Hurricane Preparedness Notice
In an effort to assist you in preparing for this hurricane season, we ask that all residents please read the following information thoroughly and be properly prepared in the event of a hurricane. The hurricane season is June through November. However, the Emergency Preparedness Division has record of a hurricane in every month of the year except for February. You are encouraged to contact the local Emergency Preparedness Division or local Red Cross Chapter to verify the needs of your household during the event of a hurricane. A "hurricane watch" means a hurricane may threaten an area. A "hurricane warning" means a hurricane is expected to strike an area.
When a hurricane warning is announced:
Listen to the County Warning System on the radio. Do exactly as advised. Make plans to relocate outside the affected area. Have current information on the location of the Red Cross shelters and directions to get there. If there are ill or disabled persons in the apartment, contact their doctor for instructions. If relocation is required by the County Warning System do so early to avoid traffic jams and dangerous winds. Be sure to take necessities such as prescriptions, bedding, enough food for 24 hours, flashlights, and a battery-powered ratio.
Make arrangements for your pet(s), as pets are not permitted in any public shelter.
Clear off balconies, terraces, and patios. Place rolled towels around the bottom of glass doors and windows.
Close all blinds to avoid shattering glass. Do not tape any windows.
Fill the bathroom tub with water. This water may be used for drinking should the water supply become interrupted or contaminated. It may be poured into the toilet bowl to induce flushing.
Stock up on daily necessities (see checklist). Items such as the following are a must: Nonperishable food, bottled water, first aid kits, blankets, can opener, batteries, battery powered NOAA weather radio, prescriptions, diapers, baby food, extra eyeglasses, hearing aids, and battery powered lanterns. Back up batteries for each item requiring a battery is a must.
Remove fragile objects from wall shelves. Store in closet and off the floor to safeguard from storm vibrations.
Unplug any electrical/ computer equipment and cover with plastic and raise off the ground (if applicable).
Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your apartment. Your safest room is probably an interior bedroom, bath or hallway without windows or glass doors.
Fill all vehicles with gas. In the event of loss of electricity, the gas pumps will not operate.
Carry all important paperwork and personal identification with you in a waterproof bag.
Pursuant to your lease agreement, all residents are required to carry renter's insurance. To assist your carrier in the event of a loss, make a complete inventory of personal property. An inventory checklist can be obtained from your insurance representative. Store this and other important documents in waterproof containers or in a waterproof safety deposit box.
Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones.
Determine evacuation routes and a place for family members to meet.
Locate the exit stairway nearest to you and count the number of steps from your door to the exit (in case lights are out in the hallway).
Have an out-of-state family member/ friend as a contact for your family, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
During the hurricane:
Continue to listen to the County Warning System on the radio. Do exactly as advised by the announcer.
Stay indoors in your safest room. If the calm eye of the hurricane passes through the area, continue to stay indoors unless it is absolutely necessary to leave or directed to do so by local officials. Remember there is little to no wind in the eye of a hurricane.
Stay away from glass windows and doors pressure circulation. They can also develop at any time of the day or night during landfall. However, 12 hours after landfall, tornadoes tend to occur mainly during daytime hours.
If the electricity goes off, use flashlights instead of candles or kerosene lamps. Use caution when cooking when flames are present. A gust of wind through a door or window could start an accidental fire and the fire department may not be readily available while hurricane winds are blowing.
Use the telephone for emergencies only. Jammed phone lines may obstruct emergency calls for police, fire departments, doctors, and the Red Cross disaster units.
Conserve refrigeration. Open the refrigerator/freezer door as little as possible.
After the hurricane:
Beware of outdoor hazards. Watch out for loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the proper authority. All emergency numbers are in the front of the White Pages telephone book.
Walk or drive cautiously. Debris-filled streets are very dangerous. Snakes and poisonous insects will be a hazard. Washouts may weaken road and bridge structures and might collapse under vehicle weight.
Open the refrigerator only when necessary. Food will spoil in the refrigerator if the power is off more than a few hours. Freezers will keep food several days if doors are not opened after power failure, but do not refreeze food once it begins to thaw.
Do not use water until authorities have issued a safe water area. Use the emergency supply in the tub or boil water. Report broken sewer or water mains to the proper authority.
Take extra precautions to prevent fire. Lowered water pressure in city mains and the interruption of other services may make firefighting extremely difficult after a hurricane.
Notify your insurance carrier in the event of losses and where you may be reached. Be patient. It takes a team effort to clean up after a storm. Responsibility for the cleanup falls to numerous local, state and federal agencies. A local disaster coordinator/director (the mayor, county judge or their designated representative) will be on hand to help in this effort. The community's cleanup will be assisted by the property management staff.
In the event you experience damage in your apartment home, please contact the management office immediately by calling 904-618-2544. Maintenance will conduct an inspection to assess the damages. A schedule will then be prepared to complete the necessary repairs. All life-safety issues will be responded to first.
Disaster Supplies Checklist:
Drinking Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
Food – Have at least enough for 3 to 7 days of non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices and foods for infants or the elderly / formula & diapers for babies / snack foods /non-electric can opener / cooking tools / fuel / paper plates / plastic utensils
Unscented bleach Blankets / Pillows, etc.
First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs Special Item for babies and elderly Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes Flashlight / Batteries
Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards as Banks & ATMs may not be available Keys
Toys, Books and Games
Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight re-sealable plastic bag, insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
Tools - keep a set with you during the storm Vehicle fuel tanks filled
Turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
Pet care items - proper identification / immunization records / medications / ample supply of food and water / carrier or cage / muzzle and leash
Pet Plan:
Contact your veterinarian or local humane society for information on preparing your pets for an emergency.
Before the Disaster:
Make sure that your pets are current on their vaccinations. Pet shelters may require proof of vaccines.
Have a current photograph.
Keep a collar with identification on your pet and have a leash on hand to control your pet.
Have a properly sized pet carrier for each animal - carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand and turn around.
Plan your evacuation strategy and don't forget your pet! Specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends and relatives out of harm's way are ALL potential refuges for your pet during a disaster.
If you plan to shelter your pet - work, it into your evacuation route planning.
During the Disaster:
Animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have: Proper identification collar and rabies tag, proper identification on all belongings, a carrier or cage, a leash, an ample supply of food, water and food bowls, any necessary medications, specific care instructions and newspapers or trash bags for clean-up.
Bring pets indoor well in advance of a storm - reassure them and remain calm.
Pet shelters will be filled on first come, first served basis. Call ahead and determine availability.
After the Disaster:
Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home - often familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and pets could easily be confused and become lost. Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in with high water and debris can all pose a threat for animals after a disaster. If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the local animal control office to find out where lost animals can be recovered. Bring along a picture of your pet if possible.
After a disaster animals can become aggressive or defensive - monitor their behavior.
Don't forget your pet when preparing a family disaster plan.
Pet Disaster Supplies Checklist:
Proper identification including immunization records Ample supply of food and water
A carrier or cage Medications
Muzzle, collar, and leash
