10 THINGS TO DO NOW (BEFORE THE STORM)

1. Make Your Family Disaster Plan - For tips on developing a disaster plan, visit www.tampabayprepares.org or www.floridadisaster.org, or call your local emergency management agency at (813) 989-7121, extension 100 for assistance.

2. Refer to the Hurricane Evacuation Map - Review the map and locate where you live and your evacuation level. The 2006 Hurricane Guide is available at City Hall and the Library. Determine if and when you would need to evacuate. REMEMBER: All mobile home residents must evacuate, regardless of location. If you need assistance in determining your zone, call your local emergency management agency for assistance.

3. Decide Now Where You Would Go if Ordered to Evacuate - Would you go to the home of a friend or relative? A hotel or motel? At last resort, a public shelter or out of the region? If you are going to leave the area or go to a hotel, you must leave very early. Determine your route and plan to travel as little as necessary.

4. Check Your Disaster Supplies Kit - Obtain any items you might need.

5. Make Plans to Protect Your Home Before the Storm - Purchase storm shutters or other window protection; obtain plastic sheeting, nails, etc.

6. Keep Your Home in Good Repair - Tack down loose roofing; trim surrounding trees; clean gutters.

7. Obtain Communications Devices - Purchase a battery-powered weather alert radio and non-electric land line phone.

8. Inventory (and Videotape) Your Property and Possessions - Also, store insurance and title papers in a safe place and mail a copy to a relative out of the area.

9. Make Sure Your Address Number is Clearly Marked on Your Home

10. Review Your Insurance Policies - Discuss your current policy with your agent, regardless of whether you rent or own your residence.

IF YOU MUST EVACUATE

Pack 3-5 days of supplies that you will need: See the SURVIVAL KIT listed below.

Prepare your home: Turn off electricity, water, gas, and appliances. Lock windows and doors.

Take important papers with you: Including driver's license, special medical information, insurance policies (company and agent's name and phone number), and property inventories. Also remember irreplaceable items, such as photos and keepsakes.

Contact friends & relatives: Let them know where you are going.

Move important items off the floor: If there is a chance that flooding could threaten your home, elevate items such as televisions, computers, stereos, antiques, bedding, etc.

Plan to shelter close to home: Stay with friends, relatives, or at a public shelter close to home. Leave early as the roads will be very busy during evacuations.

IF YOU CAN STAY AT HOME

Make sure windows are protected and home is secured :

Obtain and mark clean containers for storing water: You should have a minimum of one gallon per person/per day for at least one week. Store water in clean plastic, glass, fiberglass, or enamel-lined metal containers. Seal the containers tightly, label them and store in a cool, dark place.

Have 1-2 week's supply of non-perishable food: Get high-nutrition foods that require no preparation, preparation or cooking, and little or no water, such as:

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, canned juices, milk, soup
• Staples, including sugar, salt, pepper
• High energy foods, including peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix
• Foods for infants, the elderly, or those on special diets, vitamins
• Comfort/stress foods, including cookies, hard candy, instant coffee, tea

Check emergency supplies: Stock up on the most important items and store in a water-resistant container. Replenish supplies as necessary. Keep items such as:

• A two-week supply of medicines (prescription and non-prescription)
• Special dietary foods
• Portable radio with seven sets of batteries
• Flashlights and seven sets of batteries for each family member
• First-aid kit
• Mosquito repellent
• Fire extinguisher
• Whistle and/or distress flag
• Plastic tarps, nails, and tools
• Cleanup supplies (mops, buckets, towels, disinfectant)
• Camera
• Non-electric can opener
• Garbage can with a tight-fitting lid (can be used as emergency toilet)
• Plastic trash bags
• Toilet paper, paper towels, and premoistened towelettes

Be a friend: Offer your home to friends, co-workers, or relatives who may need shelter.

Stay inside: Keep away from windows, skylights, or glass doors.

Wait for official word that the danger is over: Don't be fooled by the storm's calm "eye".

If flooding threatens your home: Be sure to turn off electricity at the main breaker.

If you lose power, turn off major appliances: Air conditioners and water heaters will cause a power surge if left turned on when the power is restored. Turning off these appliances may prevent damage to your circuit breaker or the appliances.

Stay tuned to local TV or radio: During emergencies, local officials work with the media to get the latest information and news out to local residents on a 24-hour a day basis.

RECOMMENDED SURVIVAL KIT
(plan on being away for 3 to 5 days)

SAFETY NOTE:
HOW TO GET BACK HOME AFTER THE STORM

Be patient: Access to affected and damaged areas will be controlled. You will not be able to return home until search and rescue operations are completed, and safety hazards and major roads are cleared.

Have valid ID: as security operations will include the establishment of checkpoints where valid photo ID with your local address will be required.

Avoid driving: Keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

Don't sightsee: You may be mistaken for a looter.

Avoid downed or dangling utility wires: and report them as soon as possible.

Beware of snakes, insects or animals: Dangerous animals may have been driven to high ground by floodwater.

Enter your home with caution: Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home. Watch out when starting appliances; they may have been flooded.

Be cautious with fire: Do not strike a flame until you are sure that there have been no gas leaks.

Assess & photograph damage: Records are important when making claims. Make temporary repairs to correct any safety hazards and minimize further damage.

Report any broken water, gas or sewer lines.

Stay tuned to your local radio station: All local media will be briefed by local government about emergency medical, food, housing and other forms of assistance.

Avoid metal fences and buildings: They could be in contact with fallen wires.

IF THERE HAS BEEN FLOODING HAVE YOUR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INSPECTED BY AN ELECTRICIAN BEFORE TURNING ON THE MAIN CIRCUIT BREAKER.

DO NOT CONNECT A PORTABLE OR EMERGENCY POWER GENERATOR TO BUILDING WIRING: This could kill or injure utilities crews working down the line!