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Serving South Florida

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For over 35 years

2010 Hurricane Preparedness Guide


History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.
Hurricane hazards come in many forms: storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. This means it is important for your family to have a plan that includes all of these hazards. Look carefully at the safety actions associated with each type of hurricane hazard and prepare your family disaster plan accordingly. But remember this is only a guide. The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense.

Know Hurricane Terms:

Hurricane Watch – A hurricane is possible within thirty-six hours. Stay tuned for additional information.
Hurricane Warning – A hurricane is expected within twenty-four hours. You may be advised to evacuate. If so, evacuate immediately.
Storm Surge – 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 normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the mean water level 15 feet or more.

Ask your local emergency preparedness office about evacuation plans. Learn evacuation routes.

  • Plan a place to meet your family in case you are separated from one another in the hurricane.
    Assemble a disaster supplies kit ( See information below)
  • Board up windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection. Also, you can use 5/8″ marine plywood. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
  • Know how to shut off utilities.
  • Make a record of your personal property( take digital photos or video tape the contents of your home and/or business and keep in a waterproof with you along with your homeowners insurance policy)
  • Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Determine how and where to secure your boat.
  • Consider flood insurance and purchase it well in advance

30 Days To Hurricane Season: Time For Flood Insurance

WASHINGTON – April 30, 2009


The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 – 30 flood days from now. Since flood insurance takes 30 days to become effective after a homeowner applies, today marks your last chance to get flood insurance by the June 1 debut.

“Past hurricane seasons have shown that storms can form as early as the beginning of June, so property owners can’t afford to wait to buy flood insurance,” says Ed Connor, acting federal insurance administrator and acting assistant administrator, FEMA Mitigation Directorate.

Many homeowners still wrongly believe that their property insurance policy will cover all damage from a hurricane.

“Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage and, without flood insurance, property owners may have to absorb the financial losses on their own,” says Connor. “Just a few inches of water can cost thousands of dollars in repairs and, in this economy, few can afford that potential drain on their savings.”

Flood insurance is available through about 85 insurance companies in approximately 20,600 participating communities nationwide. National flood insurance is available to renters, business owners and homeowners, even if it is not required by the terms of a mortgage. While the average flood insurance policy costs about $540 a year, homeowners can protect their properties in moderate-to low-risk areas with lower cost Preferred Risk Policies (PRPs) that start at just $119 a year.

Individuals can learn how to prepare for floods, how to purchase a flood insurance policy and the benefits of protecting their properties against flooding by visiting Floodsmart.gov (http://www.floodsmart.gov) or calling (800) 427-2419.