TOP TIPS

• Residents of condominiums located within an ordered evacuation zone will be asked to evacuate, either to another location of their choice or to a Red Cross shelter.  No one should remain in the building.
• Residents must contact your building manager or President if they are concerned about the protection of their building (e.g. lack of shutters, or their anability to install shutters on their own).
• Condominiums located within areas not ordered to evacuate should select a building coordinator who has knowledge of hurricane preparedness, and will lead residents on how to prepare for the storm.
• Managers and Presidents of condominiums located within areas not ordered to evacuate should establish a building security detail to coordinate hurricane preparedness activities for multiple tenant buildings.
• Designate a person to be a liaison with the Police Department for information before and after the hurricane.

BEFORE THE STORM

Building Managers and Presidents 

• Locate a safe area for residents to congregate.  Instruct them to stay away from windows and sliding glass doors.
• Make provisions for sheltering other people who might be trapped when evacuation routes are closed by the storm.
• Test the operation of the emergency generator, if there is one.  Check fuel level
• Bring all fire extinguishers indoors.
• Check first aid kits
• Ensure tools and materials that might be needed for repairs are readily accessible
• Secure grounds by setting up guidelines for safety of cars and recreational equipment
• If your building has elevators, see the "Elevator" section of this document for more detailed information on what steps should be taken to prepare your building's elevator for a hurricane.

RESIDENTS

• If permitted, install shutters (commercially approved type or plywood).  Check fasterners to ensure shutters are snug against the wall.
• Close and lock all windows and sliding glass doors
• Draw all shades. Close all blinds and drapes.
• Place folded towels on windowsills and inside the bottom of doors leading outside the absorb any leaking water.
• Wedge patio doors shut to prevent them from being blown off
• Remove all loose items from terrace or patio (hanging plants, lawn chairs, etc.) Do not place outdoor furniture in the swimming pool as it could be damaged while in the pool or cause damage it blown out of the pool by high wind.
• Remove fragile objects from wall shelves. Store in closet and off the floor to safeguard from storm vibrations.
• Locate the exit stairway nearest to you and count the number of steps from your door to the exit (in case lights are out in the hallway).
• Stay in your condominium in a room with a few or no windows.
• Determine a location outside of the building for members of your family to meet in the event you are asked to evacuate.
• Telephone that does not require power. No cordless phones.

ELEVATORS

BUILDINGS MANAGERS/PRESIDENTS SHOULD PROPERLY PREPARE ELEVATORS FOR A HURRICANE EMERGENCY.

BEFORE THE STORM

• Clear out gutters, drains and downspouts to prevent an accumulation of rainwater that may cascade to the floors below and find its way into the elevator shafts, causing electrical shortages and a shutdown.
• Park the elevator car at the top floor so that if an upper floor is flooded, the water will not fall on top of the car and damage its operating panel, door operator, electrical devices and wiring.
• Pull the disconnect switches in the machine room and close and lock the door to prevent the elevator from operating during a hurricane.

DURING THE STORM

• Elevators should not function during a hurricane emergency.  Water may damage the machinery and passengers can become trapped in the cars.  Telephones may be inoperative and elevator mechanics may be unable to handle emergencies due to flooded and unsafe roads.

AFTER THE STORM

• Once the hurricane is over, check the elevator machine room, all electrical equipment, hoist ways and pits before starting the elevators. 
• If water has affected any of these areas, have the equipment inspected before placing the elevators back in service.
• Taking these precautions may prevent long elevator shutdowns, unnecessary repair expenses, inconvenience and personal injury.

SENIORS

TOP TIPS

• Gather important identification information well in advance of the hurricane. Basic identification information can be printed on an armband.  More extensive identification should be in a wallet or purse.
• Have a small bag packed with several changes of clothes, one month's supply of medications, important papers.

Have a disaster supplies on hand, including:

• Flashlight, portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First Aid kit
• Emergency food and water (including a non-electric can opener) 3-5 days supply
• Essential medicines
• Cash and Credit Cards
• Copies of important papers (bank statements, insurance records, deeds, etc.)
• Review the family disaster plan

WHEN A HURRICANE WATCH OR WARNING IS ISSUED

• Listen to hurricane progress reports.  Follow instructions of ordered to evacuate
• Check your emergency supplies. Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and cooking utensils
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings.
• Freeze containers of ice
• Fuel your car
• Review evacuation routes and gather your disaster supply kit
• Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container

IF EVACUATION IS NECESSARY

• If officials order evacuation, leave as soon as possible
• Avoid flooded roads
• Secure your home
• Leave contact number with Manager or President
• Take your pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm, protective clothing

BEFORE A HURRICANE STRIKES

• Plan a safe evacuation route and identify safe shelter space within your area. Those in storm zones, in flood zones, or in less than standard housing should be especially vigilant in preparing disaster plans. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter and ask for the community preparedness plan.

For further questions or concerns, please contact our non-emergency phone number at 561-586-2122.  

In case of an Emergency please dial 911