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Hurricanes
Forecasters Predict Up To 9 Hurricanes In 2008
Hurricane/Tornado Fire Safety
A wide range of natural disasters occurs within the United States every year. Natural disasters can have a devastating effect on you and your home. The U.S. Fire Administration encourages you to use the following safety tips to help protect yourself, your family and your home from the potential threat of fire during or after a tornado or hurricane. You can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a fire casualty by being able to identify potential hazards and following the outlined safety tips.
Some Types of Fire Related Hazards Present During and After a Tornado or Hurricane
- Leaking gas lines, damaged or leaking gas propane containers, and leaking vehicle gas tanks may explode or ignite.
- Debris can easily ignite, especially if electrical wires are severed.
- Pools of water and even appliances can be electrically charged.
- Generators are often used during power outages. Generators that are not properly used and maintained can be very hazardous.
- Alternative heating devices used incorrectly create fire hazards. Proper use and maintenance can decrease the possibility of a fire.
- Appliances that emit smoke or sparks should be repaired or replaced.
Chemical Safety
- Look for combustible liquids like gasoline, lighter fluid, and paint thinner that may have spilled. Thoroughly clean the spill and place containers in a well-ventilated area.
- Keep combustible liquids away from heat sources.
Electrical Safety
- Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds.
- Look for and replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs, and plugs.
- Exposed outlets and wiring could present a fire and life safety hazard.
- Appliances that emit smoke or sparks should be repaired or replaced.
- Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage.
Gas Safety
- Smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a gas leak, immediately leave the house and leave the door(s) open.
- Never strike a match. Any size flame can spark an explosion.
- Before turning the gas back on, have the gas system checked by a professional.
Generator Safety
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when using generators.
- Use a generator or other fuel-powered machines outside the home. CO fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors.
- Use the appropriate sized and type power cords to carry the electric load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires.
- Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord may go unnoticed.
- Never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or 'backfeed' can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.
Heating Safety
- Kerosene heaters may not be legal in your area and should only be used where approved by authorities.
- Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
- Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least 3 feet away.
- Make sure your alternative heaters have 'tip switches.' These 'tip switches' are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
- Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested guidelines.
- Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot.
- Refuel heaters only outdoors.
- Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, and at least 3 feet away from combustible materials. Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation.
- Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets, furniture or other combustible items.
and Remember...
- Be careful when using candles. Keep the flame away from combustible objects and out of the reach of children.
- Some smoke alarms may be dependent on your home's electrical service and could be inoperative during a power outage. Check to see if your smoke alarm uses a back-up battery and install a new battery at least once a year.
- Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home.
- All smoke alarms should be tested monthly. All batteries should be replaced with new ones at least once a year.
- If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of debris for easy access by the fire department.
Hurricane Survival Checklist
Have a two week supply of each item for every person in your home.
Water
- 18 ˝ gallons of water per person (˝ gallon for drinking, 2 gallons for bathing)
- Store water in clean plastic containers
Food
Purchase foods that require no refrigeration and little preparation, such as:
- Ready-to-eat canned food
- Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
- Snacks: cookies, cereals, etc.
- Soft drinks, instant coffee, tea
- Lots of ice (you can freeze your water supply)
For Baby
- Formula, bottles, powdered milk, jarred baby foods
- Diapers, moist towelettes and special medications
Pets
- Newspapers or cat litter
- Moist canned foods (to preserve water)
- Plastic sheets to cover floor of pet's room
Medicine
- First aid kit
- Rubbing alcohol
- Aspirin, non-aspirin pain reliever, antacid
- Extra prescription medication (especially for heart problems and diabetes)
- Ask your physician how to store prescription medication
Personal Items
- Toilet paper, towels, soap, shampoo
- Personal and feminine hygiene products
- Denture needs, contact lenses and an extra pair of eyeglasses
- Sun protection, insect repellent
Other Supplies
- Battery-operated radio, flashlights, non-electric can opener, extra batteries
- Charcoal, waterproof matches, extra propane gas for grills (Use grills outside only!)
- ABC-rated fire extinguisher in a small canister
- Portable cooler
- Plenty of absorbent towels, plastic trash bags
- Wind-up or battery-operated clock
- Tarp or sheet plastic, duct tape, hammer and nails for temporary roof repairs
- Cleaning supplies such as chlorine bleach
- Aluminum foil, paper napkins and plates, plastic cups
- Can of spray paint (can be used to identify your home by insurance adjusters in case it's damaged)
- At least one change of clothing per person, sturdy shoes, hat and work gloves
- Pillows and blankets or sleeping bags
Seminole Co. Emergency Contacts And Shelter Information
Emergency Management Tel: (407) 665-5102
http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/dps/em/eoc.asp
Shelter Locations
- Bentley Elementary
2190 Oregon Ave. Sanford
407-871-9950 - special needs and pet friendly
- Lawton Chiles Middle School
1240 Sanctuary Dr. Oviedo
407-871-7050
- Crystal Lake Elementary
231 Rinehart Rd. Lake Mary
407-871-8150
- Layer Elementary
4201 S.R. 419 Winter Springs
407-871-8050 - special needs
- English Estates Elementary
299 Oxford Rd. Fern Park
407-320-2850
- Lyman High
865 South C.R. 427 Longwood
407-320-2050 - pet friendly
- John Evans Elementary
100 Chapman Rd. Oviedo
407-320-9850
- Midway Elementary
2251 Jitway Sanford
407-320-5950
- Geneva Elementary
275 First St. Geneva
407-320-4950
- Millennium Middle School
21 Lakeview Dr. Sanford
407-320-6550
- Highlands Elementary
1600 Shepard Rd. Winter Springs
407-320-6650 - special needs
- Walker Elementary
3101 Snowhill Rd. Chuluota
407-870-7350
- Lake Brantley High
991 Sand Lake Rd. Altamonte Springs
407-320-3450
- Winter Springs High
130 Tuskawilla Dr. Winter Springs
407-320-0650
- Lake Mary High
655 Longwood-Lake Mary Rd Lake Mary
407-320-9550
What To Do Before A Hurricane Threatens
- Develop your own emergency plan.
- Take Red Cross First Aid and CPR classes.
- Plan to relocate if you live either in a mobile home or an evacuation zone.
- Know your evacuation zone and route, and the elevation of your home above sea level.
- Plan to obtain supplies necessary to protect your property and for survival. Since windows are not usually blown out but knocked out by flying debris, windows should be boarded, not taped.
- Arrange for safekeeping of your pets or animals. Most shelters will not accept pets.
- Make a complete inventory of your personal property.
- Review your insurance policies. Homeowners insurance will not cover flood damage.
- Know what documents you will need to establish home ownership and make insurance claims.
- Stock non-perishable food items and water for your family to last one week. Once a watch is issued, these items disappear quickly from store shelves.
- Trim or remove trees that can damage your home.
Know What Your Insurance Covers
The following list of items are typically covered by a home owner's policy. Review your policy before a storm to be sure you have adequate coverage.
When a storm is approaching, most companies will not allow changes in coverage or initiation of new coverage, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Covered By Typical Policy:
Trees and Shrubbery
Most insurance companies will pay for the removal of trees that have fallen on your home. They may pay to remove the trees that have fallen and haven't caused damage to your home or other insured structure. They usually won't pay to replace trees or shrubbery that have been damaged in a storm.
Water Damage
Homeowners policies don't cover flood damage but they do cover other kinds of water damage. For example, they would generally pay for damage from rain coming through a hole in the roof or a broken window as long as the hole was caused by a hurricane or other disaster covered by the policy. If there is water damage, check with your agent or insurance company representative to see if you are covered.
Compliance With Current Building Codes:
Building codes require structures to be built to certain minimum standards. In areas likely to be hit by hurricanes, for example, buildings must be able to withstand high winds to reduce the risk of hurricane damage. If your home was damaged and it was not in compliance with current local building codes, you may have to rebuild the damaged sections according to current codes. In some cases, complying with the code may require a change in design or building materials and may cost more. If you live in an area likely to be flooded, you may have to comply with federal codes which require buildings to be raised above flood level. Generally, homeowners insurance policies won't pay for these extra costs. However, some insurance companies offer an endorsement that pays for these extra costs, while some insurance companies offer an endorsement that pays a specified amount toward such changes. (An endorsement is a form attached to an insurance policy that changes what the policy covers.)
From the Insurance Information Insititute
What To Do When A Warning Is Issued
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If you live in a mobile home, check the tie-downs and leave immediately.
- Prepare for high winds by anchoring securely or bringing indoors anything that might blow away or be torn loose: Garbage cans, garden tools, signs, lawn furniture, awnings and toys. Loose objects can be deadly in hurricane winds.
- Board-up or shutter large windows. When you board-up, use good lumber securely fastened. Makeshift boarding may do more damage than good. Have strong bracing for outside doors.
- Boats on trailers: Fill with water, secure to trailer and use tiedowns to anchor trailer to ground or house.
- Get away from low-lying beaches or other locations which may be swept by high tides or storm waves. If passage to high ground is over a road likely to be under water, leave early. Don't run the risk of being marooned. On the coast, damage is from water, lots of it, and storm conditions may continue for many hours.
- Add extra chlorine to swimming pool to prevent contamination, and lower the pool's water level to allow for increased rainfall
After the storm
Return home, prioritize the work and start the post-disaster cleanup Safety precautions should always be taken when returning home after a disaster.
The only thing worse than seeing your home after a disaster may be the prospect of cleaning it up and starting over. If faced with water damage from a fire or flood, you won't have much time to ponder the situation because you'll need to begin cleaning and drying out the house as soon as it is safe. Since the job will likely seem overwhelming, begin by making a plan and breaking it into manageable pieces. As you progress, document the damage (list, photograph or videotape) for insurance claims and tax returns.
Safety first
Before entering the house, be sure all electricity is disconnected from the property, check for gas leaks, and look for structural damage. If you have any doubts, consult a professional.
Floors and walls
- Remove all standing water from the house. Pump water out of basements slowly because the water pressure inside may be balancing that of waterlogged earth pressing on basement walls. Wet wallboard and loose insulation will need to be removed and discarded.
- The mud left by floodwaters may be contaminated with sewage and harmful bacteria. Wear gloves and boots, and wash frequently when clearing it away. Remove as much mud as possible with a shovel. Then use a garden hose to wash more away, starting at the bottom of the walls. Mop up or squeegee away water as soon as possible. Remove air conditioning ducts from the unit and wash them out.
- Clean floors, walls, and cabinetry with warm water and cleanser. Once surfaces are cleaned, use a household bleach solution or disinfectant cleanser. This will kill germs and help prevent molds and mildew.
- Use a dehumidifier or open windows and circulate air with fans to thoroughly dry out the house. Do not bring furnishings and rugs back inside until walls, floors and framing are completely dry.
- Wood flooring may swell when it gets wet. To help prevent buckling, remove a board every few feet. Be sure floors are dry and clean before repairing.
Carpets
- Take all rugs and carpets outside and rinse with a garden hose. If soiled, scrub with a disinfectant carpet-cleaning product. Unless the rugs are wool, rinse with a mixture of two tablespoons household bleach to one gallon of water to prevent mildew and kill odors.
- Many carpet pads can be rinsed with a solution of bleach and water, air-dried and reused.
Never replace carpets until they—and the floor—are thoroughly dry.
Copyright © by Alafaya Woods. All Right Reserved.
Published on: 2008-06-03 (1364 reads) |
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