Boca Home Care Services helps clients and families get their Hurricane Plan in order and updated. Florida is “On Guard” starting June 1st, the beginning of the new Hurricane season. Tips are provided on how to prepare for a storm and its aftermath. Learn how to be ready with supplies, or by being somewhere else, out of the Hurricane’s path.
Get Prepared
It is Hurricane Season again, all of us in South Florida and along the coasts feel a touch of anxiety or nervousness as we see what Mother Nature has in store this season. Beryl, is already spinning in Northern Florida. The key is to BE PREPARED -Especially if you live in an Evacuation Zone along the Water - We are ALL Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts till November.
In our initial home visit to new or perspective clients we answer a lot of questions about care, insurance, caregivers and so forth. We also ask some basic questions and assess home safety & the Hurricane Plan. Amazingly most of the responses are: “I’m staying right here, I have shutters, have been through storms before”, or “Gee, that is a good question, I don’t have a Hurricane Plan. I don’t know what I’d do, maybe go to a hotel?” Well, say no more, Boca Home Care Services creates their Hurricane Plan with them: where they would go, who their emergency contacts are, how they will get there, supplies needed and so forth in Palm Beach and Broward counties.
According to Mike Lyons of WPBF 25 News, the early projections from Colorado State University, (Dr. William Gray and his team of forecasters) are predicting ten named storms, four becoming hurricanes and only two major hurricanes. This is a desirable break from the above normal activity of Hurricane seasons the last couple of years. STILL, it only takes one bad hurricane to cause a lot of damage and loss, I.E. Wilma. Also, in 1992, another relatively quiet season, Andrew blew in as a Category 5.
So, take a look and review your papers, kits, supplies and update or refresh accordingly. Make sure your contact information is up to date. Remember, the storm is the first part, and plan to be out of harm’s way. The lack of electricity, for days or weeks is the second part of your planning, when detailed logistics and supplies for food, water, batteries, medications, transportation are needed.
Checklist for “must-have” items in your house:
Drinking water for at least 3-5 days (at least 6 gallons per person)
Battery operated radio and/or TV
Battery operated clock
Flashlights or Battery operated lights.
Batteries for all of the above – A, AA, C & D sized batteries
Manual can opener
Toilet paper
Lighters or water proof matches
First Aid Kit
Extra Cash – ATMs likely not to work as they use electricity
Plastic garbage bags
Extra fuel for a generator
Ice chest
Soap
Disinfectant
Disposable plates/cups and utensils
Additional prescription medications - Refill Now.
If a storm is coming, make sure you do the following:
FILL the gas tank in your car.
Fill your bath tub and a sink or large container
with water.
Semi stock freezer so new meat isn’t wasted.
Have important papers and copies – insurance (home, hurricane and medical), licenses, a few checks, banking info, photos – anything you don’t want to lose or replace and need – in waterproof sealable plastic bags which you can quickly take with you if you must evacuate.
Know your evacuation routes.
Know of hotels in area and which ones take pets if applicable.
Know the shelters in your area.
Stay informed: watch the weather reports, listen to weather warnings.
Store extra non-perishable foods:
Canned tuna, sardines, salmon — pull top openings preferred
Canned fruit and vegetables
Dried fruits, nuts
Cereals, crackers, cookies, rice cakes
Peanut butter and Jelly
Prepared foods that are tasty cold — cook the things in your freezer, make spaghetti.
Juices, tea or coffee and powdered milk
We all remember Wilma – the storm is the scary part, but the aftermath, going without electricity is the harder part. Be prepared to live at least a few days or week without electricity.
Emergency phone numbers:
Emergency Management – Palm Beach County – 877-655-0495
Red Cross – 561-833-7711
Fla. Department of Insurance – 800-342-2762
Sheriff Office – 561-688-3000
Boca/Delray Sheriff – 561-278-2644
