JUPITER INLET COLONY
POLICE DEPARTMENT
This information is provided to assist you in developing your own family hurricane plan in the event that a storm is approaching. Preparing is the key to the safety of you and your family.
Develop a Family Hurricane Plan
Discuss the types of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. Secure your home (doors and windows). Locate a SAFE ROOM or the SAFE AREAS in the home for each hurricane hazard. Determine safe escape routes and meeting places prior to the storm. Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact. Make arrangements prior to the storm for pets in case of mandatory evacuation. Gather all non-emergency phone numbers and discuss the proper use of 911 with all children. Prepare a Family First Aid Kit and put it in the SAFE ROOM. Have a battery-operated radio for weather and safety updates.
Prepare a Disaster Supply Kit:
- Water (1 gallon per person for 3 to 7 days)
- Food (3 to 7 day supply for each person)
• non-perishable packaged or canned food/juices
• foods for infants or elderly individuals
• snack foods
• non-electric can opener
• cooking tools/fuel
• paper plates/plastic utensils
- Blankets/Pillows, etc.
- Clothing
- First Aid Kit/Medicines/Prescription Drugs
- Special Items
- Toiletries/Hygiene items/Moisture wipes
- Flashlight/Batteries
- Radio (battery operated)
- Cash
- Keys
- Toys/Books/Games for children
- Important documents (waterproof container: birth certificates, insurance documents, medical records, bank account information, pictures)
- Tools
- Vehicle fuel tanks filled
- Pet care items (If not going to shelter)
Hurricane Watch vs. Hurricane Warning Know the Difference
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are a possibility for a specific area usually within 24 to 36 hours.
Hurricane Warning: A Hurricane is expected within 24 hours or less (winds 74 miles per hour or greater, or dangerously high water or rough seas). Begin precautionary actions immediately.
Hurricane Watch - What To Do
- Listen to local radio and television stations for up-to-date storm information.
- Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations, trashcans, hanging plants, and anything else that can become a flying object during a storm.
- Cover all windows and doors of your home.
- Fill your car/vehicles with gas.
- Check your Disaster Supply Kit.
- Turn refrigerator/freezer to coldest settings.
- Store drinking water in clean jugs, and bottles.
- Secure boats and trailers.
- Make arrangements for pets.
- Make arrangements for elderly and others with special needs such as those who depend on electrical life support.
- Make arrangements for a shelter if you are in an evacuation area.
Hurricane Warning - What To Do
- Listen to local radio and television stations and listen to the advice of local officials on whether to evacuate or not.
- Complete preparation for storm.
- If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors and away from windows.
- Be aware that the calm “eye” of the storm is deceptive; the storm is not over. Stay inside until local officials say it is safe to leave the home.
- Be alert of tornados. Stay indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.
- Stay away from floodwaters.
After the Storm - What To Do
- Listen to local radio and television stations for safety instructions.
- If evacuated, return to home when local officials tell you to.
- Stay away from disaster areas. DO NOT SIGHTSEE!!!
- Obey all curfews and emergency orders that are issued.
- If you must drive, drive with CAUTION!! Lights are down, so use all four-way intersections as a four way stop.
- Advise interested parties that you are safe.
- Call for emergency workers if medical assistance is needed.
- Avoid downed power lines. Assume that they are all live.
- Use flashlights in the dark, not candles.