Storm Preparedness
Hurricane Season is June 1st through November/December and peaks during August/September. When a storm’s maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph, it is considered a hurricane, and when sustained wind speeds reach 111 mph, it is considered a major hurricane.
More information about hurricanes and what you can do to protect yourself and others can be found at www.mymanatee.org, www.nhc.noaa.gov or www.FloridaDisaster.org.
Lower Units
- 7 Day Rule: Shutters are to be mounted no more than 7 days after a hurricane warning and removed no more than 7 days after the “all clear” notification.
- It is the owner’s responsibility to mount or arrange that shutters are mounted on their unit according to the 7 day rule. There are a number of handymen that can be hired in advance to mount shutters. Reference the Rules for following up on owner’s responsibilities. A unit failing to mount shutters after a hurricane warning can be liable for any damage incurred throughout the building and may negate any insurance coverage for that particular unit.
- Unit owners are responsible for maintaining, repairing or replacing shutters, screws and retainers that hold the shutters to the building.
- Unit owners who have approval to install hurricane windows at their own cost have followed the board approved procedure. Refer to the FORMS Tab to access those forms and the information you need for approval. The approved windows and designated vendor are required. No exceptions.
All Units
- Check outside: Anything high winds can pick up can become projectiles, including door decorations and flower pots. They are to be removed and placed in garages to prevent them from becoming missiles when high winds are expected. These seemingly harmless objects can cause damage to you and your neighbors.
- Check lanai: Residents should move lanai furniture and other objects inside until the storm passes so they do not become a wind hazard.
Suggestions for those who will “ride out” a storm.
It is likely that power may be lost for several days.
There are several items which are often overlooked when preparing for storm season.
- In addition to developing a plan of action and photographing your home and valuables, consider these measures as well.
- Purchase a road atlas. In times of evacuation you will need to develop plans on how to escape without depending on advice from your local Emergency Management. Knowing the routes out of town and beyond is very important. Also, don’t rely solely on a GPS. If everybody follows the same set of standardized directions on their GPS systems there is going to be mass congestion. Rather, plan a route and a set of alternate routes by hand ahead of time.
- Do not use candles if power goes out. The danger of fire is too great.
- Shut the Doors During a Hurricane. Wind entering the home through an open or broken window, can create strong upward pressure on the roof. Closing interior doors helps compartmentalize the pressure inside the home into smaller areas reducing the overall force on the roof structure, which gives the roof a better chance of staying intact.
It is likely that these items will not be available as the storm nears:
- Manatee County recommends a 7 day supply of adequate drinkable water: (1 gallon/day per person), and an adequate supply of non-perishable food.
- Medication for 30 Days.
- Plastic Eating Utensils.
- Adequate supply of pet food and medications.
- You may need to have cash available.
- Devices such as your NOAA Weather Radio and extra batteries.
- Flashlights and lanterns (1 per person) with extra bulbs and batteries.
- Portable radio and/or TV and extra batteries.
- Have a list of emergency telephone numbers handy.
- Battery-operated fans are useful if there is no power for your air conditioner.
- A solar powered charging device for electronic products for your phones & tablets.
- First aid kit.
- Toiletries, Personal Hygiene Items.
- Toolkit – hammer, screw drivers, pliers and assorted nails/screws.
- Manual can opener.
- Matches/lighters.
- Plastic garbage bags.
- Whistle (to signal for help).
- PETS: Make sure your pets have ID chips, and that you have recent photos of yourself with your pets in the event they go missing. Keep their medical records in a safe location and have the veterinarian’s telephone number saved on your mobile phone. Finally, be sure to have an adequate supply of pet medications and food on hand.