storms and Hurricanes which threatened or struck the Capital Area:
| Storm | Format |
| Tropical Storm Barry - June 2007 | HTML |
| Tropical Storm Alberto - June 2006 | HTML |
| Hurricane Katrina - August 2005 | HTML |
| Hurricane Dennis - July 2005 | HTML |
| Hurricane Arlene - June 2005 | HTML |
| Hurricane Jeanne - September 2004 | HTML |
| Hurricane Ivan - September 2004 | HTML |
| Hurricane Frances - September 2004 | HTML |
| Hurricane Charley - August 2004 | HTML |
| Tropical Storm Bonnie - August 2004 | HTML |
| Tropical Storm Barry - August 2001 | HTML |
| Tropical Storm Allison - June 2001 | HTML |
| Tropical Storm Helene - September 2000 | HTML |
| Hurricane Gordon - September 2000 | HTML |
| Hurricane Georges - October 1998 | HTML |
| Hurricane Kate - November 1985 | HTML |
Hazardous Weather Notification System
To receive an e-mail with important information on Tropical Storms or Hurricanes or when there is a Hazardous Weather condition for your county please visit the Hazardous Weather Notification System web site.
Disaster Resistant Neighborhood Video
To view a 15 minute video on how to prepare yourself, your family, your home and your neighborhood please visit the Disaster Resistant Neighborhood Video web site.
Take Action Now
Use the information on this page to make your family, your neighborhood and your workplace hurricane plans.- Read this guide and its informative links carefully.
- Locate your evacuation zone and determine if and when you would have to evacuate:
- If an evacuation is ordered, all manufactured / mobile home residents must evacuate regardless of location.
- Decide NOW where you would go if ordered to evacuate. You may choose a hotel, motel or the home of a friend or relative in a safe location. You may want to leave the region entirely, or, as a LAST RESORT, go to an American Red Cross Shelter.
- Check your Disaster Supplies Kit. Obtain the items you need.
- Register NOW with your County Emergency Management Department if you need special assistance during an evacuation.
- Plan for your pets.
| Document | Format |
| Capital Area Storm Surge Map | JPG |
Hurricane Season Is June Through November. Be Prepared!
- Keep your home in good repair. Tack down loose roofing and siding. Trim dead or broken branches from trees.
- The experts agree that homes can survive a hurricane's fury if a few relatively minor improvements, such as bracing the gable ends of roofs, are made. Contact your builder, a professional engineer, licensed contractor or architect to inspect your home for structural integrity.
- Make plans and purchase materials to secure your home before the storm threatens (plywood, shutters, and / or protective window film; plastic sheeting, nails, etc.).
- Purchase a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio.
- Inventory your property (a video tape is excellent) and store the information with insurance papers in a safe place (such as safety deposit box) or send a copy to a relative out of the area.
- Make sure your address number is clearly marked on your home.
- Review your insurance policies with your agent now. Do you have homeowner's and flood insurance? Homeowner's insurance does not cover damage to your home or belongings caused by flooding. Flood insurance is available through an insurance agent or broker. If your home is substantially damaged (50% or greater), you will be required to rebuild to existing codes, which may mean elevating the structure. Will you be covered? Homeowners and tenants - are your contents and personal belongings covered? Will your insurance cover replacement costs?
These Simple Tasks Could Save Your Life And Your Home
- Listen for weather updates on local radio and television stations or on your NOAA Weather Radio. Don't trust rumors, and stay tuned to the latest information.
- Check your Disaster Supplies Kit. Obtain any needed items.
- Refill prescriptions. Maintain at least one month supply during hurricane season.
- Clear yard of all loose objects, such as potted plants, bicycles and trash cans.
- Protect your windows and glass doors.
- Brace double entry and garage doors at the top and bottom.
- Fill your car's gas tank and check oil, water and tires. Gas pumps don't operate without electricity.
- Secure your boat early. Drawbridges will be closed to boat traffic after an evacuation order is issued.
- Leave the swimming pool filled and super-chlorinated. Cover the filtration system.
- Get cash. Banks and ATMs won't be in operation without electricity and few stores will be able to accept credit cards.
If You Can Stay Home
- Clean containers for drinking water and your bath tub for storing cleaning water. Line the tub with plastic sheeting or a clean shower curtain, or caulk the drain with silicone caulking - it will hold water for weeks and it cleans up easily when dry. Plan on three gallons per person, per day for all uses.
- Obtain at least a two-week supply of nonperishable foods. Don't forget a nonelectric can opener.
- During the storm, stay inside and away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Find a safe area in your home - an interior, reinforced room, closet or bathroom on the lower floor.
- Wait for official word that the danger is over. Don't be fooled by the storm's calm "eye".
- If flooding threatens your home, turn off electricity at the main breaker.
- Offer your home as shelter to friends or relatives who live in vulnerable areas or mobile homes.
- If you lose power, turn off major appliances, such as the air conditioner and water heater to reduce damage when electrical power is restored.
If You Must Evacuate
- Take your Disaster Supplies Kit with you!
- Take important papers with you, including your driver's license, special medical information, insurance policies and property inventories.
- Let friends and relatives know where you are going.
- Make sure your neighbors have a safe ride.
- Lock windows and doors.
- Turn off electricity at the main breaker.
Advice For Older Adults
In Florida, we are particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and elders are especially susceptible to their effects. Those who live alone, or are without the support of family or friends, must take special precautions in the event of an emergency situation. People who are frail or disabled (either mentally or physically) may need special assistance from family members, friends or social service agencies. Older adults who are also caregivers may require outside assistance. Excessive stress and anxiety can contribute to increased episodes of illness, particularly for persons with heart disease and other illnesses.
| document | Format |
| Hurricane Awareness Action Guidelines For Senior Citizens |
If an older adult lives in a nursing home, adult congregate living facility (ACLF) or boarding home, the administrator should be contacted to learn about the evacuation plan for that facility.
Home Health Care And Home Bound Patients
- Notify your health agency where you will be during a hurricane and when care can be reestablished.
- If you are homebound and under the care of a physician, but not a home health agency, contact your physician.
- If you require respirators or other electric-dependent medical equipment, you should make prior medical arrangement with your physician.
- If you require oxygen, check with your supplier about emergency plans.
- If you evacuate, remember to take medications, written instructions regarding your care, special equipment and bedding with you.
- If you need assistance in an evacuation, please register NOW with your County Emergency Management Department.
Hurricane Preparedness Tips
- Store valuables / irreplaceable treasures in your empty appliances - washer, dryer, dishwasher, oven, microwave.
- Pack some dry clothes in plastic bags.
- Put plastic bags over televisions, lamps, computers, etc.
- Keep a set of tools with you during the storm.
- Fill new garbage cans with water to use for flushing, bathing, washing clothes, etc.
Protect Your Pets
Pet owners are responsible for hurricane planning for their pet. If you plan to evacuate, plan for your pets as well. Take your Pet Disaster Supplies Kit if you go to friends, relatives or a hotel.
| Document | Format |
| Disaster Preparedness For Horses | |
| Disaster Preparedness For Livestock | |
| Disaster Preparedness For Pets |
American Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets, so if you plan to go to public shelter, make other provisions for your pet. Limited space is available at "pet shelters" on high ground. Contact your veterinarian, the Humane Society or Animal Control for additional information.
| Document | Format |
| Florida Pet Friendly Shelter Locations | |
| Pet Friendly Hotel / Motel Locations | HTML |
| Pet Friendly Shelter Locations (Outside Florida) | HTML |
After the storm has passed, be careful in allowing your pet outdoors. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and your pet could easily be confused and become lost. Downed power lines, animals and insects brought in with high water could present real dangers to your pet. Take care not to allow your pet to consume food or water which may have become contaminated.
For more information call your county's animal control.
Protect Your Business
Virtually all economic activity in the devastated south Miami-Dade County area ceased following Hurricane Andrew.
An estimated 8,000 businesses and 100,000 jobs were seriously impacted. We could experience even more severe losses
given a storm the magnitude of Hurricane Andrew. Use the following checklist to prepare a Business Disaster Recovery Plan:
- Know Your Risk.
Is your business located where you are vulnerable to storm surge or freshwater flooding? Check your hurricane evacuation level and Flood Insurance Rate Maps! Is your workplace vulnerable to hurricane force winds? Have your building inspected by a licensed professional. - Take the Necessary Precautions.
If a storm threatens, secure your building. Cover windows with shutters, plywood or window protection film. Cover and move equipment / furniture to a secured area. Protect your data with backup files. If dependent on data processing, consider an alternate site. Make provisions for alternate communications and power. Make provisions to work with limited cash, water and sewer, and no power. Store emergency supplies at the office in case it is difficult to get around after the storm. - Protect Your Employees
Employee safety comes first! Prepare, distribute and exercise your Business Disaster Recovery Plan. Consider providing shelter to employees and their families. Also consider helping employees after the storm with essential supplies. Establish a rendezvous point and time for employees outside of the evacuation area in case damage is severe and communications are disrupted. Establish a call-down procedure for warning and post-storm communications. - Customers and Supplies
Contact Your Customers and Suppliers. Share your communications and Business Disaster Recovery Plan in advance. - Review Your Insurance Coverage.
Have your business appraised at least every five years. Inventory, document and photograph equipment, supplies and workplace. Have copies of insurance policies and customer service / home numbers. Obtain Business Interruption Insurance. Consider Account Receivable and Valuable Papers Coverage. Consider Income Destruction Insurance. If you have Business Owners Protection Package (BOPP), check coinsurance provisions. Remember: Flood damage requires separate coverage and is NOT covered under other insurance programs. - After the Storm.
Use caution before entering your business. Check for downed power lines, gas leaks and evaluate any structural damage. If any electrical equipment is wet, contact an electrician. Prepare loss information for insurance claims, get independent estimates of damages. Take pictures before cleanup. Take appropriate steps to minimize additional water damage. Contact the local Small Business Administration (SBA) office for information on low interest disaster relief loans.
Here Are The Weather Terms For The Hurricane Season
Tropical DepressionA disturbance with a clearly defined low pressure area; highest wind speed is thirty-eight (38) miles per hour.
Small Craft Advisory
When winds 21-38 miles per hour (18-39 knots) or hazardous wave conditions threaten a coastal area, small craft
operators are advised to remain in port or to not venture into the sea.
Tropical Storm
A distinct low pressure area well defined by a rotating circulation, with winds of 39-73 miles per hour.
Tropical Storm Watch
An announcement for specific areas that a tropical storm, (or the potential of a newly developing tropical storm)
poses a threat to coastal areas, generally within 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning
A warning that tropical storm conditions, including possible sustained winds within the range of 39-73 miles per
hour, are expected in specific coastal areas within 24 hours.
Hurricane
Once a tropical storm's constant wind speed reaches 74 miles per hour or greater, it is classified as a hurricane.
An announcement for specific areas that a hurricane or hurricane conditions pose a threat to coastal areas, generally within 36 hours.
Hurricane Warning
An alert that a hurricane is expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours. When a hurricane warning is
issued, all precautions should be completed immediately. If the hurricanes path is unusual or erratic, the
warning may be issued only a few hours before the beginning of hurricane conditions.
High Wind Watch / Warning
A warning will be issued for inland counties where hurricane force winds are anticipated.
Hurricane Hazards
A striking hurricane creates four major hazards; storm surge, high winds, tornadoes and heavy rains.
Evacuation Order
The most important instruction you will receive from local government officials, relayed over radio, television
stations and NOAA Weather Radio. Once
issued, an evacuation order is mandatory under law in the State of Florida. If you live in a manufactured / mobile home
or an area ordered to evacuate, gather your Disaster Supplies Kit
and leave immediately. If you live in a safe area, secure your home and be prepared to stay. Because of long
evacuation times and the unpredictability of hurricanes, you may be ordered to leave before a hurricane watch or
warning is issued.
Inside The Storm
To help you to better understand what makes up a tropical storm or hurricane now you can view the inside of a storm.
Evacuation Assistance
If you will need assistance or transportation during an evacuation because of age, disability or other special needs, please contact your County Emergency Management Department today.
Do Not Call 911 For Hurricane Information
During actual hurricane operations, please restrict calls to your local emergency response agencies to those that are absolutely necessary (for bona fide emergency assistance. Local radio and television stations should be monitored to obtain current hurricane status and general evacuation information.
As you are evacuating you can use your mobile phone to access the Hurricane Shelter Information
Hotline by simply dialing *ARC or 850/894-6741.
If you have lost power, don't connect a portable generator to building wiring (this could injure or kill neighbors
or electrical crews). Plug appliances, etc. directly into the generator, place generator outdoors or in a well-ventilated
area. Don't forget to check the oil every time you add gas. Conserve fuel by alternating appliances. For example,
refrigerators can be kept cool by supplying power 8 hours a day.
Be extremely careful with a chain saw - don't use it for the first time to clear your yard - and always heed safety
warnings.
Listen to Public Health advisories regarding disposal of sewage. If necessary, use doubled-bagged garbage bags to
collect human waste.
Other precautions to remember: Use disinfected water for brushing teeth, cleaning contact lenses and washing hands.
Keep soap and disinfected water near the toilet for washing hands. This is an important way to avoid spread of
disease. This is especially important if you have any cuts, etc. Apply a disinfectant such as alcohol or antibiotic
cream after washing with the disinfected water.
American Red Cross Shelter Locations
The Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross
will open the following shelters for any storm evacuation. Additional shelters will be
announced on local radio and television.
Shelters are not opened in Franklin County for Tropical Storms and Hurricanes
due
to the risk from Storm Surge
East Gadsden High School - 27001 Blue Star Memorial Hwy - Midway
Jefferson County High School - 50 David Rd - Monticello
Florida High School - 3000 School House Rd - Tallahassee
Lawton Chiles High School - 7200 Thomasville Rd - Tallahassee
Oak Ridge Elementary School - 4350 Shelfer Rd - Tallahassee
Springwood Elementary School - 3801 Fred George Rd - Tallahassee
Toler Elementary School - 14745 NW Ct Rd 12 - Bristol
Madison Central School - 2093 W US Hwy 90 - Madison
Taylor County Elementary School - 1600 E Green St - Perry
Crawfordville Elementary School - 69 Arran Rd - Crawfordville
What to Expect
After Hurricane Ivan, the people of Northwest Florida found themselves under a hot sun without power, water, food,
or any of the services and businesses we rely on. It could happen in the Capital Area! Immediate response may
not be possible, so residents must be prepared to be self-reliant for several weeks. Here is how you can help:
Reentry
For Your Safety
Repairs
Document
Format
Picking Up The Pieces After A Disaster
PDF
Repairing Your Flooded Home
PDF
Generators
Fueled by gas, generators
can run appliances and fans. Sizes range from 750 watts, which will run a fan and a
light, up to 8,000 watts which will practically run a house (except for the air conditioner). Refrigerators require
400-1,000 watts.
Clean-up Precautions
Call professionals to remove large, uprooted trees, etc. Always use proper safety equipment such as heavy gloves,
safety goggles, heavy boots, light colored long sleeve shirts and long pants. Tie back long hair and wear a hat
and sunscreen. Drink plenty of fluids, rest and ask for help when you need it. Lift with the legs, not with the
back. Don't burn trash. If you can't identify something, don't touch it. Be especially wary of downed electrical
wires.
Water Precautions
Whenever widespread flooding occurs there is a potential for bacterial contamination. Bacteria, such as shigella
and salmonella, can lead to life threatening dehydration for people and their pets if untreated by antibiotics.
Disinfect any tap water you drink or use for cooking or cleaning. You must purify the tap water until officials
notify you of its safety. Bring water to a rolling boil for a full five minutes or use chemicals (eight drops of
chlorine bleach or iodine per gallon) or water purification tablets, as directed. Let the water sit at least 10
minutes before using. Water you saved in clean containers before the storm will be fine for 2-3 weeks. To be sure,
add a couple of drops of chlorine or iodine per gallon before drinking.
Disaster Assistance
Volunteer organizations and local, state and federal government agencies will work together in a major disaster to
provide aid to families and businesses affected by the storm. If a federal disaster is declared, Disaster Recovery
Centers (DRCs) will be set up to explain programs and provide long-range support (temporary housing, business
subsidies, etc.)