HURRICANE - SEASON 2008

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A HURRICANE?  What will you do if a hurricane or even strong tropical storm impacts our community? "Having a plan is one of the most important things a person can do to prepare for a hurricane," said Bonita Springs Fire Chief Phil Kinsey, Jr.  "Know where you will ride out the storm, and have plenty of supplies like non-perishable foods, bottled water, batteries and any medications."

The Bonita Springs Fire Department offers the following tips:

• HAVE A PLAN   If a hurricane approaches southwest Florida,   do you know what you will do?  Is your home a safe haven in a major storm?  If not, will you go to a public shelter?  Do you have friends or family members in areas away from the coast?

• STOCK UP ON SUPPLIES   This includes non-perishable foods, drinking water (one gallon per person per day), medications, batteries, baby needs, first aid kit, flashlights, pet food and water, duct tape, games for kids, pillows, blankets, and other supplies you would need if you were camping.  Each home should have a 72-hour supply kit to prepare for the unknown.  Be sure your car is full of gas and that you have available cash.  If electricity is unavailable after the storm, gasoline pumps and ATM machines will not be operational.

• INSURANCE POLICIES & OTHER IMPORTANT PAPERS  Do you know where such information is?  Gather these documents and place them in a waterproof bag.  Your insurance company's phone number may be one of the most important number's to know if your home sustains damage.

• PETS   Don't forget about your pets!!  Pets are not allowed in public shelters.  Do everything in your power not to leave your pet if you have to evacuate.  Make plans to take your pet to a kennel if it cannot stay with you.  Call local kennels now to determine whether or not they will board pets during a storm.  If you plan on staying in a hotel, call ahead to ensure they will accept pets.  AAA Auto Club has the motel/hotel pet book for the southeastern US.

• HOME PREPARATIONS  Take a look around outside your home to determine if any objects that could become missiles, such as patio furniture, potted plants, bicycles, gas grills, etc.  Be sure to fill propane tanks and store in secure places.  It is highly recommended that you consider covering your windows and sliding glass doors with either plywood or professionally  installed shutters. 

• SECURE BOATS  If you own a boat, check with your local marina to determine the safest ways to secure it prior to the storm.

• NOTIFY RELATIVES  Call relatives and tell them your plans.  Let them know when you will be leaving and where you will stay.  If telephone service is unavailable after the storm, it may be days before you will be able to call them.

• KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A STORM "WATCH & WARNING"  A "watch" indicates that the storm is near enough that everyone who lives in the area covered by the "watch" should be alert for other advisories and seriously begin taking precautionary measures in case the storm nears.  If a "warning" is issued, all precautions should be taken immediately.  This means that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are expected in the "warning" area in 24 hours or less.

• HEED ORDERS FROM OFFICIALS  Stay tuned to our local news stations and The Weather Channel for possible evacuation orders.  If an evacuation order is issued for your area, it has been issued for a reason:  emergency officials fear for your safety and do not think it is safe for you to remain in your home!  Please heed these warnings and be ready to evacuate if requested.

The Bonita Springs Fire Department has a variety of
literature that expands on the above mentioned tips. 
Stop by Station Four at 27701 Bonita Grande Drive or call
Debbie Redfield at (239) 949-6200 if you have questions
about your hurricane plan.