Make a plan and have an emergency kit before the arrival of Hurricane Milton is paramount, and for many Floridians, heeding evacuation recommendations could be a life-saving decision, emergency management officials say.
Florida Emergency Management Agency Director Kevin Guthrie pointed to the ceiling during his Monday news conference as Category 5 Hurricane Milton approached the state’s western coast. The ceiling was just over 10 feet (3 meters) high, and Guthrie used it to illustrate how forecasts indicate that Milton will bring even greater storm surge: up to 12 feet (3.7 meters) across a large stretch of the west coast of Florida.
“If an evacuation order has been issued, I beg you, I beg you to evacuate,” he said.
The population must do three fundamental things: make a plan, have an emergency kit and stay informed, said Jaime Hernandez, director of emergency management in Hollywood, Florida.
How can I make sure I’m prepared?
An emergency plan must take into account that forecasts are variable, according to authorities.
“You don’t know what the impact is going to be,” Hernandez said. “You don’t know how the infrastructure will be affected.”
Preparing for a hurricane includes obtaining supplies in advance, such as non-perishable food and water in case power is lost and there is a shortage of supplies in the community.
Preparation also includes making sure all medical supplies and medications are ready in case people are unable to leave their homes. In this case, it is important to consult with a doctor about what to have at home.
Hernandez recommended that the population consult the lists distributed by local or state emergency management agencies to ensure they are prepared. one of these lists can be found on the Florida Division of Emergency Management website.
What items should an emergency kit have?
Emergency managers recommend that residents have at least seven days’ worth of supplies, including food, water, medications, batteries and other essential items.
The general rule of thumb is to have 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water per day per person for about seven days, Hernandez said.
Additionally, supplies to have on hand should include non-perishable foods, flashlights, batteries, medications and medical supplies, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and portable cell phone batteries. It’s also a good idea to have cash on hand, as ATMs may not work.
You should also carry documents such as birth certificates, Social Security cards and other important papers in a travel bag in case you have to leave home quickly, Hernandez explained.
Never abandon your pets
Emergency managers also urge pet owners to include items for their animals in any kit. These should include veterinarian documentation, medications, collars with identification tags, sturdy leashes, and toys.
A recommendation from the Florida Division of Emergency Management: “Never abandon your pets.”
What you need to know about homes
Florida emergency management officials recommend residents know how to turn off water and gas faucets and turn off electrical switches. They add that it is advisable to keep any necessary tools close to the gas and water shut-off valves.
What you need to know about vehicles
It is always prudent to fill the tank of all your vehicles in case evacuation orders are issued.
Hernández said that it is also important to take precautions if you have an electric vehicle, parking it in an elevated place or away from the storm zone until it has passed, since these types of cars could have problems with flooding and storm surges. .
About 20 electric vehicles caught fire after being exposed to salt water during Hurricane Ian. Hillsborough County, Florida, has a website with guidance for electric vehicle owners, which recommends keeping the vehicle about 50 feet (15 meters) from any structure or vehicle due to the risk of fire.
Who should evacuate?
The Florida Division of Emergency Management website has an updated list of counties that are under evacuation orders, and whether they are mandatory or voluntary.
To find out which evacuation zone you live in, visit Florida’s website “Know your Zone”.
People living in low-lying or flood-prone areas should plan to evacuate before the storm arrives. Sometimes, authorities recommend traveling a few kilometers inland to stay with friends or family or in a hotel or shelter. In any case, authorities recommend that the population listen to their local emergency management officials, who will have the latest information on evacuation zones.
Evacuation orders may come before the hurricane, and officials will inform residents if they live in an evacuation zone. These orders may arrive days or hours before the storm.
Threats from Hurricane Milton include storm surge, high winds, inland flooding, and tornadoes.
Where can I find preparation guides?
Visit your local or state emergency management office’s website for disaster planning recommendations.
Florida residents can also find this information at the state’s Division of Emergency Management.
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