#hurricane preparation

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Hurricane Prep and Guide

Hey all! I thought I'd make a list for Floridians as a guide/checklist of things to prepare for with Hurricane Ian. Preparation is extremely important and if you haven't prepared yet, do it now! If you've already prepared, that's great! But included are things you should know, should do just in case, and think ahead. And this is coming from someone who weathered Hurricane Michael in 2018, so this information isn't coming from an outsider or someone with only Google as their resources. This is from personal experience, research, and official information that helped me survive a Category 5 hurricane. Don't follow this word for word, but use it as a reference, resource list, and guide for anyone unfamiliar with hurricanes or stranded for the hurricane!

Terminology

Baker Act: A Florida-specific law that allows doctors, mental health professionals, judges, and law enforcement to commit a person to a mental health treatment center for up to 72 hours if they display certain violent or suicidal signs of mental illness. It is common in the aftermath for a significant uptick in Baker Acts as emotions run high and mental health declines severely after natural disasters.

Category/Categories: A form of organizing a hurricane dependent on its sustained winds. This scale is between 1 and 5, with 1 being the least powerful and 5 being the most powerful.

(Evacuation) Zones: During evacuation, people are evacuated by zones. Zones that are listed from Tropical Storm, Zone A, Zone B all the way to Zone E and Zone F. Tropical Storm Zone and Zone A are the most vulnerable (and thus are evacuated first) whereas Zones E and F are the least vulnerable and evacuated last. Only four NE counties of FL use Zone F so usually the zoning ends at Zone E.

DOA: Dead on Arrival. The person in a house is expected/found dead.

Eye Wall: The outside ring surrounding the eye. Generally the most destructive as wind and rain is more intense here than anywhere else in the hurricane. The "right-front" quadrant of the eye wall is the most destructive part and sometimes referred to as the "dirty side".

Eye: The center of a hurricane. This part is calm as there's no high wind or water. The eye is generally around 20-40 miles long and will take 30-45 minutes to pass over. This can be dangerous as people assume the hurricane is over and go outside. You can tell if you're in the eye since it's surrounded by a wall!

FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency. Each state has a FEMA branch that oversees general recovery and preparation efforts. They also work with insurance companies on designations for natural disasters. People usually go to FEMA for resources such as monetary aid, shelters (Permanent and temporary), and general information.

Go North: Florida news and locals will refer to evacuation as "Going North". This is because to evade hurricanes, people usually go further inland where hurricanes dissipate into storms/tropical storms rather than any other direction where it could turn and hit you elsewhere.

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning: Conditions for a hurricane/tropical storm is imminent and expected.

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch: Conditions for a hurricane/tropical storm are favorable and expected, but not occurring or imminent.

Hurricane: An organized rotating storm above 74 miles. Usually with low-pressure, strong winds, and a circular arrangement of thunderstorms (or arms/bands) commonly found around the Gulf Coast and the Carribean.

Limit: During hurricanes, items like water, food, ice, and other miscellaneous items have a limit per person. Publix at Orlando has a limit on water to "4 per person" to ensure everyone has enough water or a chance to get water.

Looters: People who have come to a natural disaster area and steal items. Very common after hurricanes.

Major Hurricane: A hurricane above Category 3. Major hurricanes get more attention as that means they pose significant risks and dangers.

Martial Law: An instance where the military takes control of the area. In terms of hurricanes, this usually means the National Guard takes control, enforces a curfew, and prevents looting.

NOAA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They are a federal agency that monitors and provides updates/forecasts on hurricanes and other related things.

National Guard: The National Guard are a part of the military equipped to handle natural disasters. They aid in ethe vacuation, preparation, and aftermath procedures. They are usually armed but are friendly. They also enforce martial law.

Outer Bands: Also called rain bands or arms! This part of the hurricane is not as destructive but has a tendency for thunderstorms and even tornadoes!

Personnel: Throughout this post, I will reference "personnel". Personnel are people who work at shelters and are on the frontline of hurricanes helping those affected. This can include volunteers, the Red Cross, and National Guard, amongst others.

Pop-up Shelter: A last-minute shelter to deal with an influx of affected people.

Pressure: A measure of molecules in the air. The lower the number, the stronger a hurricane since low pressure increases the wind speed and strength of a hurricane. If the pressure starts increasing, the hurricane could be losing strength or reorganizing. If the pressure is decreasing, a storm is forming/approaching and strengthening.

Price Gouging: A predatory tactic by companies to prey on affected people. This is common with gas, food, water, and lodging. This is illegal and should be reported!

Projectiles/Missiles: Projectiles, or missiles, are pieces of debris that's flung by the hurricane at high speeds. This can include chairs, umbrellas, metal, and even cars or trees. At fast enough speeds, anything can be a projectile. A very dangerous hazard during a hurricane.

Red Cross: The Red Cross is an organization that aids in hurricane preparation and recovery. There are others like them but they were the biggest support organization that helped and usually are the biggest to help in hurricanes.

Shelters: Places that are built to withstand hurricane-force winds. Usually equipped with personnel, food, water, and are stronger than a house.

Stagnant Water: Water that hasn't moved in 24 hours. It's a hazard as bacteria, mold, and animals/insects. Stay away! State of Emergency: A government procedure where normal activity is suspended in preparation/recovery of a natural disaster. Can be county-specific or state-wide.

(State) Officials: Officials are those in government positions who enact, enable, and support citizens affected. Usually, state officials are the ones coordinating support efforts after hurricanes. However, officials can include federal officials such as Congressmembers and the President if a hurricane is disastrous enough. For Florida, a state official is DeSantis as he declared "State of Emergency", works with county and federal officials for support, and delegates other departments to cleanup/recovery efforts. Storm Surge: A swell of water from storms that have tsunami-like tendencies. These occur on the coast of cities and usually contribute to the most deaths.

(Sustained) Wind Speed: How fast wind is generally moving in an area. This is the usual and overall speed, not to be confused with wind gust!

Tropical Storm: An organized storm with sustained windspeeds between 39-73 miles per hour listed below a Category 1 hurricane. Not as destructive as hurricanes but can be devastating in areas with poor infrastructure.

Turning: A hurricane has a possibility of turning. It usually turns East or West. Hurricanes are unpredictable and can turn either direction without notice or reason. Be on the look if you're on the West Coast.

Wind Gust: A sudden and brief increase of wind. Doesn't last for long but more destructive.

Wind Shear: A change of wind speed in a direction, typically vertical. X'ed Houses: After a hurricane, houses will be X'ed. Personnel will go door to door to find survivors and will mark houses accordingly.

Category/Categories: A form of organizing a hurricane dependent on its sustained winds. This scale is between 1 and 5, with 1 being the least powerful and 5 being the most powerful.

Major Hurricane: A hurricane above Category 3. Major hurricanes get more attention as that means they pose significant risks and dangers.

Tropical Storm: An organized storm with sustained windspeeds between 39-73 miles per hour listed below a Category 1 hurricane. Not as destructive as hurricanes but can be devastating in areas with poor infrastructure.

Storm Surge: A swell of water from storms that have tsunami-like tendencies. These occur on the coast of cities and usually contribute to the most deaths.

Outer Bands: Also called rain bands or arms! This part of the hurricane is not as destructive but has a tendency for thunderstorms and even tornadoes!

Eye: The center of a hurricane. This part is calm as there's no high wind or water. The eye is generally around 20-40 miles long and will take 30-45 minutes to pass over. This can be dangerous as people assume the hurricane is over and go outside. You can tell if you're in the eye since it's surrounded by a wall!

Eye Wall: The outside ring surrounding the eye. Generally the most destructive as wind and rain is more intense here than anywhere else in the hurricane. The "right-front" quadrant of the eye wall is the most destructive part and sometimes referred to as the "dirty side".

Pressure: A measure of molecules in the air. The lower the number, the stronger a hurricane since low pressure increases the wind speed and strength of a hurricane. If the pressure starts increasing, the hurricane could be losing strength or reorganizing. If the pressure is decreasing, a storm is forming/approaching and strengthening.

Looters: People who have come to a natural disaster area and steal items. Very common after hurricanes.

Martial Law: An instance where the military takes control of the area. In terms of hurricanes, this usually means the National Guard takes control, enforces a curfew, and prevents looting.

Shelters: Places that are built to withstand hurricane-force winds. Usually equipped with personnel, food, water, and are stronger than a house.

Pop-up Shelter: A last-minute shelter to deal with an influx of affected people.

Stagnant Water: Water that hasn't moved in 24 hours. It's a hazard as bacteria, mold, and animals/insects. Stay away!

DOA: Dead on Arrival. The person in a house is expected/found dead.

X'ed Houses: After a hurricane, houses will be X'ed. Personnel will go door to door to find survivors and will mark houses accordingly.

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch: Conditions for a hurricane/tropical storm are favorable and expected, but not occurring or imminent.

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning: Conditions for a hurricane/tropical storm is imminent and expected.

Price Gouging: A predatory tactic by companies to prey on affected people. This is common with gas, food, water, and lodging. This is illegal and should be reported!

Limit: During hurricanes, items like water, food, ice, and other miscellaneous items have a limit per person. Publix at Orlando has a limit on water to "4 per person" to ensure everyone has enough water or a chance to get water.

FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency. Each state has a FEMA branch that oversees general recovery and preparation efforts. They also work with insurance companies on designations for natural disasters. People usually go to FEMA for resources such as monetary aid, shelters (Permanent and temporary), and general information.

NOAA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They are a federal agency that monitors and provides updates/forecasts on hurricanes and other related things.

Wind Shear: A change of wind speed in a direction, typically vertical.

Wind Gust: A sudden and brief increase of wind. Doesn't last for long but more destructive.

(Sustained) Wind Speed: How fast wind is generally moving in an area. This is the usual and overall speed, not to be confused with wind gust!

Projectiles/Missiles: Projectiles, or missiles, are pieces of debris that's flung by the hurricane at high speeds. This can include chairs, umbrellas, metal, and even cars or trees. At fast enough speeds, anything can be a projectile.

Baker Act: A Florida-specific law that allows doctors, mental health professionals, judges, and law enforcement to commit a person to a mental health treatment center for up to 72 hours if they display certain violent or suicidal signs of mental illness. It is common in the aftermath for a significant uptick in Baker Acts as emotions run high and mental health declines severely after natural disasters.

Turning: A hurricane has a possibility of turning. It usually turns East or West. Hurricanes are unpredictable and can turn either direction without notice or reason.

State of Emergency: A government procedure where normal activity is suspended in preparation/recovery of a natural disaster. Can be county-specific or state-wide.

Go North: Florida news and locals will refer to evacuation as "Going North". This is because to evade hurricanes, people usually go further inland where hurricanes dissipate into storms/tropical storms rather than any other direction where it could turn and hit you elsewhere.

(State) Officials: Officials are those in government positions who enact, enable, and support citizens affected. Usually, state officials are the ones coordinating support efforts after hurricanes. However, officials can include federal officials such as Congressmembers and the President if a hurricane is disastrous enough. For Florida, a state official is DeSantis as he declared "State of Emergency", works with county and federal officials for support, and delegates other departments to cleanup/recovery efforts.

Personnel: Throughout this post, I will reference "personnel". Personnel are people who work at shelters and are on the frontline of hurricanes helping those affected. This can include volunteers, the Red Cross, and National Guard, amongst others.

Red Cross: The Red Cross is an organization that aids in hurricane preparation and recovery. There are others like them but they were the biggest support organization that helped and usually are the biggest to help in hurricanes.

National Guard: The National Guard are a part of the military equipped to handle natural disasters. They aid in evacuation, preparation, and aftermath procedures. The are usually armed, but are friendly. They also enforce martial law.

(Evacuation) Zones: During evacuation, people are evacuated by zones. Zones that are listed from Tropical Storm, Zone A, Zone B all the way to Zone E and Zone F. Tropical Storm Zone and Zone A are the most vulnerable (and thus are evacuated first) whereas Zones E and F are the least vulnerable and evacuated last. Only four NE counties of FL use Zone F so usually the zoning ends at Zone E.

Should I Evacuate or Stay?

You should listen to the local authority. You can usually find a list of places to evacuate from and where to head. If you choose not to evacuate, please head to shelters that will be set up in your county and region at bare minimum. It will provide you with more security and resources initially.

For those on the coast, I highly recommend it. Homes and similar buildings can only withstand so much and building codes aren't always followed. It's better to go to a shelter where they have staff/resources/the ability to deal with extreme weather. Storm surge is no joke and can sweep away cars and other items.

If you can evacuate, follow an evacuation route where personnel will be directing evacuation efforts. Make sure you have gas and everything below packed and ready. Be aware of price gouging. It's Florida law that hotels, stores, and gas companies cannot price gouge during a natural disaster. If you suspect someone's price gouging, call 1-866-966-7226.

If you can't evacuate, still begin preparations and consider going to a shelter! It will provide you with more security and extra resources that your home may not be able to provide.

Preparation

No matter the situation, you must prepare. It's better to be ready for a possibility than to be caught off-guard and scrambling. Below are things you need to have ready/safeguarded:

Important documents: Birth certificates, IDs, pet records, insurance documents/records, social security cards, licenses, passports, vehicle titles and registration, deeds, financial records, and wills. Anything relating or similar should be taken as well.

Water: At least a gallon per day per person; government recommends at least 3 days worth but I recommend 5. You will be using this not just for drinking but for bathing, medical, and for food. It never hurts to have enough

Food: Canned food (Have can openers to open them), non-perishable items, snacks, and sports drinks. Anything that is not going to be refrigerated and is low-effort.

Cash: Make sure to have enough cash out of the bank! I can't recommend specifically how much but you should take out as much as you're willing to take and lose. Banks will be closed, ATMs and credit/debit cards will not work, and money will be scarce to withdraw. Having money on hand will avoid this situation and you will have the ability to actually buy things if needed. However, be prepared to lose it. Looters and other criminals will be around.

Contact Information: Family, friends, coworkers/employers, schools (for parents or college students), and landlords/management companies. Also have emergency contacts such as local police, firefighters, emergency personnel, and the likes.

Home: Bring in things that are outside. Everything becomes a projectile and you most likely won't get it back. Plants, grills, toys, and yard items. Anything needs to be inside or tied down/secured! This link will provide you a great checklist of things to do. If you are in something that isn't a home/apartment (Like an RV or similar), make sure to turn off propane, put in your slides, and tie EVERYTHING down! I highly suggest you go to a shelter or similar!

Power banks/Electronics: Prepare ANYTHING with a battery. Charge your batteries. Have phones charged before leaving, charge power banks, anything that has an electric signal charge it. This will be important for communication and entertainment.

Radios: Have a radio ready. I personally recommend a crank radio. Make sure that it can run off of batteries or a crank because plugs are a no-go!

Batteries: Any kind of batteries you may need. For flashlights, radios, and others, you want to make sure it'll last long enough until power's back, which can vary location to location.

Lighters/Firewood/Charcoal/Matches: Have ANYTHING that can start a fire. Lighters and matches for the initial lighting. Charcoal/Firewood for the fire. Lighter fluid and starters to actually maintain the fire. You'll want fire for cooking, boiling water, and the likes.

Candles: For light in your home/place of living. Once the hurricane passes, you won't have power so no light. You don't want to waste your phone battery and flashlights. Candles are an easy and useful for night-time lighting indoors.

Flashlights: For walking with lights and to not drain your phone battery.

Clothes: Don't overpack. Have flip-flops, boots, and sneakers ready. It can be horridly hot after a hurricane so pack lighter clothes for the day and a hoodie/pants if you are outside at night.

Ear plugs: The pressure will be killer. Ear plugs will mitigate that by just a bit. However, here's a link on popping your ears if the pressure is unbearable.

Pet/Child supplies: Have pet food, medications, and maintenance items. Same for children. Any toys is HIGHLY recommended. You must have a crate/enclosure for your animal if you are going to a shelter.

Toiletries/Hygiene Items: Feminine products, toothbrushes, soap, and towels will be your friend. I also recommend shaving cream, razors, and deodorant. That will help with any discomfort.

Medication: Make sure you have at least 2 weeks' worth of medication. Hospitals and pharmacies will be looted and destroyed so there's an unlikely chance of getting medication after a hurricane.

Windows: This is a big one. Board them if you can. Storm shutters are your friend! But DO NOT TAPE YOUR WINDOWS! Taping your windows can prevent them from shattering into shards, but that's not great! Larger pieces mean a bigger threat!

Trees: If you are able, cut trees down. Loose limbs will come flying off as missiles and can fall on your house if they're not strong/with roots.

Things I personally suggest and recommend (If you have the time!)

Put things up: Take anything you can't fit in your car (if you're going to a shelter) and put it high up. Water can and will flood through vents and cracks and you are extremely susceptible to flooding if you're in a flood zone. Take everything off your desk/floor/lower shelves and put it all up. This makes it less of a target for looters and keeps it safe from any water damage. I recommend putting them in trash bags as well to further prevent any damage!

Entertainment: Have entertainment ready. Books are a personal recommendation. Download music, movies, shows, and the likes for when you aren't without power because that doesn't mean service is immediate.

Cameras: If you have a phone, that can work too. But a camera will reduce the drain on your battery. This is for insurance purposes. Take pictures of EVERYTHING beforehand and after to prove the hurricane's damage.

Comfortable items: Blankets and pillows especially. You won't have a bed to sleep on, especially in a shelter, and you might be sleeping in a car. Surprisingly, pillows were one of the most sought items after Hurricane Michael, so trust me on this.

Plastic bags: Like the ones you get from grocery stores! Have them on hand. We used them to poop in since there was no running water to flush toilets.

Tools: Wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers, and anything non-power will help you after the hurricane. You may need to jerry-rig something together. You might need to dismantle debris into parts. Tools will help you with anything and everything.

Shelters

Some information may apply for those staying at home!

Shelters can vary on the resources, location, and staffing needs. They may have cots, food, and water, but some will be supplied more and others not. Go to a shelter to ensure you get the resources you need before they run out. Be aware that not every shelter functions the same way! If you have a pet, they will require you have records or else you will be turned away. Drugs and alcohol will not be permitted.

Finding a Shelter: Call the shelter to make sure there's space and it's the right shelter for you. Do you have special needs and need transport? Is the shelter at capacity? What do they recommend you bring? What can you not bring?

At the Shelter: Once you arrive, you check-in. This is either with FEMA/Red Cross and is to make sure that they have a head count and are able to identify any injured/dead so that way there's not any missing. If a loved one contacts them, they may be able to direct you to your location as well. Pets may be placed in another location away from you. This is to prevent irritation to anyone with pet allergies and the like.

Settling Down: Have your documents, some food and water, and other belongings ready. Do not take more than you can carry! Leave any other items in a car but make sure they're well-prepared. Have items in trash bags/containers in case your windows break

Talk with People: Establishing a connection with people will help you gain information. You may be in a hallway/room with other sheltering people and no personnel so these will be your friends for the time being. Exchanging stories, discussing the hurricane, and playing games is encouraged! Just be careful of giving out any personal information like a complete address, full names, and other pieces of information.

Hunker Down: Once the hurricane has made landfall, any and all doors and windows will be closed and locked. You will not be able to leave for any reason. You won't be able to go smoke, use the restroom, or anything. The wind will pick you up, you can be torn to shreds by the missiles, and you could endanger the lives of other people while you're there.

Be Courteous: Try not to take your emotions out on people that are there. Everyone is there going through the same thing you are. The people that are staff are trying to help you. Don't be rude, try to think of others, and just be mindful that you're all in this together. It'll be okay.

The Eye: The eye might pass over and if it does you might be let outside temporarily. Smokers will take a smoke break, people will relieve themselves (If you made a makeshift toilet, dump out the contents!), and people will go outside to breathe. DO NOT STRAY FAR FROM WHERE YOU ARE THOUGH! The eye will pass over and you will be under fire once again. You will have to go back inside, lock up, and sit out the remainder of the eye. Get ready to go back inside in a calm, orderly fashion, and be mindful of your valuables if you leave them for whatever reason.

Aftermath: Once the second part of the hurricane is over, you will still be told to stay put temporarily. Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes and so you will want to be cautious for a few hours once you're out. In the next coming hours, stay put and just gather yourself. Nothing's going anywhere and your safety is #1.

At this point, you will have many options open to you. You can go home, you can evacuate out of town if you feel the need, or you could stay if you don't have the option to return. Pet owners may be forced to leave the following day so be mindful of that. In any case, listen to the personnel there and go off what you know and have. There's no right or wrong choice, just making comfortable and safe decisions.

Hurricane Landfall

FOR PEOPLE IN THE PATH!

You're in the hurricane. Wherever you are, stay put. Listen to the radio if you can for updates. The pressure will be horrible on your ears.

If you stay home, stay downstairs in an interior room without windows. If you are in higher levels, you can risk the roof being torn off and exposed (Yes, this is a strong possibility!). Stay away from windows if possible. Windows will shatter inside, blasting in water and debris, so be sure to block any vents and windows. Closets and bathrooms are recommended. I recommend the bathroom so you have all your belongings in there, get in the tub with a phone, and put a mattress on your body while in the tub. Have an ID on hand so you can be identified if something were to happen.

Have a make-shift toilet at the ready. At the shelter, we used trash cans and buckets we found, made privacy screens with collected towels/blankets, and emptied them during the eye and afterward. Be warned, it will smell awful, but there won't be any running water. Have toilet paper ready!

BE AWARE OF TORNADOES! Tornadoes usually spawn off of the outer bands but can spawn near the eye. People will think they are fine once the hurricane passes, but you must be mindful of any stray tornadoes. If you are not in a shelter, wait a bit longer in your house.

When the hurricane hits, do not leave if everything is calm! It could be a false alarm with the eye passing over. Wait until you hear the all-clear from your radio/personnel. If you are unable, wait for 45 minutes and go outside but examine the sky. Are there tornadoes or a wall? If not, you should be in the clear.

Aftermath

The hurricane itself is disastrous but the aftermath can be just as bad. However, there are different steps you should take initially. For those that didn't evacuate, you will need to gauge your surroundings and choose your choices carefully. Trust your instincts, be careful of strangers, and be aware of your surroundings.

You will be surrounded by danger. Do not approach stagnant water, keep your eyes out for downed powerlines and debris, and be very aware of your surroundings as looters and criminals are on the prowl. The aftermath brings out the worst in people.

Do not drive if you are unsure of yourself and are semi-safe where you are. If you struggle mentally or with driving, you risk popping a tire (debris), losing gas (there's no gas anywhere), and even getting hurt (debris and looters). Make sure everything is secure before leaving. This will be mentally taxing as danger can be anywhere, places you know destroyed, and driving is just stressful in general. Whatever choice you make is the right one, but prepare yourself for any drive period.

IF YOU ARE AT A SHELTER

Most of the time, FEMA, the Red Cross, and military personnel will be there. You will be able to get some information about conditions, appropriate actions, and how to go about things. People with pets may be told to leave so be prepared!

It's going to get crowded from other people coming in from downed homes. If you feel like you are comfortable, head home, but be careful. Just listen to what others are saying but instead of asking about specific streets, ask for community names since they won't be able to give a definite answer but will be able to provide better information if you give a general area! But be mindful as you may not be able to leave immediately. Ask the officials if you are able to leave town to go North since you may be under martial law or there are blockades into/out of town.

If you decide to leave for home, continue below.

IF YOU ARE AT HOME

If you stayed at home, be very mindful of hazards. Live wires from downed powerlines, stagnant water, and dangerous debris are everywhere. Go to a shelter if you think it'll be better but be mindful. There's going to be a lot of people that are already established and others that are like you going for shelter.

If your home is standing strong, is stable, and relatively safe, I'd stay put and begin cleaning up. If your roof is exposed, there's structural damage to multiple walls, or significant debris in your home/area, you will benefit from leaving.

Check on neighbors, survey the area (be mindful of hazards!), and check your home/personal items. See if you have service or what the situation is for your area. Take pictures of damages to your home, vehicle, and other items that are insured before touching anything.

IF YOU ARE EVACUATED

Keep an eye out for news because chances are, you might not be able to return immediately. Officials usually close down roads going to a disaster zone to allow clean-up crew in first and to prevent looters. Unless you have special access, you won't be able to return, you will be turned away. Again, this is to prevent looters.

Make contact with any landlords or property management companies if you are renting from one/work with one. Contact employers as they may have stayed behind for the business as a skeleton crew. Contact other official personnel (Not emergency!) if you are able to return or a date for return.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE COMING WEEKS

Martial law could last from days to weeks in certain locations. Hospitals and emergency services will be sent outside of the hurricane's path to open/equipped hospitals. If you are found incapacitated in any way, mentally or physically, you will be transferred to a health facility which could be out of town or even out of the state if there are significant injuries/hospitals are overloaded.

There will be food trucks from people like the Mercy Chefs and similar that will drive through neighborhoods and will pop up in familiar places. Try to get addresses and locations of any places with resources concerning food, water, and other supplies. Food and water don't last forever! Collect what you can but don't hoard.

Be mindful of your gas. There won't be any gas stations open for miles and you will experience a gas drought. If you decide to leave town, just be sure you are taking a route that has gas, you are guaranteed to get from point A to point B, and have backup routes in case of hazards.

Electricity and water will come back in stages. Some locations will get it quicker than others and it won't be all at once. People have said that they received electricity and water days after a hurricane whereas some went without months. No electricity means that appliances won't work, like your fridge. DO NOT OPEN YOUR FRIDGE! This keeps the food from spoiling that's inside. The fridge lasts for 4 hours after power outage and the freezer for 48 hours.

Clean your home if you are staying. Have respirator masks if your home was water damaged and has grown mold. You can treat mold with bleach but be very mindful and careful since it might not work but it is worth a try to mitigate the situation.

Looters and criminals will be roaming for a while! There will be "You loot, we shoot" signs up. Take heed to those signs. People will scam you, steal from you, and likewise so try to stick with people that you are familiar with or are in a safe situation.

Lastly, be there for the community. After Hurricane Michael, Bay County came together on every scale and level possible. From as big as other states to as small as neighbors, we made connections with people and that community gave us hope and care for the future ahead. Give people extra if you have extra. Direct people to FEMA and resources. Be there for each other and you will come out of it stronger than ever!

For People Not in the Hurricane

Please do not joke about the situation. People will lose their lives and livelihoods. Please circulate any information regarding Hurricane Ian relief and efforts. Victims and survivors are forgotten after a week or two so circulating information regarding hurricane relief, efforts, and updates is important so those affected retain the help that they need!

The biggest help wasn't just FEMA or the Red Cross but others who went out with supplies. Consider donating food or items if there's a drive in your area or even start one! The encouragement, help, and aid of others from around the country makes all the difference so please consider donating, volunteering, or even just sharing information to help others that need it!

Resources

Water calculator: A calculator for determining how much water you need per person and for pets!

CNN Updates: A comprehensive list of updates for those who want to read updates (I personally HATE videos). Included are evacuation details, forecasts, and general updates.

Florida Government Updates: A comprehensive list of official updates and happenings with Floridian officials/departments. CURRENTLY UPDATED FROM SEPT 26, 2022!

FEMA: This link will take you directly for Hurricane Ian support and resources. In English and Spanish.

NOAA: This will keep you updated with the most current path of Hurricane Ian.

Price Gouging: This website provides you with information on price gouging, how to go about price gouging, and similar.

Evacuation Routes and Storm Surge Maps by County: The evacuation routes are listed by county. The list may include "Zones" which are listed

Flood Zone Map: Are you in a flood zone? Input your address here and it will give you a look at your surroundings (This is a FEMA resource so don't worry about putting in your address!)

Final Note

If I missed a point, you can reblog with your input! If you have any questions, my ask box is open and I can advise or at least give you the right resource. Please be patient and mindful as I am also preparing for the hurricane and at minimum, the tropical storm.

This isn't something to freak out over, but it is something to take seriously. This can be life or death if you don't prepare since there comes a point where minutes and seconds matter. Maya Angelou once said "Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst, and unsurprised by anything in between.' For this situation, you're preparing for the worst, hoping for the best, and will be pleasantly surprised when it all turns out if you prepare! Good luck and stay safe, everyone!

[homeimprovementrefferal]

Get Ready For Storm Season: Essential Steps To Protect Your Roof And Property

Get Ready For Storm Season: Essential Steps To Protect Your Roof And Property - #homeimprovementreferral #Cleaning, #HomeImprovement, #Roofing, #Tips - https://www.homeimprovementreferral.com/get-ready-for-storm-season-essential-steps-to-protect-your-roof-and-property-2023-05/

[homeownersbeaware]

Hurricane Ian, What Do We Learn?

The damage Hurricane Ian left behind is going to take years to fix, and in some cases, life may never return to the way it was. Anyone who has ever been to Southwest Florida knows how special it is. Ian's path was the worst possible for the West Coast of Florida.

During the coverage leading up to the storm the experts were pegging Tampa as the place likely to get hit. Studies that have been done showing what a storm like Ian would do to Tampa may actually have underestimated the damage based on what just happened. As someone who lives in and loves Tampa, this storm got my attention as nothing has in the past. I thought we were prepared but seeing the kind of damage that happened so close by made me realize there were many holes in the plan.

We know how tragic it is for people who were hit by Ian, but for everyone else who avoided destruction, this is no time to breathe easy, this was a wake-up call. I had two guests on the Tell Us How to Make It Better podcast this week. Aris Papadopoulos, the author of Resilience-The Ultimate Sustainability, and John Scardena, an expert in emergency and disaster management. We talked about what people who were near misses should be doing going forward.

Here’s the link to our website to listen to the podcast: Tell Us How to Make It Better 

We’ve gone to Naples and Sanibel several times, so it really hurts seeing a place you love get damaged like that. It was also an opportunity to see the blueprint for a disaster in Tampa played out just a few hours south. I’m sure nobody living there could imagine what they are waking up with today and for years to come. Now that we’ve had this view of the future, what will we do about it?

If you want to help the people in Southwest Florida here’s a link to the Florida Disaster Fund: www.FloridaDisasterFund.org

[wolfspaw]

[reality-detective]

Hurricane Beryl: How to prepare? No food or water… "The first thing you need to get is your Covid vaccine?" 🤔

[jostystyles]

canes fans prepare to be sick of me now that yall have my boy.

[poindexters-labratory]

I can't believe that after four months of work, chapter one of Wild Cat is going to be finished, clocking in the chapter + prologue at over 40 pages.

[shailion]

Every top level centerpoint energy employee deserves to be sealed in a metal box and left in the sun

[chaosduckies]

*Hurricane coming right over me*

Me: *sits under a leaf waiting for it to hit us* Where rain at?

[hypnotic-kink]

2:26 pm 8/29 Hurricane Idalia update: thank you to everyone that’s keeping Floridians in your thoughts and prayers and the comments for me personally. The news pictures seem scary already but right now for us up here in the cone “zone” it’s still not raining. We will start seeing it in the “Big Bend” area later tonight. 🙏🏻🤞 Hope all my Florida mutuals are battened down and out of harms way. I’ll be as inland as I can get. PLEASE leave your homes if you’re close to the coast, plus know what you should do if a tornado spawns off. My area is under mandatory evacuation. They say it’s going to be the worst hurricane to hit this area in 70 yrs. 149 people died in Hurricane Ian. Please don’t ride it out if they tell you to evacuate.

[tarantula-hawk-wasp]

To be perfectly honest I’m a little scared

[simplyghosting]

Just a heads up, looks like a Cat 3 hurricane is hitting Florida this week, which hasn’t happened where we are since around 2005. Winds at that level are pretty destructive and there’s already flooding issues right now from the construction and rainfall, so prayers are appreciated.

[wrywyrm]

I have acquired a new drawing tablet.

The storm will soon arrive.

[ratatatastic]

you ever think about forsy being faced with an always have a small rock in your shoe or always have wet socks would you rather question and going "its not a fun situation... i would say yeah wet socks probably" like what possessed him to choose wet socks

[bibleofficial]

it’s so funny to me that the uk doesn’t even have chequebooks anymore but here i am … the american paying my credit card by putting a cheque in an envelope w a stamp 😭😭😭

[hearsthephone]

So I was planning on using the weekend to get replies done and haunt askboxes but I'm in Texas and we have a hurricane coming towards us so there's going to be spotty replies and askbox-ing to prep for the storm and anything else this hurricane season

If anyone is wondering, my family is thankfully fine and we should be okay. The area we live in has been alright the last couple of storms save for some relatively minor water damage and we are able to repair and get ourselves back on our feet if anything happens. However, Beryl has already been devastating and so I'd prefer if any well-wishers direct their funds for the relief funds in the Caribbean and telling their respective governments to pony up about climate change because that's what's making storms like this worse. Here's a link to World Food Programme USA's relief page for anyone unsure of where to start. Stay safe out there and I'll get replies out asap