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Hurricane Plan

At C&S, your Community is our Passion. While hurricanes can be destructive to your property and we have included information to help you prepare in advance of any storm, please remember that your primary focus should always be your own safety and that of those you love. All information provided is intended to help you during the hurricane season and not intended to guarantee your safety. Only you can do that with a well-thought-out plan for safety.

Hurricane Facts

Categories: (based on the Saffir-Simpson Scale for wind speeds)
  1. Tropical Depression = 38 mph winds
  2. Tropical Storm = 39-73 mph winds
  3. Hurricanes
    • Category 1 = 74-95 mph winds
    • Category 2 = 96-110 mph winds
    • Category 3 = 111-129 mph winds
    • Category 4 = 130-156 mph winds
    • Category 5 = 157+ mph winds
Storm Descriptions
  1. Watches
    • Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours.
    • Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are possible within your area. Because it may not be safe to prepare for a hurricane once winds reach tropical storm force, The NHC issues hurricane watches 48 hours before it anticipates tropical storm-force winds.
    • Storm Surge Watch: There is a possibility of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somewhere within the specified area, generally within 48 hours. If you are under a storm surge watch, check for evacuation orders from your local officials.
  2. Warnings
    • Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within your area within 36 hours.
    • Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are expected somewhere within the specified area. NHC issues a hurricane warning 36 hours in advance of tropical storm-force winds to give you time to complete your preparations. All preparations should be complete. Evacuate immediately if so ordered.
    • Extreme Wind Warning: Extreme sustained winds of a major hurricane (115 mph or greater), usually associated with the eyewall, are expected to begin within an hour. Take immediate shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.
    • Storm Surge Warning: There is a danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somewhere within the specified area, generally within 36 hours. If you are under a storm surge warning, check for evacuation orders from your local officials.
  3. Evacuations (know your county flood zone to accurately heed these notices, see “links” portion for help)
    • Voluntary: recommended for your area, waiting can eliminate your choice due to traffic on the evacuation route and shelter capacity and/or hotel room availability.
    • Mandatory: recommended by officials to save lives during and after the storm; no response to emergency calls in these areas during the storm to keep emergency personnel from harm, plan to be self-sufficient for 72 hours if you ignore a mandatory evacuation.
    • Keep in mind: both areas may suffer downed power lines/tree/debris that prohibits responders from entering an area after the storm and keep you from getting out to avoid flooding; loss of utilities can take weeks after the storm to be repaired; finding staples for survival may be difficult for days after the storm.
Other Dangers
  1. Tornadoes
    • Definition: a mobile, destructive vortex of violently rotating winds having the appearance of a funnel-shaped cloud and advancing beneath a large storm system.
    • Warnings: typically occur in rain bands away from the center of the storm.
    • Safety Tips: Get to a windowless interior room, such as a bathroom, closet or inner hallway and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
  2. Storm Surge
    • Definition: a rising of the sea as a result of atmospheric pressure changes and wind associated with a storm (Note “storm tide” is the regular tide + the storm surge).
    • Warnings: this is the leading cause of deaths during a hurricane and can travel several miles inland.
    • Safety Tips: take the warnings seriously and as “cool” as the receding tide area looks when the water is pulled out from the coastline, walking out in this area is one of the most dangerous places to be.
  3. Flooding
    • Definition: covering or submerging a place or area with water.
    • Warnings: flooding can persists for days after the storm is past and is the second leading cause of death from a hurricane.
    • Safety Tips: follow evacuation protocol, use sand bags, get to higher ground.

Off-season Prep: things you can do ahead of time to cut down on your last-minute prep

Community: Board members, Managers and Maintenance personnel may wish to develop an Emergency plan for the Property.
  • Appoint a Hurricane Committee.
  • Keep up-to-date records on owners within the building who may need assistance at the time a threat is issued.
  • Designate tasks and issue keys, codes, etc. to each designee and their backup.
  • Compile contact lists with key personnel (Manager/Board/Maintenance/Vendors).
  • Create time-line incident report forms for damages that may occur.
Grounds
  • Trim your trees and inspect for deceased/damaged trees that may become an issue in high winds.
  • Repair/replace any damaged fencing pieces.
  • Store unsecured items such as hoses/gardening equipment inside when not in use.
Buildings
  • Inspect your roof to be sure there are no loose tiles/vent caps.
  • Install Hurricane shutters or other allowed protection per your Association documents. (it helps if you have the pieces cut to fit and marked for each window ahead of time)
  • Inspect and be sure all utility shut-off valves are easily turned.
  • Inspect/purchase fire extinguishers.
Family Emergency Plan
  • Have a designated path to take and facility to evacuate/meet at in case you are separated. Share this with other friends and family to find you in case cell towers and utilities are down after the storm passes.
  • Purchase pet carriers for your four-legged friends.
  • Designate and internal, windowless room to be your safe room.
Designated Caregivers
  • Property: Engage a friend/neighbor/company to do a last minute check of your property and ready your home/unit per the Rules for your Community.
  • Family: Engage a friend/neighbor/company to watch for warnings and evacuations specific to any elderly/handicap/infirm relatives in case you are unable to be there personally.
Stock Seasonal Emergency Kit (store in an easily moveable plastic tub)
  • Water: one (1) gallon per day/per person, don’t forget extra for pets.
  • Food: three (3) days of non-perishable food items (don’t forget the can opener).
  • Radio: battery powered or hand-crank – should have emergency “tone” capability for early warning signals.
  • Flashlight(s).
  • Candles (battery operated, avoid live flames).
  • First-aid kit with dust masks for contaminated areas.
  • Wrench/pliers for shut-off valves
  • Plastic bags of all sizes for protection against water damage
  • Whistle (one per person to use to call for help)
  • Batteries for radio/flashlight(s) – have spares
  • Maps of your area – do not depend on cell phones and other GPS items
  • Bleach and medicine dropper for disinfecting water (if you run out of bottled water) Mix 2 drops (0.1 mL) of household bleach with 1 liter of water, then cover and let stand for 30 minutes before drinking
  • Plastic utensils/plates/cups and paper towels
  • Matches (secured in a plastic container/bag)
  • Gloves, both rubber for sanitary purposes and heavy-duty for cleanup
  • Extras: battery operated fans/candles/etc.

Imminent Threat: Make a decision to stay or leave, follow evacuation warnings

Owners/Tenants
  1. Prepare your home
    • Put up hurricane shutters/plywood to protect windows/doors
    • Bring in all loose items: lawn furniture/ornaments, planters, etc.
    • Put refrigerator/freezer on coldest settings
    • Clean bathtub and fill with water to be used in case utilities go down
    • Turn off all utilities if you choose to evacuate
    • Take photos of your property
    • Secure/store all small watercraft
    • Loosen lines for all large watercraft to account for tidal changes
  2. Evacuation Kit: Add these items to your emergency kit in case of evacuation
    • Important documents secured in plastic bags (Identification, insurance, banking)
    • Hygiene supplies such as toothbrush/paste, feminine products, lens solution, eye glasses, etc.
    • Change of clothing, sturdy shoes
    • Sleeping bag/blanket for each person, pillow(s) if you choose
    • Infant products such as diapers, formula, etc.
    • Prescription and non-prescription medications you may take
    • Pet food/treats/medications/vaccination records/disposable bags
    • Cash/travelers checks (ATMs and credit card machines rely on electricity)
    • Paper/pencil/camera for recording damage
    • Games for entertainment
    • Chargers for electronic devices/vehicle chargers
  3. Types of shelters: be sure to identify what type you need before leaving to go
    • Some shelters require pre-registration, know where you are headed
    • Pet-friendly
    • Medical Needs/generated power facility
    • Multi-lingual
Board/Hurricane Committee/ Maintenance Personnel: work within the Property Emergency Plan
  • Begin updating the list of owners who may need assistance.
  • Secure stored records to the best of your ability.
  • Inspect homes/units for items left unsecured by owners ignoring previous notices.
  • Store all pool furniture/umbrellas/other “loose” items.
  • Lower pool/spa levels to adjust for heavy rains/overflowing – Inland.
  • Raise pool/spa levels to keep sand from the beach out of these items - Coastal.
  • Turn off all gas items; pool/spa heaters.
  • Secure all gates in the “open” position.
  • Turn off electric to boat docks, fountains, landscape lighting, etc.
  • Turn of irrigation water supply.
  • Turn off main water supply.
  • Move elevators to the top floor and shut them down.
  • Post notice of any mandatory evacuations.
  • Fill generators.
  • Secure/store flags and moveable signage.
  • Secure/store all trash containers, including dumpsters (lock wheels).
Management Company
  • Conduct telephone conference with Board and Maintenance personnel to discuss final details to protect the property.
  • Backup and secure digital Association Records in multiple locations in and out of state.
  • Secure access to names/numbers of Insurance personnel assigned to the emergency. Gather policy copies.
  • Secure access to names/numbers of Board Members/Volunteers, if any, staying on property.
  • Secure access to names/numbers of local emergency contacts and engineers for the area.
  • Contact local vendors for availability after the storm.

During the Storm

Safe room: move emergency kit, evacuation kit and all family to an internal located room with no windows.
Secure all hazard items such as mirrors/glass lighting, etc.
Radio: Stay tuned to the emergency broadcast system
FREQUENCY CALL SIGN BROADCAST LOCATION
SERVING COUNTIES
 WWG59  162.400  Venice
Manatee
Sarasota
 KEC38  162.450  Largo Manatee
Hillsboro
Pinellas
 KHB32  162.550  Tampa Bay Manatee
Hillsboro
Pinellas
Games: Use battery operated candles to keep entertained and pass the time, suggestions are below. Avoid using electronic devices that need recharging.
  • Cards, from go fish to poker, hours of fun
  • Charades, act out storm scenes from your favorite movies
  • Name that tune, sing or hum, save the radio for emergency updates
  • Flashlight limbo if you have the room, use the beams to create the “bar”

Clean-up: Document all damage before cleanup-take pictures/recordings

Minor damage
  • Use caution when moving items, be sure they are not “holding up” heavier items/walls/etc. What looks simple can have hidden dangers.
  • Sweep all broken glass into a plastic container, do not use trash bags.
  • Gather all yard debris and secure per county disposal requirements. Try not to “stack” these items on your grass as it can be some time before pickup and the grass may die requiring sod in large areas.
  • Call contractors immediately as they are usually inundated post-storm, get yourself on the schedule early for any needed repairs.
Major damage ** Do not enter the property until you have been assured by a professional that it is safe to do so.
  • Contact your insurance company to report any damage. Find out when an adjuster can come to your property and ask what you can do in the meantime without interfering with any coverage.
  • Contact engineers/local contractors as needed to repair any damage.

Local/Federal Links/Stations

Federal Links
Local Links
Television Stations
Radio Stations
  • Most public radio stations are found on FM between frequencies 88-92.
  • NOAA County Frequencies:
FREQUENCY CALL SIGN BROADCAST LOCATION
SERVING COUNTIES
 WWG59  162.400  Venice
Manatee
Sarasota
 KEC38  162.450  Largo Manatee
Hillsboro
Pinellas
 KHB32  162.550  Tampa Bay Manatee
Hillsboro
Pinellas