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Introduction ···················································································3 Four Steps to Safety Preparedness ·············································4 Step 1 Find out what could happen to you ···························4 Step 2 Create a Disaster Plan ·················································4 Step 3 Complete this checklist ················································5 Step 4 Practice and maintain your plan ································5 During a Hurricane Watch - a suggested time line ···················6 During a Hurricane Warning - a suggested time line ···············7 If Disaster Strikes ·········································································8 How You Can Help Others ··························································9 Neighbors Helping Neighbors ·················································9 Most Needed Items ··································································9 Family Disaster Plan ···································································11 Important Public Health Information ······································15 FEMA ··························································································17 Avoiding Hurricane Damage ·····················································18 Checklist for Homeowners ····················································18 Information you need ····························································18 Protect your home from high winds ·····································19 National Hurricane Center ························································22 2006 Hurricane Season ··························································22 2004 Hurricane Charley ························································22 Storm Surge ·················································································23 Inland Flooding ···········································································24 Utilities ·························································································26 Inspecting Utilities in a Damaged Home ·····························26 Electricity - Florida Power & Light ·····································27 Price-Gouging After a Hurricane ··············································28 Tips for Consumers ·······························································28 American Red Cross ···································································30 Florida Division of Emergency Management ···························32 County Emergency Operations Centers ······························32 My Safe Florida Home (Grant) ·················································33 Law Enforcement Contact Information ···································37 Map of the Diocese of Venice in Florida ···································39

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Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services – water, gas, electricity or telephones – were cut off? Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere – at work, at school, or in the car. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children and other family members are safe? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a dis-aster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. Families can – and do – cope with a disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Follow the steps listed in this brochure to create your family’s disaster plan. Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.

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Step 1: Find out what could happen to you Contact your local emergency management office and American Red Cross chapter – take notes! • Ask what types of disasters are most likely to happen. Request in-

formation on how to prepare for each. • Learn about your community’s warning signals: what they sound

like and what you should do when you hear them. • Ask about animal care after disaster. Animals may not be allowed

inside emergency shelters due to health regulations. • Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if needed. • Find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children’s

school or daycare center and other places where your family spends time.

Step 2: Create a Disaster Plan

Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disas-ter. Explain the dangers of fire and severe weather. Plan to share re-sponsibilities and work together as a team. • Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Ex-

plain what to do in each case. • Pick two places to meet: 1. Right out side your home in case of a

sudden emergency, like a fire. 2. Out side your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.

• Ask an out-of-state friend or family to be your “Family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Eve-ryone must know your contact’s phone number.

• Discuss what too do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of pets.

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Step 3: Complete this checklist • Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (Fire, police, ambu-

lance, etc.) • Teach Children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency

Medical Services. • Show each responsible family member how and when to turn off the

water, gas and electricity at the main switches. • Check if you have adequate insurance coverage. • Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC

type), and show them where it is kept. • Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near

bedrooms. • Conduct a home hazard hunt. During a disaster, ordinary objects in

home can cause injury or damage. Anything that can move, fall, break or cause a fire is a home hazard. For example, an in-balanced bookshelf can fall in a strong wind gust. Inspect your home at least once a year and fix potential hazards. Contact your local fire depart-ment to learn about home fire hazards.

• Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit. • Take a American Red Cross first aid and CPR class. • Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways

out of each room. • Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster. • Protect your windows. Permanent shutters are the best protection. A

lower-cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use 1/2 inch ply-wood - marine plywood is best - cut to fit each window. Remember to mark which board fits which window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Do this long before the storm.

• Trim back dead or weak branches from trees.

Step 4: Practice and maintain your plan • Quiz your family members every six months so they remember

what to do. • Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills. • Replace stored water every three months and stored food every six

months. • Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufac-

turing instructions.

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(A Hurricane Watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.)

A suggested time line

• Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane pro-

gress reports. • Check emergency supplies. • Fuel car. • Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden

tools and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside. • Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove out-

side antennas. Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.

• Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils.

• Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.

• Review evacuation plan. • Moor boat securely or move it to a designated safe place. Use rope

or chain to secure boat to trailer. Use tie-downs to anchor trailer to the ground or house.

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(A Hurricane Warning is issued when hurricane conditions – winds of 74 miles per hour or greater, or dangerously high water and rough seas

– are expected in 24 hours or less.)

A suggested time line

• Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for offi-cial instructions.

• If in a mobile home, check tie-downs and evacuate immediately. • Avoid elevators. • If at home: Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass

doors. • Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open

flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light. • If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power "surge"

when electricity is restored. • If officials indicate evacuation is necessary: Leave as soon as possi-

ble. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges. • Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off elec-

tricity and the main water valve. • Tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going. • If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate fur-

niture to protect it from flooding or better yet, move it to a higher floor.

• Take pre-assembled emergency supplies, warm protective clothing, blankets and sleeping bags to shelter.

• Lock up home and leave.

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If disaster strikes remain calm and patient. Put your plan into action. • Check for injuries. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move

seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.

• Help injured or trapped persons. • Listen to your battery powered radio for news and instruction. • Evacuate, if advised to do so. Be ready to drive 20 to 50 miles

inland to locate a safe place. Wear protective clothing and sturdy, comfortable shoes. Take your Disaster Supplies Kit. Lock your home. Use travel routes specified by local authorities – don’t use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous. If you have time: Shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving, if instructed to do so. Post a note telling others when you left, where you are going and the members of your group.

• Make arrangements for your pets. • Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents for

insurance claims. • Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and

washed-out bridges. • Use telephone only for emergency calls. • Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately

to the power company, police, or fire department. • Return home only after authorities advise that it is safe to do so. • Enter your home with caution. Open windows and doors to ventilate

and dry your home. Check refrigerated foods for spoilage. • Check for damage in your home. Use flashlights – do not light

matches or turn on electrical switches, if you suspect damage. Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards. Check for gas leaks - odd odor - from your appliance such as the water heater or stove. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly. Shut off any other damaged utilities. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline and other flammable and caustic chemicals immediately. Beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground by flood water.

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Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Working with neighbors can save lives and property. Meet with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster until help arrives. If you are a member of a neighborhood or-ganization, such as a home association or crime watch group, introduce disaster preparedness as a new activity. Know your neighbor’s special skills (e.g., medical, technical) and consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as disabled and elderly persons.

MOST NEEDED ITEMS

After a disaster strikes many of the emergency services will be in need of supplies. The following is a list of the most commonly needed items.

• bottled water • feminine and personal hygiene items • baby items, bottles, formula, jars of food, diapers, wipes,

Pedialyte • canned meats and fish including tuna, ham, chicken, Spam • non-perishable foods including soups, ravioli, dry milk, dry mashed potatoes, beans • snacks • Ensure • peanut butter and jelly • Gatorade, juices • coolers • can openers (manual) • toilet paper, paper towels • paper plates, paper cups, napkins • plastic knives, forks, spoons • plastic storage bags • Lysol spray cleaner • bleach • handiwipes • plastic gloves

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• bug repellant • extension cords • grills, charcoal and lighter fluid • small generators • small battery operated AM/FM radios and televisons • fans • flashlights with batteries • male urinals • sun screen • first aid equipment • aspirin/pain reliever • towels, pillows, sheets • underwear, flip-flops

Other than the items listed, clothing is generally not accepted.

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Recent hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, and storms have emphasized the need for everyone – families, businesses, agencies and institutions - to be prepared. There are six basics you should stock for your home: wa-ter, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container. Possible con-tainers include a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack, or a duffle bag. Water: A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and people who are ill will need more. Store one gallon of water per person per day. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation). Change your stored water supply every six month to main-tain freshness. A water purification kit should contain: purification tab-lets, chlorine and iodine. Food: Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no wa-ter. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Replace your stored food every six months. Include a selection of the following foods in your disaster sup-plies: ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; canned juices; staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.); high energy foods; vitamins; food for infants; comfort/stress foods. Suggested grocery list: bread, crackers, peanut butter, jelly, cookies, snacks, applesauce, dried fruit, canned or boxed beverages, shelf-stable milk. Don’t forget: disposable aluminum tins for cooking on grills, paper plates, plastic cutlery, paper towels and napkins.

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Sanitation: Toilet paper, towelettes/wipes, soap, liquid detergent, feminine hygiene supplies, personal hygiene items (razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodor-ant), plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses), plastic bucket with tight lid, disinfectant, and household chlorine bleach. Clothing and Bedding: Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per per-son. Other important items include: sturdy shoes or work boots, rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags, air mattresses, folding chairs, lawn chairs or cots. Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons: denture needs, contact lenses and supplies, extra eye glasses, and sunglasses. Important Family Documents: Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:

• Drivers license • Will • Insurance policies • Contracts and deeds • Stocks and bonds • Passports • Social security cards • Immunization records • Bank account numbers • Credit card account numbers • Inventory of valuable household items • Important telephone numbers • Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

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First Aid Kit: Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.

• first aid book • (20) adhesive bandages, various sizes • (1) 5" x 9" sterile dressing • (1) conforming roller gauze bandage • (2) triangular bandages • (2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads • (2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads • (1) roll 3" cohesive bandage • (2) germicidal hand wipes • (2) alcohol-based hand sanitizer • (6) antiseptic wipes • (2) pair large medical grade non-latex gloves • adhesive tape, 2" width • anti-bacterial ointment • cold pack • scissors (small, personal) • tweezers • CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield • medicine dropper • prescription medication:(heart/high blood pressure medication,

insulin) • non-prescription drugs: • aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever • anti-diarrhea medication • antacid (for stomach upset) • sunscreen • bug repellant • Syrup of Ipecac (induce vomiting) • laxative • activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing

prescription medications.

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Tools and Supplies:

• Cooler (2) • Matches, charcoal and grill • Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils • Emergency preparedness manual • NOAA Weather Radio • Battery-operated radio • Extra batteries • Flashlight and extra batteries • Cash or traveler's checks, change • Non-electric can opener, utility knife • Fire extinguisher • Tent • Pliers • Tape • Compass • Matches in a waterproof container • Aluminum foil • Plastic storage containers • Signal flare • Paper, pencil • Needles, thread • Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water • Whistle • Plastic sheeting/tarp, nails, hammer • Map of the area (for locating shelters)

Entertainment: Games, books for adult and children Additional tips: Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the supplies kit in the trunk of your car. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.

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Hand Washing –– Wash hands often with soap and clean water. If un-sure about safety of the water source, use an alcohol-based hand sani-tizer. Rub hands together vigorously for 20 seconds, the time it takes to sing the happy birthday song or for children to say their A-B-Cs. Food Safety –– Food that has been un- refrigerated for two hours or more and has an unusual odor, color or texture and is no longer cool to the touch is considered unsafe. Public health officials say, “When in doubt, throw it out.” Drinking Water Safety –– If you live in a city/town or other areas where health officials deemed the water supply unsafe, bring water to a rolling boil for three minutes or add 8 drops (1/4 of a teaspoon) of un-scented household bleach. Do not use pool bleach. Sewer Water System — If your water is off but your sewer service is still working, fill your toilet tank with a bucket of water. This will let you flush the toilet. Any available water can be used for flushing. Heat-related Illnesses –– Heat illnesses may result from prolonged expo-sure to the sun or warm environments and from lack of fluids. Heat stroke, dehydration and heat exhaustion can be prevented by: 1) drinking safe sources of water 2) staying in cool or shaded areas when possible 3) wearing lightweight clothing. Signs of dehydration include: heavy sweating, pale skin, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting and fainting. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe and the affected person has heart problems or high blood pressure. In the meantime, help the affected person to cool off –– put them into a cool shower, bath or sponge bath and get to an air-conditioned environment. Heat stroke can cause death: seek medical attention immediately. Carbon Monoxide is colorless, tasteless and odorless and can be pre-vented! 1. Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent or fireplace. 2. Do not use gas-powered generators or pressure washers indoors, not even

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in the garage. 3. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: fatigue, weakness, chest pains for those with heart disease, shortness of breath upon exertion, nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, lack of coordination, impaired vi-sion, loss of consciousness and in severe cases death. 4. Those experiencing any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are advised to open doors or windows, turn off gas appliances and go outside. If the symptoms are severe, call 9-1-1. Standing Water Precautions –– Areas where flooding has occurred may present health risks. Residents should ensure that children and youth do not walk, play or swim in flooded areas. These areas may con-tain sewage, fallen power lines, fire ants, mosquitoes, snakes and in-sects, which can cause illness and even death. Important Note: If you must go to a flooded area, wash all areas that were in contact with the water thoroughly. Change into clean clothing as soon as possible. Garbage Disposal –– Dispose of all garbage and disposable diapers in plastic sealed containers and keep separate from living areas or put out-doors to prevent breeding of disease-causing flies or other insects. Have antibacterial hand wipes or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer available for hand washing after handling garbage or spoiled food. Do not dispose of used hypodermic needles in the regular garbage. Contact your local county health department about obtaining the resident needle disposal program, which provides Sharps containers for home users. In Sarasota County, please call (941) 861-6133. Household Cleaning Guidelines Concrete or tile floors should be sanitized using a phenol or chlorine bleach solution. Household bleach such as are commonly used chlorine solutions. Dilute one gallon of water with one teaspoon of bleach for cleaning purposes. Use these disinfectant products to clean all affected areas inside your home. If possible, replace baseboards and wallboards that have been damaged by water because mildew and mold may form inside walls. A phenol compound such as "PINE-SOL" or "LYSOL" is best for pressed wood. If possible, replace this wood to avoid future mildew and mold problems. It is important to sanitize any affected ar-eas in your home to decrease the risk of illness, infection and disease

FEMA

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http://www.fema.gov/ To apply for federal disaster aid, call the Federal Emergency Manage-ment Agency Disaster Hotline at 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362), TDD 1-800-462-7585 (for the speech and hearing impaired) between 8 a.m and 6 p.m any day of the week or visit . FEMA can provide disaster housing assistance to those whose homes are damaged or destroyed. Most, but not all, federal assistance is in the form of low interest loans to homeowners, renters and business owners to cover expenses not cov-ered by state or local programs, or private insurance. People who do not qualify for loans may be able to apply for a cash grant. Housing assis-tance may include: lodging expenses, rental assistance, home repair/replacement grants. Other needs assistance may include: medical, den-tal, funeral, transportation and other disaster-related needs. Keep ALL receipts for purchases made during the disaster event. When you apply for disaster assistance please have the following avail-able:

• Social Security Number (including spouse) • Address and zip code of the damaged property • Directions to the damaged home or property • Telephone numbers where you can be reached during the day

YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE ~ BUT YOU MUST APPLY!

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FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY Checklist for Homeowners

Once a major storm hits, it’s too late to protect your home and property. But there are things you can do now to reduce damage from high winds and water. Some are fairly simple and inexpensive; others will require a professional contractor. You’ll need to consider the characteristics of your home, your financial resources and the building codes in your community. This homeowner’s checklist will help you learn what you can do. For more information about the costs and benefits of each meas-ure, talk to a professional builder, architect or contractor. You should also ask your building department about building permit requirements.

INFORMATION YOU NEED

Do you know your hurricane risk? Ask your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter about the history of hurricanes in your area. Ask for informa-tion about protecting your family and home. Ask your emergency man-agement office, building department or flood plain management office to see a flood map of your community. There may be a projected flood elevation for your neighborhood. This information will help you deter-mine how much water is likely to come in. Do you have enough flood insurance? Even if you have taken steps to protect your home from flooding, you still need flood insurance if you live in a flood plain. Home owners’ policies do not cover flood damage, so you will probably need to pur-chase a separate policy under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It takes 30 days for a flood policy to take effect. This is why you need to purchase flood insurance before flooding occurs. If your insurance agent is unable to write a flood policy, call 1- 800-638-6620 for information.

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PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM HIGH WINDS

Is the roof sheathing properly installed? During a hurricane, wind forces are carried from the roof down to the exterior walls, down to the foundation. Homes can be damaged when wind forces are not properly transferred to the ground. Roof sheathing (the boards or plywood nailed to the roof rafters or trusses) can fail during a hurricane if not properly installed. Examine the sheathing from the attic. If many of the nails have missed the raf-ters, you may need to re-nail the sheathing. If you’re putting on a new roof, make sure the sheathing complies with current recommended practices. Are end gables securely fastened to the rest of the roof? In a hurricane, the side walls of the roof (end gables) take a real beating and can collapse. Gable bracing often consists of 2”x4”s placed in an “X” pattern at both ends of the attic: from the top center of the end ga-ble to the bottom of the brace of the fourth truss, and from the bottom center of the end gable to the peak of the roof. If your end gables do not appear to be braced, use a licensed contractor to install bracing. Ask your local building department whether a building permit is required for this work. Are double entry doors secured at the top and bottom? The exterior walls, doors and windows are the protective shell of your home. If the shell is broken during a hurricane, high winds can enter the home and put pressure on the roof and walls, causing se-rious damage. For each double door, at least one of the doors should be secured at both the top of the door frame and the floor with sturdy sliding bolts. Most bolts that come with double doors, however, are not strong enough to withstand high winds. Your lo-cal hardware can help you select the proper bolts. Some door manufacturers provide reinforcing bolt kits made specifically for their doors. Has the garage door been properly secured? If the garage door fails, winds can enter your home and blow out

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doors, windows, walls and the roof. Ask your building department for guidance on what to do. Are windows protected by storm shutters? Installing storm shutters is one of the best ways to protect your home. Purchase or make storm shutters for all exposed windows, glass sur-faces, French doors, sliding glass doors and skylights. There are many types of manufactured shutters made out of wood, steel or aluminum. You can also make storm shutters with 5/8-inch thick exterior grade plywood. Is the roof fastened to the walls with hurricane straps? Hurricane straps (made out of galvanized metal) help keep the roof fas-tened to the walls in high winds. They can be difficult to install, so you may need a contractor for this project. Ask your building department whether hurricane straps are required or advisable in your area. Protect your home from flooding. Do you know the projected flood elevation for your area? Ask your building department, flood plain management office or emer-gency management office to see a flood map of your community. There may be a projected flood elevation for your neighborhood. This infor-mation will help you determine how much water is likely to come in. Is the main electric panel board located above potential flood waters? The main electric panel board (electric fuses or circuit breakers) should be at least 12” above the projected flood elevation for your home. The panel board height is regulated by code. All electrical work should be done by a licensed electrician. Are electric outlets and switches located above potential flood waters? Consider elevating all electric outlets, switches, light sockets, baseboard heaters and wiring at least 12” above the projected flood elevation for your home. You may also want to elevate electric service lines (at the point they enter your home) at least 12” above the projected flood ele-vation. In areas that could get wet, connect all receptacles to a ground fault interrupter (GFI) circuit to avoid the risk of shock or electrocution.

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Have electrical wiring done by a licensed electrician. Are the washer and dryer above potential flood waters? For protection against shallow flood waters, the washer and dryer can sometimes be elevated on masonry or pressure-treated lumber at least 12” above the projected flood elevation. Other options are moving the washer and dryer to a higher floor, or building a flood wall around the appliances. Are the furnace and water heater above potential flood waters? The furnace and water heater can be placed on masonry blocks or con-crete at least 12” above the projected flood elevation, moved to inside a floodwall or moved to a higher floor. (You have more options for pro-tecting a new furnace. Ask your utility about rebates for new energy efficient furnaces. The rebate plus the savings in fuel costs could make the purchase feasible.) Furnaces that operate horizontally can be sus-pended from ceiling joists if the joists are strong enough to hold the weight. Installing a draft-down furnace in the attic may be an option if allowed by local codes. Some heating vents can be located above the projected flood elevation. Outside air conditioning compressors, heat pumps or package units (single units that include a furnace and air con-ditioner) can be placed on a base of masonry, concrete or pressure-treated lumber. All work must conform to state and local building codes. Is the fuel tank anchored securely? A fuel tank can tip over or float in a flood, causing fuel to spill or catch fire. Cleaning up a house that has been inundated with flood waters containing fuel oil can be extremely difficult and costly. Fuel tanks should be securely anchored to the floor. Make sure vents and fill-line openings are above projected flood levels. Propane tanks are the prop-erty of the propane company. You’ll need written permission to anchor them. Be sure all work conforms to state and local building codes. If you’re building or remodeling a home, there are many other ways to protect your property that are not addressed in this checklist. For more information, talk to a professional home builder, architect, contractor or building supply retailer. Check with your building department for permit requirements.

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TROPICAL PREDICTION CENTER

National Weather Service Mission: "The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warn-ings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean ar-eas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. National Weather Service data and products form a national information database and infrastructure which can be used by other governmental agencies, the private sector, the public, and the global community."

HTTP://WWW.NHC.NOAA.GOV/

PAST HURRICANE SEASONS

2004 2006 HURRICANE CHARLEY

NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER

STORM SURGE

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“The greatest potential for loss of life related to a hurricane is from the storm surge. ~ Brian Jarvinen, National Hurricane Center Storm surge is simply water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. This advancing surge combines with the nor-mal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the mean water level 15 feet or more. In addi-tion, wind driven waves are superimposed on the storm tide. This rise in water level can cause severe flooding in coastal areas, particularly when the storm tide coincides with the normal high tides. Because much of the United States' densely populated Atlantic and Gulf Coast coastlines lie less than 10 feet above mean sea level, the danger from storm tides is tremendous. The level of surge in a particular area is also determined by the slope of the continental shelf. A shallow slope off the coast (picture) will allow a greater surge to inundate coastal communities. Communities with a steeper continental shelf will not see as much surge inundation, al-though large breaking waves can still present major problems. Storm tides, waves, and currents in confined harbors severely damage ships, marinas, and pleasure boats. Storm surge also affects rivers and inland lakes, potentially increasing the area that must be evacuated. In general, the more intense the storm, and the closer a community is to the right-front quadrant, the larger the area that must be evacuated. The problem is always the uncertainty about how intense the storm will be when it finally makes landfall. Emergency managers and local officials balance that uncertainty with the human and economic risks to their community. In estuaries and bayous, intrusions of salt water endanger the public health and send animals, such as snakes, to flee from flooded areas and take refuge in urban areas.

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“In the last 30 years, inland flooding has been responsible for more than half the deaths associated with tropical cyclones in the United States.” ~ Ed Rappaport National Hurricane Center Consider the following: When it comes to hurricanes, wind speeds do not tell the whole story. Hurricanes produce storm surges, tornadoes, and often the most deadly of all - inland flooding. While storm surge is always a potential threat, more people have died from inland flooding in the last 30 years. Intense rainfall is not directly related to the wind speed of tropi-cal cyclones. In fact, some of the greatest rainfall amounts occur from weaker storms that drift slowly or stall over an area. Inland flooding can be a major threat to communities hundreds of miles from the coast as intense rain falls from these huge tropical air masses. Tropical Storm Allison (2001) produced extremely heavy rainfall and catastrophic floods in the Houston, Texas area. Allison then acquired subtropical characteristics and continued to produce heavy rainfall and flooding near its track from Louisiana eastward to North Carolina, and then northward along the U.S. east coast to Massachusetts. Forty-one deaths were directly related to the heavy rain, flooding, tornadoes, and high surf. Damage estimates reported by the Federal Emergency Man-agement Agency (FEMA) were near $5 billion, with approximately $4.8 billion in the Houston metropolitan area alone Hurricane Floyd (1999) brought intense rains and record flooding to the Eastern U.S. Of the 56 people who perished, 50 drowned due to inland flooding. Tropical Storm Alberto (1994) drifted over the Southeast United States and produced torrential rainfall. More than 21 inches of rain fell at Americus, Georgia. Thirty-three people drowned. Damages exceeded $750 million.

INLAND FLOODING

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Hurricane Agnes (1972) produced floods in the Northeast United States which contributed to 122 deaths and $6.4 billion in damages. Long after the winds from Hurricane Diane (1955) subsided, the storm brought inland flooding to Pennsylvania, New York, and New England contrib-uting to nearly 200 deaths and $4.2 billion in damages. What can you do?

• When you hear hurricane, think inland flooding. • Determine whether you live in a potential flood zone. • If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. • Keep abreast of road conditions through the news media. • Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water. • Do not attempt to cross flowing water. As little as six inches of

water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. • Develop a flood emergency action plan. • Have flood insurance. Flood damage is not usually covered by

homeowners insurance. Do not make assumptions. Check your policy.

The National Flood Insurance Program, is a pre-disaster flood mitiga-tion and insurance protection program. The National Flood Insurance Program makes federally backed flood insurance available to residents and business owners National Flood Insurance Program call 1-888-CALL-FLOOD ext. 445, TDD# 1-800-427-5593

UUUTILITIESTILITIESTILITIES

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Preparedness Tips Locate the main electric fuse box, water service main and natural gas main. Learn how and when to turn these utilities off. Teach all responsi-ble family members. Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves. Remember, turn off the utilities only if you suspect the lines are damaged or if you are instructed to do so.. If you turn the gas off, you will need a professional to turn it back on.

INSPECTING UTILITIES IN A DAMAGED HOME

Check for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional. Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice. Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines are damaged avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid the water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.

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Call 1-800-468-8243 (1-800-4-OUTAGE)

to report power outages. You can also report outages at www.fpl.com

• Stay away from downed wires; they may be energized. • Use caution with generators; do not connect generators to the

main switch gear. Connect appliances directly to the generator. Contact a local electrician for direction/connection.

• Generators can cause a backfeed on FPL wires, causing a haz-ard.

• Contact a local electrician for repair of your customer-owned equipment (meter connection/meter can/wire from the meter connection to meter can and into your house.)

TECO (local): 1-877-588-1010 (northern deaneries)

ELECTRICITY - FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT

PRICE-GOUGING AFTER A HURRICANE

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HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Source: The Florida Attorney General's Office http://myfloridalegal.com/

The victims of any natural disaster, be it a hurricane, flood, or earth-quake, have unfortunately become victims of scam artists out to profit from the misery of others. Below is some information on how to protect yourself from becoming a further victim after the initial disaster.

TIPS FOR CONSUMERS Following Hurricane Andrew, the State of Florida enacted a law that prohibits "price-gouging" after a declared state of emergency. The law bans unconscionable prices in the rental or sale of essential commodities, which would include lumber, ice, water, chemicals, gen-erators and other necessary goods and services following a disaster. Other states may have similar laws, which also impose penalties on vio-lators. Every homeowner wants immediate repairs to their home, but be warned about the "contractor" who knocks on your door with an offer to fix your roof or windows. Even in such a situation as a disaster, it is still important to obtain more than one estimate for repairs and to check on the qualifications and cre-dentials of any one working on your home. You can contact local con-sumer agencies, as well as your county occupational license bureau and the state professional regulation division, to determine if the contractor is licensed, has any complaints or violations on record, and is insured. You will also want to ask for references of satisfied customers, and con-tact those people and examine the work done.

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Before signing any contract, check the payment terms and other provisions.

Contracts can be negotiated so they do not totally favor the contractor. You never want to pay the contractor too much in advance, and espe-cially not for work yet to be performed. Payments should be broken down such as one-third up front, one-third when a certain significant stage of work is done, and the final payment when all work is com-pleted. You will also want to obtain releases of liens and a final con-tractor's affidavit. Only do business with reputable contractors and businessmen. Someone selling generators off of a truck on the corner may have stolen them, or they may be inoperable. Someone driving through a neighbor-hood offering to patch roofs may never be seen again after he collects the deposit or payment.

IF YOU WISH TO REPORT PRICE-GOUGING WITHIN THE STATE OF FLORIDA DURING A DECLARED EMERGENCY, CALL THE FLORIDA ATTORNEY GENERAL'S HOTLINE AT

1-866-966-7226

Or Visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and consumer ser-

vices: http://www.800helpfla.com/price_gouging.html 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352)

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The Red Cross number for general assistance and shelter informa-

tion in all areas us 1-866-GET-INFO or visit www.redcross.org. Individuals trying to locate friends or family members who are inside the affected areas may call 1-866-HELP-NOW. Those outside the af-fected may call their local Red Cross Chapter and for a “Welfare In-quiry.”As much information as possible will be provided to the caller regarding the person they are trying to find such as name, address and phone number. The process may take several days due to communica-tion delays and other emergency priorities. The caller should continue to make contact with the individual they are trying to locate

Charlotte County Chapter 1300 Enterprise Drive #10 Port Charlotte Florida 33953 Phone: 941/629-4345 Fax: 941/629-7385 E-Mail: vansickelm@redcross-charlotte.org Web Site: www.sunline.net/redcross Collier County Chapter 2610 Northbrooke Plaza Drive Naples Florida 34119 Phone: 941/596-6868 Fax: 941/596-6923 E-Mail: colliercountyredcross@comcast.net Web Site: http://www.colliercountyredcross.org/ Lee County Chapter 6310 Techster Blvd., Suite 7 Fort Myers, FL 33912-4710 Phone: 941/278-3401 Fax: 941/278-4829 E-Mail: admin@arclcc.org Web Site: www.arclcc.org

AMERICAN RED CROSS

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Manatee County Chapter (Hardee & Manatee) 2905 59th Street West Bradenton Florida 34209 Phone: 941/792-8686 Fax: 941/792-3680 E-Mail: info@manateeredcross.org Web Site: www.manateeredcross.org Polk County Chapter (Highland & Polk) 147 Avenue A Northwest Winter Haven Florida 33881 Phone: 863/294-5941 Fax: 863/293-9626 E-Mail: polkcofl@polkredcross.org Web Site: www.redcross.org/fl/polkcounty Southwest Florida Chapter (DeSoto & Sarasota) 2001 Cantu Court Sarasota Florida 34232 Phone: 941/379-9300 Fax: 941/377-7830 E-Mail: lindbergk@usa.redcross.org Web Site: www.southwestflorida.redcross.org Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter (Glades & Hendry) 825 Fern Street West Palm Beach Florida 33401 Phone: 561/833-7711 Fax: 561/833-8771 E-Mail: chapterhq@redcross-pbc.org Web Site: www.redcross-pbc.org

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www.floridadisaster.org http://www.floridadisaster.org/fl_county_em.asp

COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTERS

Charlotte: 941-505-4620

www.charlottecountyfl.com/emergency

Collier: 239-774-8000 www.collierem.org

DeSoto: 863-993-4831

http://www.co.desoto.fl.us/emr/

Hendry: 863-675-5255 http://www.hendryfla.net/

Highlands: 863-385-1112

http://www.hceoc.org

Lee: 239-477-3600 http://leeeoc.com/

Manatee: 941-748-4501 www.co.manatee.fl.us

Sarasota: 941-861-5000

www.scgov.net

FFFLORIDALORIDALORIDA D D DIVISIONIVISIONIVISION OFOFOF EEEMERGENCYMERGENCYMERGENCY M M MANAGEMENTANAGEMENTANAGEMENT

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http://www.mysafefloridahome.com/

To help Floridians identify how they can strengthen their homes against hurricanes and to reduce hurricane damage exposure in our state, the Florida Comprehensive Hurricane Damage Mitigation Program (My Safe Florida Home) is offering free wind inspections by qualified hurri-cane mitigation inspectors to eligible homeowners. This is not an entitlement program. You must apply and obtain approval in order to receive the free inspection. Requesting or obtaining an in-spection does not guarantee or automatically qualify you for a grant. Floridians whose homes have undergone wind certification and hurri-cane mitigation inspections approved by the Department of Financial Services may be eligible to apply for matching grants up to $5,000. Please note that the Legislature is considering changes to the grant cri-teria and we will keep you informed once those decisions have been made. Step 1 Submit your application for a free wind inspection via web. 1. Answer the questions and fill out the application. 2. If you do not provide the insurance information requested in this ap-plication, you will not receive information about estimated premium discounts in your wind inspection report. 3. Verify your answers and submit your application electronically using the "SUBMIT" button. 4. Using the "PRINT" button, print out your application for your records. 5. If you think you may qualify for the program as a low income homeowner, please review the "For the Low Income Homeowner" sec-tion of this website prior to completing this application. CAUTION: If your application for a free wind inspection is approved, you will be contacted by a Department-approved inspector, who will reference your application number. Please beware that you may receive solicitations from other businesses not connected to this Program, offer-ing to perform inspection services on your home. The "free inspection"

MMMYYY S S SAFEAFEAFE F F FLORIDALORIDALORIDA H H HOMEOMEOME

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offered in this Program refers only to an inspection by the Department-approved inspector assigned to you. To view a list of department ap-proved inspection firms and inspectors, go to "www.mysafefloridahome.com" and click on "Wind Inspections". The Department will not pay for an inspection by any other inspection service or business. The inspection firms and inspectors linked here are approved by the Department. The Department urges you to be careful and make sure you are dealing with the Department-approved inspector when you schedule the free inspection The inspector will be able to ref-erence your MSFH application number that you received at the time you applied when the appointment is scheduled. If you need further verification of the Department-approved inspector, call 1-866-513-6734. Step 2 Matching Grants To help Floridians strengthen their homes against hurricanes and to re-duce hurricane exposure in our state, the My Safe Florida Home pro-gram will offer matching grants up to $5,000 for specific home im-provements identified in the wind inspection reports. 1. Who is eligible for the grant program? A completed inspection does not automatically qualify you for a grant or guarantee you will receive a grant. Under the new law, the Depart-ment must prioritize and direct funds to areas that will help reduce the state’s hurricane exposure, including less exposure in Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. Please note that the Legislature is considering changes to the grant criteria and we will keep you informed once those decisions have been made. 2. How much is available? Individual homes will be eligible for matching grants of up to $5,000 each to make specific home improvements as recommended in the in-spection report. A “matching grant” means that for every dollar of the homeowner’s own money spent on a wind resistance upgrade recom-mended in the official inspection report, the program will provide an additional dollar to help pay for the upgrade, up to a maximum grant of $5,000.

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For example: If the recommended improvements you have done cost $3,000, the state would pay $1,500 and you would pay $1,500. If the recommended improvements you have done cost $20,000, the state would pay $5,000 and you would pay the other $15,000. Low-income homeowners will be eligible for $5,000 grants with no match required. The My Safe Florida Home program is working with local governments and the Volunteer Florida Foundation to offer low-income homeowners the opportunity to strengthen their homes against natural disasters. 3. What must the money be used for? Matching grant funds are available only for wind-resistance improve-ments in seven specific categories, as follows:

1. Improving the strength of your roof deck attachment. 2. Creating a secondary water barrier to prevent water intrusion. 3. Improving the survivability of your roof covering. 4. Bracing gable-ends in your roof framing. 5. Reinforcing roof-to-wall connections. 6. Upgrading exterior wall opening protections. 7. Upgrading exterior doors.

4. How do I apply for a matching grant? Once you get your free inspection report describing the wind-resistance upgrades to your home as recommended in that report, you will be noti-fied by the Department of Financial Services if you qualify for a grant, and then proof of homestead exemption and proof of insured value of $500,000 or less will need to be submitted. 5. Who can I use to do the home improvements? The Department of Financial Services has a list of approved participat-ing contractors, which is available online. Refer to the tips and terms about contractors to learn about choosing one. 6. Can I go ahead and do home improvements and then get reimbursed by the department? No. Under the law, the program cannot reimburse you for home im-provements you have already done. You must have a wind inspection and receive grant approval from the Department of Financial Services before the home improvements are done to be eligible for reimburse-

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ment by grant. 7. I do not yet have my homestead exemption. Do I still qualify for a grant? No. The My Safe Florida Home grant is offered to those who have made Florida their home. By law, the homestead exemption is available only on the primary residence. In order to qualify for a matching grant, documentation of homestead exemption is needed. My Safe Florida Home is a three-year program and one for which we will be seeking additional funding. You are encouraged to apply once you have ob-tained your homestead exemption on your property. 8. Why can’t the funds from this program be used to offset my insur-ance premium? The My Safe Florida Home program is a long-term investment in help-ing reduce the insurance premiums all Floridians pay. By making homes safer against hurricanes, homeowners will be less exposed to hurricane damage which means fewer or lower insurance claims. In ad-dition, the improvements you make to your home to strengthen it against hurricanes could result in savings on your insurance premiums.

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EMERGENCY CALL 9-1-1

Links to Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)

www.fdle.state.fl.us/links/

Anna Maria Police Department Non-Emergency 941-778-4711 Arcadia Police Department Non-Emergency 863-993-4660 Bradenton Police Department Non-Emergency 941-708-6273 Bradenton Beach Police Department Non-Emergency 941-778-6311 Cape Coral Police Department http://capecoral.net/citydept/police/ Non-Emergency 239-574-3223 Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office http://www.ccso.org// Non– Emergency 941-639-2101 941-639-0013 941-764-6796 Collier County Sheriff’s Office http://colliersheriff.org Non-Emergency 239-793-9300 North Naples 239-597-1607 Golden Gate 239-455-3121 East Naples 239-793-1844 Everglades City 239-695-2301 Immokalee 239-657-6168 Estates Substation 239-304-3524 DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office http://www.desotosheriff.com/ Non-Emergency 863-993-4700 South County Residents 941-743-6777 Animal Control 941-993-4849 Fort Myers Police Department http://www.fmpolice.com/ Non-Emergency 239-334-4155 Glades County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency 863-943-0100

LLLAWAWAW E E ENFORCEMENTNFORCEMENTNFORCEMENT C C CONTACTONTACTONTACT I I INFORMATIONNFORMATIONNFORMATION

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Hardee County Sheriff’s Office http:www.hardeeso.com/ Non-Emergency 863-773-0304 Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency 863-674-4060 Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency 863-382-7213 Holmes Beach Police Department http://www.holmesbeachfl.org/ Non-Emergency 941-708-5807 Lee County Sheriff’s Office http://www.sheriffleefl.org/ Non-Emergency 239-477-1200 Longboat Key Police department http://www.longboatkey.org/ Non-Emergency 941-316-1977 Manatee County Sheriff’s Department http://www.manateesheriff.com Non-Emergency 941-747-3011 Naples Police Department http://naplespolice.com/ Non-Emergency 239-213-4844 North Port Police Department www.cityofnorthport.com/police/ Non-Emergency 941-426-3111 Port Charlotte Police Department Non-Emergency 941-639-2101 Punta Gorda Police Department Non-Emergency 941-639-4111 Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office http://www.sarasotasheriff.org/ Non Emergency N. County 941-861-5800 Non-Emergency S. County 941-861-1701 Animal Issues 941-861-9500 Sarasota Police Department Non-Emergency 941-316-1201 Front Desk (City) 941-954-7025 Venice Police Department Non-Emergency 941-486-2444

Florida Highway Patrol

*FHP (347) on Cellular http://www.fhp.state.fl.us/

Arcadia FHP 863-993-4618 Naples FHP 239-354-2377 Bradenton FHP 941-751-7647 Tampa FHP 813-632-6859 Fort Myers FHP 239-278-7100 Venice FHP 941-483-5911

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Manatee

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Highlands

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e R.

Marco

Bonita Springs

Estero

Saint James City

Immokalee

Alva

Rotonda

Grove CityManasota Key

Englewood

Harlem

LaurelOsprey

Siesta KeyPlacid Lakes

Coconut

Boca Grande

Palmdale

Fort Ogden

Nocatee

Myakka City

Brighton

Parrish

De Soto City

Everglades

La Belle

Wauchula

Moore Haven

Anna Maria

Lake Placid

Zolfo Springs

Bowling Green

Sebring

Clewiston

Arcadia

Longboat Key

Avon Park

Sanibel

Holmes Beach

North Fort Myers

Naples

Punta Gorda

North PortVenice

Palmetto

Fort Myers

Bradenton

Cape Coral

Sarasota

County SeatCitiesAirports

Toll Roads and BridgesInterstate HighwaysU.S. HighwaysState Highways

RiversLakes

County Boundaries

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Diocese of Venice Department of Communications

1000 Pinebrook Road Venice, FL 34285-6426

(941) 484-9543 http://www.dioceseofvenice.org

(Updated 4/07)