All_Hazard_Guide.pdf

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ALL HAZARDS

PREPAREDNESS

GUIDE

KNOW YOUR RISK MAKE A PLAN STAY INFORMED GET INVOLVED

The 2022 All Hazards Preparedness Guide is the product of a partnership between Pinellas County Emergency Management and the Tampa Bay Times Newspaper in Education Program (NIE) to give students and their families the tools of All Hazards Preparedness and serve as a resource throughout the year.

Cover photo: “Prepared Pinella” ensures that her family is prepared before an emergency happens.

For more information on all hazard preparedness, visit pinellascounty.org/emergency. Emergency

Management https://pinellascounty.org/emergency http://www.tampabay.com/nine

KNOW

YOUR

RISK

Know Your Zone There are several ways to find out your evacuation zone:

• pinellascounty.org/knowyourzone

• Ready Pinellas mobile app

• Utility bill (Pinellas County Utilities customers, some cities)

• Property Appraiser records

• 727-453-3150 (landlines only)

If you live in or have a business in a “non-evacuation zone,” you will not be ordered to evacuate (except for mobile and manufactured homes).

Did You Know?

The 2021 Hurricane Season:

• Was the third most active on record in terms of named storms.

• Was the sixth consecutive above-normal

Atlantic hurricane season.

• Was the first time in history that all

21 storm names were used in back-to-back storm seasons.

• Had 21 named storms (with winds of 39 mph or greater), including seven hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater) of which four were major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or greater).

2 Tampa Bay Times/NIE

Hurricanes Tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes are considered tropical cyclones.

When sustained, or constant, winds reach 74 miles per hour (mph), the storm is considered a hurricane. The storm categories are based on wind, with Category 1 (up to 95 mph), up to a Category 5, which is 157 mph or higher.

Hurricanes usually form during hurricane season, which runs June 1 to Nov. 30.

Tropical storms and hurricanes can include high winds and flooding from heavy rainfall, storm surge and hazardous surf. The effects can be felt hundreds of miles from the center of the storm. If a storm threatens our area, you will find real-time information on the Emergency Management website at pinellascounty.org/ emergency

, including evacuation orders, shelters that may have opened and the current status of the community.

A hurricane has the following characteristics:

• 74 mph or higher winds.

• Can be hundreds of miles wide.

• Spins counter-clockwise around the eye.

For more information about hurricanes and the potential threats associated with them, current systems being monitored and historical information, go to the National Hurricane Center’s website at nhc.noaa.gov.

What’s in a Name?

For more than 50 years, hurricanes have been given human names. While this is done to help identify individual storms, it turns out that each hurricane is as individual as its name.

Hurricanes come in different sizes and shapes and often display very different behaviors. It is important to understand these differences as you prepare. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) notes that a big mistake people make in preparing for hurricanes is to assume that just because you’ve been affected in a certain way by one hurricane, every storm will affect you the same way.

Storm Surge Storm surge is a dome of water that is pushed ashore by powerful winds. Storm surge can be life-threatening and cause extensive damage and not just along the immediate coastline. It is important to know your risk from storm surge and determine if you live in an area that may be called to evacuate. The National Hurricane Center issues watches and warnings if there is a threat to Pinellas County. To see how high storm surge could be at your location, visit the Storm Surge Protector App at https://egis.

pinellas.gov/apps/StormSurgeProtector

Protective measures:

• Determine if you live in an area that may be impacted by surge.

• Monitor the impact of storm surge on your area.

• Know if your location is included in the evacuation order.

https://pinellascounty.org/knowyourzone https://egis.pinellas.gov/apps/StormSurgeProtector/ https://www.nhc.noaa.gov https://egis.pinellas.gov/apps/StormSurgeProtector/

High Winds Tropical storm force winds (35 mph or greater) and hurricane force winds (more than 74 mph) can cause widespread damage. People living in mobile and manufactured homes and people on life-sustaining medical equipment that require electricity can be vulnerable to high winds. The stronger the storm, the more likely structural damages will occur from high winds that can produce flying debris, breach structure openings such as windows and doors, or topple mobile homes that are not anchored properly.

Protective measures for high winds may include:

• Hardening or protecting your roof, doors (including your garage) and windows from wind damage.

• Signing up for the Special Needs Program at pinellascounty.

org/specialneeds for residents of all ages who are dependent on electricity or require medical assistance such as oxygen or assistance with routine care.

• Evacuating to a safer location not in the evacuation area or to a stronger structure when an Evacuation Order is given.

• Sheltering in place when conditions are no longer safe to drive around.

Though newer mobile homes may be built to higher wind codes, surrounding homes may not be. Mobile homes are vulnerable to flying debris/trees and, if not anchored properly, can become dislodged.

Tornado A tornado is a violent windstorm characterized by a twisting, funnel-shaped cloud. It can be spawned by a thunderstorm, a cold front moving into the area or as a result of severe weather associated with hurricanes.

Tornadoes can happen with only a few minutes’ notice, so having a weather radio or signing up for Alert Pinellas for alerts to your cellphone could save your life.

You can protect yourself by:

• Conducting an annual tornado safety drill with your family or workplace.

• Identifying a safe room in an interior windowless room.

• Practicing your plan and being ready to put it into action when you receive a tornado warning.

For more information about tornado safety, go to the National Weather Service website at weather.gov/ safety/tornado

Tampa Bay Times/NIE 3

Severe Thunderstorms

Se v re re thunderstorms are sto rms that a of r

Severe thunde storms are s torms that ar pe cape ca able oable f p rproducing hail that is an noducing hail that is a inch or la rinch or larger or wind gusts sger or wind gust o vover 58 mph. Hail this size eer 58 mph. Hail this siz can damage p rcan damage pr roperope ty sucty such h as plants, ras plants, r oooo vffs and vs and ehicles. .ehicles Wind this st rWind this str rong can brong can b eak kea oo rff larff la rge trge t ee branches, knock kee branches, knoc o vov rer trer t ees or cause structural lees or cause structura damage tdamage t ro tro t vees. Some sevees. Some se reeree thunde rthunders tst roro rms can pms can produce eoduc hail la rhail lar oger than soger than s fftbtballs or ralls o winds mo rwinds more than 100 mph. .e than 100 mph Thunde rThunders tst roro rms also pms also produceeoduc tt roro rnadoes and dangenadoes and dangerous sou lightning. Heavy rain can nlightning. Heavy rain ca cause flash flooding. .cause flash flooding

Severe thunderstorms are storms that are capable of producing hail that is an inch or larger or wind gusts over 58 mph. Hail this size can damage property such as plants, roofs and vehicles.

Wind this strong can break off large tree branches, knock over trees or cause structural damage to trees. Some severe thunderstorms can produce hail larger than softballs or winds more than 100 mph.

Thunderstorms also produce tornadoes and dangerous lightning. Heavy rain can cause flash flooding.

You can protect yourself by:

• Finding interior spaces to shelter in during the storm Finding interior spaces to shelter in during the storm Securing outdoor furnishings or items

• Securing outdoor furnishings or items

G O I N G B E Y O N D T H E T E X T

Tropical recipe Florida’s tropical atmosphere and sea breezes provide the perfect recipe for thunderstorms! All three ingredients are needed: 1) moisture, 2) an unstable atmosphere, and 3) unstable air that is pushed upward. Thunderstorms are part of life in Florida. They are nature’s way of providing badly needed rainfall. Research the hydrologic cycle on the Internet. Write a well-developed paragraph, based on your research, discussing the importance of thunderstorms to Florida’s hydrologic cycle. Create a poster representing the hydrologic cycle and showing the importance of thunderstorms to the hydrologic cycle. Next, use the Tampa Bay Times to track thunderstorms throughout the summer months. Keep a chart of your results.

http://pinellascounty.org/specialneeds pinellascounty.org/specialneeds https://weather.gov/safety/tornado https://weather.gov/safety/tornado

Evacuation Zones

This year, some properties have a different evacuation zone level due to updates in the risk maps. You can find your zone and more about why there was a change at storm.pinellascounty.org.

KNOW YOUR ZONE

There are several ways to find out your evacuation zone:

• kyz.pinellascounty.org

• www.pcpao.org

• Ready Pinellas mobile app

(Android, iOS)

• (727) 453-3150 (for Pinellas County landline phones only)

• Utility Bill (Pinellas County

Utility customers)

MOBILE HOME INFO

Pinellas County residents in mobile homes, recreational vehicles and manufactured homes must always evacuate no matter where in the county they are located.

DOWNLOAD

THE NEW APP!

4 Tampa Bay Times/NIE https://kyz.pinellascounty.org https://www.pcpao.org https://storm.pinellascounty.org

Tampa Bay Times/NIE 5

FLOOD

Flooding can occur from excessive rainfall due to tropical cyclones, seasonal rain, or other weather patterns and conditions. Pinellas County is highly susceptible to flooding, including inland flooding (stream, creek, river overflow, flash floods) and coastal flooding (including tidal flooding and storm surge).

Protective measures may include:

• Getting flood insurance for your home. Flood losses are not covered by homeowner insurance policies. If you are a renter, you can get a policy for your belongings.

• Elevating belongings in your home/business to reduce the impacts of flooding.

• Using sandbags or another type of barrier to help keep water from coming into your home. (Sandbags do not work well against storm surge.) If you are a renter, you can get a policy for your belongings.

Not all insurance policies are created equal. Check your policy or talk to your agent to make sure you have sufficient coverage and to determine if any home improvements would qualify for a discount on premiums.

• Homeowner insurance policies do not cover damage from rising floodwaters or storm surge. If you own a home in an area prone to flooding or a storm surge zone, your mortgage company will likely require you to carry a separate flood policy.

• Anywhere it rains it can flood. About 25 percent of flood insurance claims occur outside of high-risk flood zones. If your home is in a low- or moderate-risk area take advantage of a highly discounted Preferred Risk Flood Insurance Policy. Ask your insurance agent.

• A new policy takes 30 days to take effect, so don’t delay. Purchase flood insurance for your home, business, rental and property.

Learn more about flooding and insurance:

• Pinellas County’s Flood Information Services at pinellascounty.org/flooding/insurance.htm.

• Insurance Information Institute at iii.org.

Floodwater is dangerous

Flood Zones vs. Evacuation Zones Flood zones are mapped by FEMA for use in the National Flood Insurance Program and based upon flooding from rains, rivers, creeks and lakes. https://floodmaps.pinellascounty.org/pages/ current-flood-zones Evacuation zones are based upon the storm surge models created by the National Hurricane Center.

Pinellas County Emergency Management, along with other subject matter experts, assess the areas expected to have storm surge to determine evacuation zones. When a storm threatens, Pinellas County may issue an Evacuation Order for one or more of the zones. pinellascounty.org/knowyourzone

G O I N G B E YO N D T H E T E X T

Tracking natural disasters A NOAA Weather Radio can alert you to dangerous weather just like a smoke detector can warn you about dangerous smoke. NOAA Weather Radio alerts are broadcast from the local National Weather Service office serving Pinellas County. Your weather radio can alert you to potential dangers.

Weather and natural disasters affect our daily lives, health and economy.

For example, tsunamis, hurricanes, typhoons and tornadoes can be very costly to an individual or the community. Many of these disasters occur only in certain parts of the world, but their occurrence can impact lives of those who have not experienced firsthand the stress and tragedy accompanying these events.

Use the Tampa Bay Times to keep track of natural disasters over a two-or three-week period. Keep a natural disaster journal. Identify the disaster and its location in your journal. Create a chart listing all the natural disasters.

Choose a disaster that did not happen in your area and make a list of some of the ways in which you or other people in your community would be affected by this kind of disaster. Write a brief essay outlining the disasters and how they affect communities. Share your information with your class.

https://floodmaps.pinellascounty.org/pages/current-flood-zones https://floodmaps.pinellascounty.org/pages/current-flood-zones https://pinellascounty.org/knowyourzone https://pinellascounty.org/flooding/insurance.htm https://www.iii.org/

Be Aware. Be Prepared.

Additional Hazards

Be aware, prepare, and act when it happens.

www.pinellascounty.org/ emergency

Lightning

• Avoid open high ground and isolated large trees.

• Avoid water — swimming pools, lakes and rivers, beaches and boats.

• Seek shelter inside a building or an automobile but not a convertible or golf cart.

• Stay away from doors, windows and metal objects such as pipes and faucets.

• Stay off corded telephones and away from electrical devices. www.weather.gov/ safety/lightning

Extreme Heat

• Find an air-conditioned space.

• Avoid strenuous activities.

• Wear light clothing.

• Check on family members and neighbors.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Watch for heat cramps, exhaustion and stroke.

• Never leave people or pets in a closed car.

weather.gov/safety/heat

Epidemic, Pandemic

• Quarantine.

• Practice social distancing.

• Wear a mask.

• Get tested if you think you’ve been exposed.

• Get vaccinated, if possible.

• Seek treatment from your doctor.

dhs.gov/epidemicpandemic

Red Tide

• Avoid affected areas.

• See Pinellas County Environmental

Management for more information on Red Tide, including status and resources, at pinellascounty.org/environmental/ red-tide.htm.

• Report fish kills to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Fire

• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

• Have a fire evacuation plan.

• Be safe around backyard grills and firepits.

• Observe restrictions on fires during dry seasons.

• Visit the National Fire Protection Association website at nfpa.org/public-education.

Wildfire

• Use Firewise, fdacs.gov, practices around your home.

• Shelter in place for respiratory issues.

• Evacuate if there is a threat of fire spreading.

• Visit the National Weather Services website at weather.gov/safety/wildfire.

Emergency Information Pinellas County will provide up-to-the-minute updates and important information that you need to help you protect yourself, your loved ones and your property, and to keep you informed before, during and after an emergency. During an emergency, check the Emergency Information page at pinellascounty.org/emergency frequently for the latest official information.

County Information Center During emergencies, the County Information Center is opened to answer your questions.

Call 727-464-4333. The hours will be announced through alerts, social media and the Pinellas County website at pinellascounty.org/ emergency.

Live Chat Operators are available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. to answer your questions. Live Chat becomes part of the County Information Center during emergencies and may be preferable for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It can be found on any page on the Pinellas County website at pinellascounty.org.

6 Tampa Bay Times/NIE https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat https://www.dhs.gov/epidemicpandemic https://www.pinellascounty.org/environmental/red-tide.htm Https://www.nfpa.org/public-education https://www.fdacs.gov https://www.weather.gov/safety/wildfire https://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency https://www.pinellascounty.org http://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency https://www.pinellascounty.org/environmental/red-tide.htm https://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency https://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning

Cyber Incident Cyberattacks involve computers, networks, information, or services that affect daily operations on a large scale. These attacks can cause loss of money or the theft of personal, financial and medical information. Those who work in cybersecurity put safeguards in place to prevent, detect and respond to these threats.

Protective measures may include:

• Regular maintenance of computer and online devices for security and use of strong passwords or even two-step verification.

• Monitoring of your bank and credit accounts, or if you are a business, monitoring your system for theft of your client’s information.

• Disconnecting from the internet and working with computer experts or even law enforcement to report concerns.

See the Federal Emergency Management Agency for more information on cybersecurity and how to protect yourself against cyberattacks, ready.gov/ cybersecurity

Geological Sinkholes are a geological occurrence that can happen in Florida. Sinkholes are caused by a collapse of near-surface ground due to the formation of cavities or fissures. Sinkholes can form in minutes or over the course of years. It is important to note that not all holes in the ground are real sinkholes. Extended periods of drought and/or inland flooding could lead to more sinkholes due to changes under the surface.

Protective measures may include:

• Having the area assessed by a certified home inspector or foundation specialist.

• Leaving your home or the area if the sinkhole poses a risk to the structure.

For more information on sinkholes, see the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, floridadep.gov/fgs/sinkholes.

Hazardous Materials Incident A hazardous material is any substance that poses a threat to humans, animals or the environment – usually it is a biological, chemical or radiological hazard. Hazardous materials can produce an array of effects on humans, animals, and the environment with both short-term and long-term impacts. Hazardous materials are regulated within the United States by a variety of agencies at the federal, state and local level.

A hazardous materials incident can occur practically anywhere within Pinellas County, as these incidents can occur anywhere during the production, transportation, storage, and/or use of hazardous materials. Depending on the hazardous material and the conditions present, harmful effects may be isolated to the immediate vicinity or may cause impacts for many miles.

Protective measures may include:

• Sheltering in place.

• Evacuation.

• Decontamination if you have been exposed to the hazardous material.

See the Federal Emergency Management Agency for more information on Hazardous Materials Incidents, ready.gov/hazardous-materials-incidents.

Terrorism or Attacks in Public Places Terrorism is the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to threaten, or coerce, a government, the civilian population, or a segment of the population for political or social gain. The effects of terrorism can vary from loss of life and injuries to property damage and disruptions in services such as electricity, water supply, public transportation and communications.

Types of attacks can include:

• Active shooter: Individuals using firearms to cause mass casualties.

• Individuals using a vehicle to cause mass casualties.

• Individuals using homemade bombs to cause mass casualties.

• Other methods of mass attacks may include knives, fires, drones or other weapons.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging participation in Florida’s “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign, flseesay.org/ S4/Tools.aspx, which is dedicated to educating the public on the indicators of terrorism-related suspicious activity and emphasizes the importance of reporting such activity to local law enforcement. Residents are encouraged to download the Florida See Say mobile app to report suspicious activity. The app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Protective measures may include:

• Reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement.

• Training the community about recognizing acts of terrorism and how to report them.

• See the Department of Homeland Security, dhs.gov, for information on types of threats to report.

Tampa Bay Times/NIE 7

G O I N G B E Y O N D T H E T E X T

Shocking energy Static electricity is a fixed electric charge that is built up on a material. A common example of static electricity is the slight electrical shock that we can get when we touch a doorknob during dry weather. The static electricity is formed when we gather extra electrons, (negatively charged particles, which we rub off carpeting) and they are discharged onto the doorknob.

Try this: Rub a wool (not acrylic) cap on your hair (on a dry day). This removes some of the electrons from your hair, giving each hair a slight positive electrical charge. Like charges repulse one another, so each hair resists the other hairs. The result is your hair will stand straight up on your head.

Did you know that static electricity and lightning are both forms of energy? There are many different forms of energy. Look in the newspaper for pictures and words that are forms of energy. Cut out the words and pictures you find and create an energy collage to share with your class. Write a paragraph explaining the importance of energy to your life.

https://floridadep.gov/fgs/sinkholes https://www.dhs.gov https://flseesay.org/S4/Tools.aspx https://flseesay.org/S4/Tools.aspx https://ready.gov/cybersecurity https://ready.gov/cybersecurity https://ready.gov/hazardous-materials-incidents https://ready.gov/hazardous-materials-incidents

MAKE A PLAN

Once you know your risk, you can make a plan for what you will do if one of these hazards occurs. Your plan should include everyone in your family:

children, people with special needs and your pets. You can also include your neighbors, friends or extended family in your plan.

Prepare your home If you are doing repairs or renovations to your home, consider strengthening your home against wind and water intrusion. There are four critical areas: roof, windows, foundation and garage doors. Learn how to mitigate at pinellascounty.

org/emergency/RebuildRight.

Prepare your condo If you live in a condo, understand what your responsibility is and what the responsibility of the condo association is when it comes to insurance and mitigation measures.

• Ensure you bring in all items from your porch/balcony before the storm.

• If you live in an evacuation zone and are ordered to evacuate, you need to leave. Even if you live on a floor that is above the expected surge, your building and the surrounding area will be impacted, and it may be days before anyone can get to you.

• When you return to your building, you may need to use the stairs, as the power or the elevators may not be in service.

• Fire safety systems such as sprinklers may not be working after an event, especially if there was a drop in water pressure.

Prepare mobile homes Mobile homes, manufactured homes and recreational vehicles are not sturdy enough to withstand the strong winds of a hurricane.

You can strengthen your home, but you still must leave your home when an evacuation order is given in Pinellas County.

To strengthen your mobile home:

• Add anchors and straps if needed.

• Replace rusted anchors and connections.

• Tighten straps.

• Fix wood rot and termite damage at connections, joists and trusses.

Before you evacuate:

• Place shutters/plywood over windows.

• Remove loose items from around your unit.

• Lower TV and radio antennas.

• Lower/remove awnings.

• Elevate belongings if your park often floods.

• Shut off power and/or breakers.

Prepare your yard Getting your yard ready to weather the storm can help keep you and your home safe. High winds can turn even the heaviest items into deadly projectiles that can break through your windows, doors and even walls.

To prepare:

• Properly prune trees and shrubs before any storms threaten. Do not leave piles of branches that can become missiles in high winds.

• Keep your gutters and downspouts clear and in good working order.

• Replace rock/gravel with lightweight mulch.

• When a hurricane warning is issued, bring in all yard items such as furniture, toys, bird baths/ feeders and barbecue grills.

• Do not drain your pool. Super-chlorinate the water and turn off all electricity to the pool for the duration of the storm.

• For more information, see the Trees and Hurricanes webpage at hort.ifas.ufl.edu/ treesandhurricanes.

Prepare your boat

• Keep insurance up to date.

• Create a hurricane plan for your boat and file a copy with the marina operator.

• Take a photographic inventory of your boat and its contents.

• Purchase and stow a mooring line - it should be about twice the thickness of normal line. Allow extra length for tide and storm surge.

• When a storm is approaching, remove loose items on the deck and store them on land.

• Shut off fuel lines at the tank.

• Keep batteries charged; make sure bilge pumps are operating properly.

• Secure hatches and doors.

• Use several cleats to distribute the load on the boat.

• Use chafing gear, such as a reinforced radiator hose, where lines will rub for protection – several feet on each side.

• Disconnect electric, water, fuel and other dock connections.

Land storage

• Store boat and trailer in a secure, covered building, such as a garage, if possible.

• If left outside, secure using ground hooks and straps.

• Put wooden blocks between trailer frame and springs for extra support with added weight.

Anchored storage

• Anchor on the lee side of protective land rather than mooring to a dock.

• Use two anchors and no stern anchor.

• Line length should be six to nine times water depth for storm surge shift.

• Keep batteries charged and bilge pumps operating properly.

8 Tampa Bay Times/NIE http://pinellascounty.org/emergency/RebuildRight http://pinellascounty.org/emergency/RebuildRight https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/treesandhurricanes/ https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/treesandhurricanes/

Pledge to Plan Scan the QR code with your phone to commit to making a plan or updating your current one.

Check Your Insurance Most forms of disaster assistance require a specific declaration from the President. This is not always offered after a disaster, and it often comes in the form of loans that must be repaid. Having the proper insurance policies means that coverage and assistance is available regardless of disaster declarations.

Property and casualty insurance covers your belongings and also provides you with liability coverage in case you are found at fault for injury or property damage in an accident. If you own property, such as a home, rental property, boat or business, ask your insurance agent about the options for insuring that property against financial loss.

• Understand your policy, coverages, deductibles, exclusions, and responsibilities after a loss and the statute of limitation for filing a claim.

• Loss Assessment coverage is an option that you can add onto your homeowners or condo insurance policy. This coverage helps protect you if you live in a shared community and are responsible for a portion of damage or loss in a common area.

• Loss of Use, also known as Additional Living Expense, protects you if you must live somewhere else while your home is being repaired. Most flood insurance policies do not cover Loss of Use.

Before the event:

• Take photos or video and inventory your property.

You will need this if you have to make a claim.

Make sure you have all of your important documents together.

• Back your photos and documents up electronically using cloud-based storage.

After the event:

• Take photos or video of the damage to document your losses for your insurance claim before you move any debris or remove damaged belongings.

• Make a list of damaged contents.

• File your insurance claims promptly. There are time limitations on submitting claims with many insurance companies.

• Do not sign an Assignment of Benefits. In Florida, there’s a rapidly growing scam in which some unscrupulous home repair vendors pressure homeowners to sign away the rights and benefits of their insurance policies as a condition of performing work. This practice has led to grossly inflated claims and an explosion of Assignment of Benefit lawsuits against insurers, which is driving up the cost of homeowners’ coverage for consumers.

Disaster restoration companies:

• From homeowners insurance to commercial insurance for your business, many restoration companies offer special or “preferred” programs for clients that contract prior to hurricane season for their services. Often, this includes a no-cost evaluation to determine the specific risks and needs associated with your property.

• Establishing this relationship during “blue skies,” or prior to hurricane season, ensures you will be able to secure the assistance you need after sustaining a loss from a storm. Once the storm has hit, these companies are overwhelmed with calls requesting bids for service. These “preferred” programs not only secure you as a client but can also protect you from the increase in cost due to the demand for restoration service throughout the county.

• In addition, restoration companies are familiar with the insurance claims process and work with insurance companies regularly.

• It is important to confirm the company you contract with is licensed, bonded and insured.

Retrofit guides and information:

• Disaster Safety, disastersafety.org

• Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, flash.org

• Florida Division of Emergency Management’s

Hurricane Retrofit Guide, apps.floridadisaster.

org/hrg

G O I N G B E Y O N D T H E T E X T

Being prepared As hurricane season approaches, look through the pages of the Tampa Bay Times for information about hurricane safety and preparedness. Print or cut out any articles you find and paste them on separate sheets of paper. Keep them handy with the checklists that you have created. Get help with your checklist on page 10.

Checklists are a good way to make sure you have everything you need to be prepared.

Divide your class into groups. Assign one of the following tasks to each group:

• Create a complete checklist for pets.

• Create a checklist of important papers.

• Create a checklist of items for small children, disabled persons, or elderly family members.

• Create a list of items that you must take with you or store safely in waterproof bags or boxes if you evacuate.

• Make a list of tasks to perform outside of your home.

• Make a list of tasks to perform inside of your home.

You can also do a lot of research online through websites for: Pinellas County Emergency Management, Florida Division of Emergency Management, Pinellas County chapter of the American Red Cross and the National Hurricane Center. You may want to put all the information you gathered into a notebook for reference when a hurricane is threatening.

Tampa Bay Times/NIE 9 https://flash.org https://disastersafety.org https://apps.floridadisaster.org/hrg/ https://apps.floridadisaster.org/hrg/

Build Your Kit Assembling an emergency kit now can help you make sure you and your family have what you need in an emergency. To simplify the process, Pinellas County Emergency Management recommends that you keep these items ready to go in case you need them on a moment’s notice.

Basic Supplies

Sanitation: Wipes, antibacterial hand gel, soap, toilet paper, hygiene supplies, feminine supplies, diapers, cloth face covering. Enough for each family member.

Water: At least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking, and an additional one gallon per person per day for hygiene and cooking, for seven days.

One-week supply of nonperishable food that does not require cooking. For example: dried fruit, canned tuna fish, peanut butter, etc. Remember comfort foods.

Non-electric can opener.

Medications and copies of prescriptions. Ask your pharmacist for a printout.

Rain gear.

Flashlight or lantern.

Battery-operated or hand-crank radio.

Extra batteries.

First aid supplies: Over-the-counter pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medicine, laxative, antihistamine, anti-itch cream, antiseptic.

Insect repellent.

Extra batteries for medical devices such as hearing aids.

Eyeglasses and extra contact lenses.

Extra bottled oxygen if needed.

Small generator for electrically-dependent equipment like an oxygen concentrator or nebulizer.

Cash for when ATMs are out of service. Small bills will make purchasing easier.

Emergency Access Permit (for barrier islands).

Books, cards, board games for entertainment.

Full tank of gas in vehicle.

Extra gas cans.

Cellphone with charger, extra battery backup, solar charger.

Emergency contacts in mobile device and printed for backup.

Information downloaded to your mobile device (contacts, maps).

A paper map.

Paper and pencil.

Sunscreen.

Important Documents

Take photos of your documents for backup.

Put paper copies together in a sealed plastic bag.

Driver’s license or ID card.

Emergency Access Permit for barrier island residents and businesses.

Social Security card.

Important numbers and emergency contacts.

Medical records: Pharmacy prescription record, doctors, medications, dosages, blood type.

Insurance policies for home, health, flood, auto, renters.

Titles to house, cars and boats.

Pay stubs for disaster assistance eligibility.

Household inventory for insurance claims: Photo or video documentation stored online.

Other irreplaceable papers: Birth, marriage, divorce, death and adoption certificates; passports; military records; wills, trust documents.

Account numbers for bank, credit cards, savings and investments.

All Hazards Preparedness Guide.

Basic Supplies for Babies Diapers.

Wipes.

Clothing.

Plastic bags.

Formula.

Sterilized bottles.

Bottled Water.

Pacifier.

Comfort items.

Blanket.

Thermometer.

Basic Supplies for Pets and Service Animals Enough pet food and water for two weeks.

Identification/chip (remember to update).

County license.

Immunization records.

Photo.

Collar and leash.

Medications for two weeks with instructions.

Toys/blanket.

Cat litter, pan, scoop.

Plastic waste bags.

Disinfectant.

Paper towels.

Carrier or crate.

Newspaper or other lining.

Supplies to Add If You Go to a Host Home or Hotel In addition to basic supplies:

Pillow and blankets.

Air mattress, sleeping bag, floor mat or other as needed.

Food and water. Find out from the host what you can bring, including perishable food.

Paper plates, plastic cups and utensils.

Complete change of clothing for several days.

Check with your host to see what they need.

Public Shelter – General In addition to basic supplies:

Wearable medical alert tag.

Blanket, pillow, cot, folding chair or twin-size air mattress.

Complete change of clothing for several days.

Special dietary items (sugar-free, low sodium, gluten-free, etc.) with can opener if required. Common food and water is supplied.

Flashlight.

Ear plugs.

Eye mask/covering for sleeping.

Battery-powered fan.

Battery-powered radio.

Public Shelter - Special Needs In addition to basic supplies:

Any durable medical equipment or supplies you may need such as:

Portable oxygen.

Wheelchair, walker or cane.

Oxygen concentrator.

Nebulizer.

Medications in the original container (two-week supply).

Personal hygiene: Toothbrush, wipes, soap, hairbrush, adult diapers.

Written instructions or orders regarding your care.

Pet emergency kit. Pets will not be staying with you.

Supplies to Add If You Shelter in Place (or When You Return) A kit for home

10 Tampa Bay Times/NIE

Two weeks of fluids to drink and nonperishable food that does not require cooking. For example: dried fruit, canned tuna fish, peanut butter, etc. Remember comfort foods.

Paper plates, plastic cups and utensils.

Cooler with ice. Make extra ice in plastic bags and plastic food storage containers, and keep those in the freezer to keep food cold longer.

Insect repellent.

Sunscreen.

Tarps with rope or elastic cord.

Whistle to signal for help.

Tools: Wrench to shut off water; utility knife for sheeting;

and duct tape, hammer and nails to make temporary repairs.

Dust mask.

Sheets of plastic and duct tape to seal windows and doors if ordered to do so.

Matches or lighter in waterproof container.

Large garbage bags.

Portable toilet: Use one from a boat or camper, or make one using a five-gallon bucket with lid, trash bags, chlorine bleach.

Household chlorine bleach with medicine dropper to disinfect or treat water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleach with added cleaners.

Extra gas for a generator and somewhere safe to store it.

Extra propane or charcoal for outdoor grill.

Battery-powered fan.

Camera to take photos/video of damage.

Disinfectant to prevent mold.

Pet Disaster Preparedness When disaster strikes, it is vital that you and your family stay safe – and that includes your pets. By having a plan and practicing it, you can be prepared to act at a moment’s notice should a major storm come your way. Here are some ways to keep your furry family members safe, courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States:

Preparing for your pets Pets are an important part of your family, and it will be up to you to plan for them.

• Make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations and their county license is valid.

• Microchip your animal in case you get separated and be sure to update your contact information if it changes.

• Take a photo of you and your pet together. Keep it with your important documents and on your phone.

• Build a pet emergency kit.

• If you must evacuate, take your pet with you. Keep them on a leash or in their crate.

• Wherever you end up evacuating to during the event, ensure your destination is pet-friendly.

Before the storm

• Microchip pets or put a tag on their collar with your name, address and cellphone number.

• Have a plan established detailing which family member is responsible for your pet’s needs (who will grab the pet, the food, water, emergency kit, carrier, etc.).

• Know a safe place where your pets can go if you need to evacuate or seek shelter.

• Evacuate your family and pets as early as you can and remember to take your disaster preparedness kit for your pets (First Aid kit, leashes, and pets’ carrying cases, bowls, sanitation materials, chew toy, minimum three days, ideally 7-10 days of food, medications, water, your veterinarian’s contact information, a photo of your pet).

• Bring pets inside; bring outdoor animals inside with a carrier ready that is large enough to turn around and lie down comfortably.

• If your family must evacuate, take your pets with you.

During the storm

• Choose a safe room for riding out the storm — an interior room without windows.

• Stay with pets. If crated, they depend on you for food and water. Don’t leave pets in vehicles.

• Keep your emergency kit in that room with you (food, water, litter, meds, etc.).

• Know your pet’s hiding places.

That’s where they may run; keep them with you.

• Secure exits and cat doors so pets can’t escape into the storm.

• Do not tranquilize your pets.

They’ll need their survival instincts should the storm require that.

After the storm

• Make sure the storm has fully passed before going outside and assess damages before allowing children or animals out.

• Keep dogs on a leash and cats in a carrier. Displaced objects and fallen trees can disorient pets and sharp debris could harm them.

• Give pets time to become re-oriented. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and cause a pet to become confused or lost.

• Keep animals away from downed power lines and water that may be contaminated.

• Your pet’s behavior may change after a crisis, becoming more aggressive or self-protective.

Be sensitive to these changes.

Animals need comforting, too.

G O I N G B E Y O N D T H E T E X T

Thirty-second warning The 30-30 Rule determines the threat of lightning to you. Start counting as soon as you see a lightning flash and keep counting until you hear the thunder associated with the flash. Sound travels at about five seconds per mile. How many miles away is the lightning if you hear thunder 30 seconds after you see the strike?

Did you know that lightning is a form of energy? There are many different forms of energy. Look in the Tampa Bay Times for pictures and words that are forms of energy.

Cut out the words and pictures you find and create an energy collage to share with your class.

Tampa Bay Times/NIE 11

Prepare Your Business It is critical to have a business continuity plan so that you can resume offering your services to the community as soon as possible after a storm.

• Get help with business disaster planning by contacting the Florida Small Business Development Center at Pinellas County Economic Development online at pced.

org or at 727-453-7332.

• Make a plan for doing business without power: alternate locations, cloud-based storage of your documents, and creating an employee, vendor and key client communication plan.

• Ensure your employees are prepared and know what the plan is to report back to work after the storm.

• Review your business insurance coverage.

• Visit St. Pete/Clearwater provides information and resources to help those åin the tourism industry before, during and after a disaster. For information, call 727-464-7200.

• All businesses in Pinellas that have sustained damage or economic injury due to a disaster should complete the Florida Business Damage Assessment. The state uses this information to assign resources to our area.

See FloridaDisaster.biz.

• Once a disaster has been declared, disaster loan assistance may be available. Pinellas County Economic Development can help businesses with applications for business emergency bridge loans and loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

http://www.FloridaDisaster.biz http://pced.org http://pced.org

Preparing Kids for Disasters Once you know your risk, you can make a plan for what you will do if one of these hazards occurs. Your plan should include everyone in your family, especially children.

Disasters are scary for everyone but even more so for young kids. Here are some ideas to help them be prepared:

• Young children should have a

“go kit” with items to keep them busy and give them comfort.

A favorite toy, teddy bear or even favorite snacks should be included in the kit.

• Involve older kids in your planning, such as helping to check supplies or making a shopping list.

• Have family drills on fire, tornado and hurricane safety and know where to go if a disaster happens.

Learn more about weather and all-hazard preparedness:

• Weather Wiz Kids – weatherwizkids.com/weather-hurricane.htm

• HowStuffWorks – science.howstuffworks.com/ nature/natural-disasters/ disaster-preparedness-quiz.htm

• Pinellas County Kids Activity Booklet – pinellacounty.org/ kids/pdf/hurricane_activity_ book.pdf

Meet “Prepared Pinella”

Word Search Look for the items in the emergency supply kit below.

Batteries Books

Cellphone Games

Pet food Medications

Cat litter

Dog leash Nonperishable food

Sanitary wipes Disinfectant Paper towels

Flashlight Cash

Can opener First aid kit

Water Eyeglasses

Battery-powered fan

U F V J A H R E Y X M D R N F Y S D K R

H S A C C E S B C E A N S L U E L O V P

Z U J B T K A A D C S Z A G P P A O R K

R V R A K V W I E V I S J I Y E T F Q O

L D W E L R C E E L H H W H H T I E S S

J N K X N A K N U L G Y I B O F K L K E

S O O V T E P G I S R O G O Y O D B O I

S Y H I I W P G K A W W D A C O I A I R

X R O A P V H O T Z N S A J M D A H F E

U N K Y I T O I N Y V J J K W E T S P T

S J D P T B N I Y A K A C X P X S I A T

E Y E G L A S S E S C J G K F T R R P A

O Y D I S I N F E C T A N T B I I E E B

Z H Z C E L L P H O N E O P P G F P R J

N A F D E R E W O P Y R E T T A B N T Z

K K H Y Y I H S O Y R F U L M V V O O N

M H F R O H M O Y L A A G Q E T A N W V

T L H H C C G Z P B D Y D X V P K T E C

L V V G I O C P D O I V E I B L B K L J

R B D B W R E T T I L T A C O H G F S C

G O I N G B E Y O N D T H E T E X T

Kids Kit Disasters typically give little warning and can leave confusion and devastation in their wake.

That is why it is important to be prepared by having an emergency kit for your home and for use during an evacuation.

For this activity, create an emergency kit in the form of a poster or diorama. Look through the Tampa Bay Times for words, images – cartoons, advertisements and photos – to create your disaster supply art project. You can include any of the items listed on page 10.

Send a photo of your poster to ema@ pinellascounty.org with the subject line: Kids Kit Contest. One winner will be chosen for elementary, middle and high school. The winner of the contest will receive a NOAA Weather Radio and a pizza party for the class to enjoy. Be sure to email your submissions by May 16.

G O I N G B E Y O N D T H E T E X T

Learning new words When you study meteorology and weather, you come up against some tough vocabulary words! Most vocabulary words are learned from context clues or good old-fashioned dictionary work. While you read this publication, be sure to highlight or circle words you don’t know. Try to figure out their meanings by looking for clues in the sentences around these unknown words. Write down your best guess and then look the words up in a dictionary. As a group activity, make a list of the words you and your classmates have identified and see which ones stumped the class. See how many of these words you can find in the Tampa Bay Times.

G O I N G B E Y O N D T H E T E X T

Challenge your classmates Much damage is done to homes and businesses each year by extreme weather. Using the classified ads in the Tampa Bay Times, compete with classmates to see who can identify the most businesses and services that might be of use to a community that has experienced any of the following disasters: tornadoes, hurricanes or floods. For example, you might select a disc jockey who could entertain the volunteer workers and residents of a tent city set up to house those who lost their homes as a result of a major hurricane.

Think outside the box, be creative, and be prepared to explain your selections. Create a poster letting everyone know what services are available.

12 Tampa Bay Times/NIE https://weatherwizkids.com/weather-hurricane.htm https://www.science.howstuffworks.com/nature/natural-disasters/disaster-preparedness-quiz.htm http://www.pinellacounty.org/kids/pdf/hurricane_activity_book.pdf http://www.pinellacounty.org/kids/pdf/hurricane_activity_book.pdf mailto:ema@pinellascounty.org mailto:ema@pinellascounty.org

Staying Safe Shelter in place A shelter-in-place order means conditions are not safe outside, and you should shelter where you are until it is safe for you to go outside again.

This may be due to a hazardous materials spill or incident, severe weather, such as tornadoes or tropical storms and hurricanes.

If it is a hurricane, you should plan to shelter in place outside of an evacuation area in a strong structure.

Sheltering in place may include:

• Closing and securing your windows and doors.

• For high wind events, securing outside furniture and other items that may become projectiles.

• For hurricanes, hardening your home with window and door protection to minimize damages.

You may need your emergency kit supplies during this time, so know where to find them.

Sheltering in place could be at your own home, at a friend’s home, in a hotel/motel, at a local business or church, at school or at a public shelter. If public shelters are open for an event, they will be posted on the Emergency Information page on the Emergency Management website, pinellascounty.org/emergency, or announced through the media and alerts.

See the many ways to stay informed on the Emergency Management website at pinellascounty.org/emergency or download the mobile app, Ready Pinellas.

Safe room A safe room is an interior room, closet or a stairwell, preferably without windows. This room will provide the maximum safety during tornadoes and hurricanes when winds are the highest. FEMA offers information on how to set up a safe room at fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/safe-rooms.

Should I stay or should I go?

Use this tool to see if and when you would have to evacuate.

Stay GoStay START HERE Go

Tampa Bay Times/NIE 13

Do you live in a mobile home park?

If you answer

YES

You are considered to be Zone A and must ALWAYS evacuate when Level A or higher is ordered.

Look up your evacuation zone:

● https://kyz.pinellascounty.org

● Pinellas County Utilities bill

● Property Appraiser records

● Call (727) 453-3150 (automated— for landlines only).

If you answer NO

If you do not live in a mobile home, do you live in an evacuation zone?

YES

Once you find your zone, write it down and follow the guidelines.

YES

Are you in the zone ordered to evacuate?

YES

You must ALWAYS evacuate when your zone is ordered to evacuate.

Always evacuate outside the area ordered to evacuate.

NO

NO

You will not have to evacuate. Consider being a host home to friends and family. Invite people to stay with you and together you can secure your home and stock it with the essentials you will need to ride out the storm and survive the days that follow.

Sandbags Sandbags are available at home improvement stores and may be provided by Pinellas County and local municipalities at certain times prior to flooding emergencies.