HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

Transcription

1 HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS JUNE - NOVEMBER 2015 Dear Condo Residents, As you may already know we recently completed our annual storm shutter inspections as well as our annual tree trimming. We will be inspecting our critical systems such as generators, emergency supplies and equipment as well as drains and backflow valves inthe upcoming weeks as we fully prepare the building for this year's hurricane season. We have composed an outline to help you prepare for any possible storm that may brew inthe next coming months. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our systems and procedures. IIN THE EVENT OF A HURRICANE, WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR CONDO ASSOCIATION: HURRICANE "WATCH": This is when conditions are possible in the specified area and can affect more than 100 miles of coastline. They are issued 48 hours in advance of an impending storm. Evacuating zones are identified by the likelihood of being flooded by this rising water. HURRICANE "WARNING": This is when hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning within twenty-four (24) hours of landfall. Complete all storm preparations and immediately follow local emergency management official's advice about evacuating dangerous or low-lying locations. BALCONIES: If a Hurricane is approaching, your Condo Management will issue a mandatory order to remove all balcony furniture including potted plants, tables, chairs, and anything affixed to the walls. If you are not going to be in the residence please make arrangements to get everything off your balcony preferably by someone other than a member of our staff as our staff will be very busy conducting other preparations in the building. However if a staff member is needed, please notify us as soon as possible. In the event any damages are caused due to flying objects from your unit the unit owner is responsible for the damages caused. Please remember that it Isthe resident's responsibility to secure their balconies?

2 WINDOW SHUTTERS: If it is determined that your Condo is inside the "Cone of Probability" and that a Hurricane may strike our immediate area within the next 5 days, we will issue an order to close all shutters. The building requires 4 days to completely close down so this has to start well in advance. We ask that if you plan on leaving town for several days during an active storm period, or if you plan on leaving town for an extended amount off time please have our maintenance personnel close your balcony shutters as this will save valuable time if the entire building needs to be shut down. DELIVERIES: No deliveries through the loading dock will be allowed once a Hurricane ''WARNING; WATCH" is announced. Please re-schedule and all delivery trucks will be turned away. EVACUATION: Mandatory evacuation if necessary, will be mandated by the local authorities. Complete all storm preparations and follow local emergency management official's advice. The management office will be in communication with the City and will distribute all pertinent information. We also urge you to visit the website: miamidade.gov/fire/emergency-management. asp and stay tuned to the local news. SHELTER FOR EVACUATION: The public shelters are far from comfortabl e. You must bring a bedroll, pillow, and food for at least three meals, flashlights, toilet paper, personal hygiene products, diapers, and water for each person in your family. The supply of food is limited and might not be to your liking. Remember, shelters are not designed for comfort but should always be considered a better alternative to staying at your Condo during a storm, so if you have no other choice, it is best to evacuate to a designated shelter. PETS: Most shelters do not permit pets. Please call Dade County Answer Center at 3-1-1or to receive information. Pets cannot be left in the unit unattended. Please make proper arrangements with your vet, kennel, friends or family to care for your pet. LEAVING YOUR UNIT: We advise you to call family members and let them know where you are going before you leave because phone service might be out, due to high winds, by the time you get to your destination. STAFF: The staff may only be available for several hours once a hurricane "WATCH" is issued. When the building is in hurricane ''WARNING, all staff persons will be on their way home. Key personnel will stay on a voluntary basis only and as time permits them to reach their homes safety. The only personnel present would be Security to lock down building and keep it that way until the storm has passed. Please remember, the staff must secure their own homes and families.

3 WATER: Keep at least one gallon of water per person for each day. A two-week supply is prudent. Clean your tub with bleach and fill your tub with water for cooking, washing and to flush your toilets. AIR CONDITIONING: In the event of a power loss, there will be no air conditioning in the units or the hallways. This will be an inconvenience to those planning to stay in the building. We are informing you in advance so that you can start thinking of alternate places to stay should we find ourselves in the need to evacuate our residents. If you choose to stay, it is recommended that you keep fans in your unit as the unit will get very hot and humid very fast.the heat in the hallways could set off the smoke detectors.you might occasionally hear alarms due to this condition. Provided we have emergency staff, the alarm Will be re-set as soon as we receive confirmation that it is false alarm. Staying at your Condo during a storm will be very uncomfortable please plan accordingly. ELECTRICITY/GENERATORS: In the event power is lost, the emergency generator will power ONE elevator, the emergency lights in the hallways, the lobby lights, and a select number of outside lights for safety. There is enough fuel to allow for up to 48 hours of continuous operation. However, should we suffer extensive damage, we will most likely ration fuel and shut down the generator at night. In the event that you decide to stay, we recommend that you DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR once the winds exceed 70 MPH as there is a possibility of the doors getting stuck due to the suction in the shaft. Please use the stairs after that point. All passenger elevators will be shut down After the evacuation has been mandated and during the passing of the storm. Please remember that should we suffer a loss of power, the emergency generator does not provide power to your units so there will be no electricity in the units. Please make sure each person in your Household has a flashlight available to them for use. KEEP A FLASHLIGHT READY AND NEARBY. EMERGENCY SERVICES: Once a mandatory evacuation is issued and shortly after the storm, emergency services may not be available due to impassable roadways.if you have a medical condition that could warrant a special need, you should consider other arrangements and relocating to a safe place. There will be no electricity in the units once we lose FPL service. Plan accordingly. POOL AND JACUZZI: The pool furniture will be stored during hurricane "WATCH. DO NOT USE the pool. The pool will be chlorinated during hurricane "WATCH" and will remain out of commission for at least two (2) days after the storm. GARAGE: Please note flooding may occur in the garage. Every car shall be fully insured, as the Association is not responsible for any losses for theft or damage to cars, bicycles or other vehicles and objects parked in the parking area or anywhere else on the property.

4 INSURANCE: Pictures and videos of the contents of your unit are crucial if you need to report a claim to your insurance company. Also, copies of warranty booklets with model and serial numbers of your personal property should be kept with the pictures. If you are leaving your unit, it is advisable to take copies of your pictures and policies with you. In the event your local agent is not available, make sure you have a corporate headquarters office telephone number to call. ENTRY: The front doors to the lobby will be locked once we are in hurricane "WARNING". Make sure you have proper ID to enter back into the building. NON-RESIDENT OWNERS: If you are not in residence, you need to note the follow ing: 1. In the event of a hurricane, the staff will likely not have time to take your furniture off your balcony or patio if Management is not advised with proper time. If the staff is instructed to enter units to remove patio furniture within 24 hours of a storm, the owners/tenants may be subject to a service fee if an outside company is needed to assist. Please remember that it s the owner's responsibility to secure the unit and balcony and not the staff's or management. 2. Please make a plan for a relative, friend or neighbor to check your unit before and after the storm. The staff may or may not be available to do this for you. 3. Make sure the sliding glass doors are securely LOCKED. 4. Make sure your main ball valve that closes the water to your unit inside you're A/C closet is operational. Also shut the breaker to your hot water heater. RECOVERY AFTER THE STORM: After the storm, roadway may be impassable making it impossible or difficult to return to the building. The landscaping crew, once they are able to return to work, will make a diligent effort to clear the roadways. Electricity and water may not be available. The emergency generator will probably be out of fuel causing lack of elevators, stairwell lights and hallway lights. You should have water on hand to carry you through until services are restored. RETURNING TO THE PROPERTY: Please be patient; Emergency officials' priority is public safety. Listen to the local news media for possible road closures and curfews. A re occupation order can take hours, days or even weeks depending on the severity of damage to the roads bridges and buildings. After the order for reoccupation is issued, you will have to provide proof of residency (driver's license and/or utility bill with current Dade address) to roadblock officials to re-enter the area. This is to protect your home and/or business from unwelcome visitors. To enter the building you will also need to provide ID and we encourage no guest allowed until the buildings fully operational again. We hope this pamphlet has been informative and will assist you during storm preparations.

5 IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT HAVING YOUR H0-6 INSURANCE POLICY IN PLACE It is strongly recommended that all unit owners have an insurance policy in place for their unit. It is important to have your unit insurance policy current so if a hurricane causes damage to the building your policy can help you cover the possible deductible that each owner would have to pay which can be high. The loss of assessment your policy would have will assist in paying this amount. If you have not submitted a copy of your insurance policy to your Condo man agement off ice, please do so by mailing, Faxing or ing it to the information below: We look forward to your prompt response and will record this information in your file. On behalf of the Association's Board and Management we thank all unit owners that voluntarily comply with obtaining proper insurance and securing the insurance protection that is needed for their unit.

6 YOUR CONDO ASSOCIATION, INC. RESIDENT EMERGENCY CONTACT FORM Date: Unit #: Name(s): I will be out of town during the hurricane season and in an emergency, I/we can be reached as follows: Phone Number (Please check) I designated a hurricane caretaker who is authorized to prepare my unit. My caretaker has a key to my Unit & knows how to prepare my Unit in the event of a hurricane. Hurricane Caretaker Information: Name Address Phone Number Please return to: The address of your condo association

7 PREPAREDNESS & EVACUATION INFORMATION Forecasts TROPICAL CLIMATE Tropical Depression -An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds * of 38 mph (33kt*) or less. Tropical Storm -An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of mph (34-36kt). Hurricane -An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64kt) or higher. I Saffir-Simpson Scale Category 1:Sustained winds of mph category 2: Sustained winds of mph Category 3: Sustained winds of mph category 4:Sustained winds of mph category 5: Sustained winds of mph Hurricane Watch-A hurricane may strike your area with hours. I Be Prepared Residents are urged to develop a disaster preparedness plan I before an emergency strikes. Plan in advance where you will stay, how you will get there, how you will get there and what supplies you will take. 1. Make arrangements with friends or relatives living in a non-- evacuation area or check into a hotel located inland; or, as a last resort, use a public shelter (see evacuation pickup sites under EVACUATION). 2. Have a transportation plan for emergencies. 3. Tell family or neighbors where you would go to stay in case of an emergency. 4. If you own a boat have a plan to secure it or take it elsewhere. 5. Don't leave your pet(s) behind. Make arrangements with a kennel or friend to care for your pet(s). There are Hotels that will accept pets with prior registration. (See Pet Friendly Hotels pg.2) Before Evacuating Secure your Condo Take down and bring in any sings, tables, garbage cans, plants, furniture, umbrellas, and other loose and/or unsecured structures from outdoors, including all balconies. Please keep the following in mind when preparing your home before evacuating: Fill Prescriptions and fill vehicle gas tanks Unplug TV/computer and bring antenna and satellite dish inside. Move furniture and electronics away from windows and cover with plastic Turn refrigerator to its coolest setting. Place valuables in waterproof containers and store in high place. IMPORTANT RESOURCES Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security 9300 NW 41stSt, Miami, FL (305)

8 Two-Week Supply of Necessary Item Maintain a two-week supply food of and drink for when you return to the city after a storm. You may include the following items: Water and Ice Special dietary needs item Small containers of canned meats, fruits, soups, etc. Dry cereal and crackers Granola/Cereal/protein bars, nuts, peanut butter/canned or bottled juices Dry or non-refrigerated mild and baby food or formula (if applicable) Survival Kit Keep a kit at your home with the following items in it. Some of these items will be needed to secure your home, some you will take with you when you evacuate, and others will be Needed once the storm has passed and you are allowed to re- occupy your home. -Radio/TV/Fan (Battery Powered) -Flashlights -Batteries -Can Opener -Seasonal Clothing -Blanket& Pillows -Mosquito/Insect repellant -Matches, Lantern or lighter -Prescription Medicines -First Aid Kit -Baby Diapers & Incontinent pads (If applicable) and Toiletries -Spare Keys to Home & Vehicle -Fuel (stored in an approved container) & Fire Extinguisher -Map of the area -Emergency cooking Facilities, Sterns, and Propane for gas grills -Get cash (small bills), as the power will prevent credit card usage. Additional items may be needed per your personal necessities. Pet-Friendly Shelter Only Not a General Population Shelter Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High 1410 County Line Road Miami,FL Hurricane Pet Kit... Pets should have proper ID (microchip, collar with tag. Tattoo) including name, address and phone number. Photo of pet and owner (to prove ownership) Up to date veterinarian records Flea & Tick prevention/treatments Remember to have proper leash, collar, and appropriate pet carrier (1per pet). A pet-friendly shelter operated by the American Red Cross and the Miami-Dade County Humane Society, is available to residents with pets who either live in an evacuation area, or a mobile home anywhere in Dade County. Pre-registration is required. Call the Humane Society at

9 The American Red Cross in coordination with other agencies operates shelters for evacuees at mainland schools and other facilities as deemed necessary during an evacuation. The locations are not pre-determined. The City of Miami Dade will begin evacuation procedures as soon as they re in an evacuation order for the state and county. Miami Dade County transit buses will provide free transportation to the mainland shelters from their locations in the county. Remember that pets are not allowed to go to general population shelters and therefore will not be allowed on the bus. Buses run continuous routes until Tropical Storm force winds arrive. Shelter announcements will be made available on local TV, City of Dade County radio or by calling 311. The shelters are not intended to be temporary housing. After a disaster, assessments will be made with local emergency managers as to continue and other shelter needs. IMPORTANT RESOURCES Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security 9300 NW 41st St, Miami, FL (305) Emergency Hotline DADE COUNTY RED CROSS FPL UTAGE Or (Dade County) (305) Miami-Dade Transit will activate specific Emergency Evacuation Bus Pick-Up Sites by zone. If a designated Emergency Evacuation Bus Pick-Up Site is not located near you, regular Miami-Dade Transit Bus Service will continue and residents can utilize regular routes to get to an evacuation bus pick-up site. Evacuees should advise the bus operator of their intention to go to an emergency evacuation pick-up site. Emergency Evacuation Bus Pick-Up Sites are identified by a sign that reads "EMERGENCY EVACUATION BUS PICK-UP Site. The buses placed into service for the evacuation will have displays that read "EMERGENCY EVACUATION" and these buses will only travel between the Emergency Evacuation Bus Pick-Up Site and the Hurricane Evacuation Center. Please note that the evacuation zones will be determined individually for each storm. To learn which Emergency Evacuation Bus Pick-Up Sites are during a particular storm you should listen to the local media, monitor the County's website at www. mi ami dade. gov/fire/emergency-management. asp, or contact Miami-Dade HUMANE SOCIETY OF DADE COUNTY (305) SALVATION ARMY SALV.ARMY -salvationarmyusa.org FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY TTY: Fema.gov/disasterhelp.gov Special Needs and Emergency Evacuation If you have special needs please contact the Broward Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security (DEM&HS) coordinates a program that provides assistance for individuals who need assistance during an emergency. The emergency Evacuation Assistant Program (EEAP) is specifically designed to identify and support members of the community who may require specialized shelter and transportation. Residents are encouraged to register for the program well before a storm threatens our region. If residents call at the last minute, all attempts will be made to assist them. The application is available in English, Spanish and Creole. Vital medical information included in the application will help DEM&HS determine eligibility for the program and the types of services needed. If you encounter an emergency please call 911

10 Emergency Evacuation Pick-Up Sites t) HURRICANE EVACUATION BUS STOP PAR ADA 0[ AUTOBUS PARA EVACUACION DE HUR ACANES ZONE A 2500 NE 135 ST CllY ZIP ZONE C ZONE C-EVACUATION BUS PICK-UPsms ADDRESS BAY VIEW TOWERS 2100 SANS SOUCI BO NORTH MIAMI ZIP 33181

11 2015 HURRICANE EVACUATION CENTERS Evacuating locally to the home of a friend or family member outside of the evacuation area is highly recommended. Hurricane Evacuation Centers should be utilized when the alternative does not exist. Remember, evacuation centers are not designed for comfort and not all accept pets. NOT EVERY SITE Wi OPEN FOR EVERY EVACUATIONI Please monitor the local radio or television, or dial 3-1-1(TDD (305) ) to find out which centers are open when an evacuation rider is announced. Peoplewho require special assistance in evacuating or would like to register for a pet-friendly evacuation center can dial 3-1-1to get information about specialized evacuation centers. The schools list below is accessible for people with disabilities.4 Dr.Michael M.Krop Senior 1410 NE 215TH Street North Miami-Dade,FL North Miami Senior NE 8TH Avenue North Miami, FL North Miami Beach Senior 1247 ne 167TH Street North Miami Beach,FL Highland Oaks Middle 2375 NE 203Ro Street North Miami Beach,FL Miami Central Senior 1781 NW 95TH Street Miami,FL Lawton Chiles Middle 8190 NW 197TH Street Northwest Miami-Dade,FL Hialeah Gardens Senior Hialeah Gardens Blvd. Hialeah Gardens,FL Barbara Goleman Senior NW 89TH Avenue Miami Lakes,FL Country Club Middle NW 75TH Place Northwest Miami-Dade,FL Miami Carol City Senior 3301Miami Gardens Drive Miami Gardens,FL 33056

12 Electrical Damage Your electrical system may have been damaged. If you see frayed wiring or sparks when you restore power, orif there Is an odor of something burning but no visible fire, you should Immediately shut off the electrical system at the circuit breaker. You should consult your utility company about using electrical equipment, including power generators. Be aware that t is against the law and a violation of electrical codes to connect to your home's electrical circuits without the approved, automatic-interrupt devices. If a generator on line when electrical services are restored, it can become a major fire hazard. In addition, the improper connection of a generator to your home's electrical circuits may endanger line workers helping to restore power in your area. Any electrical outlet or device exposed to flood waters needs to have the wires dried. Replace the electrical outlet and have the system checked by a certified electrician before turning on the circuit breakers and energizing the outlet for use. Water Damage Once you have established that no structural, electrical, or gas-related hazards exits J n your home, dry and disinfect all materials inside the house to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Walls, hard-surfaced floors, and many other household surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected with a solution of one cup of bleach to five gallons of water. Be particularly careful to thoroughly disinfect surfaces that may come in contact with food, such as counter tops, pantry shelves, refrigerators, etc. Areas where small children play also be carefully cleaned. Wash all linens and clothing in hot water or dry-clean them. From items that cannot be washed or dry cleaned, such as mattresses and upholstered furniture, air dry them in the sun and them then spray them thoroughly with a Disinfectant. Steam clean all carpeting. If there has been a backflow of sewage into the house, wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during cleanup. Remove and discard contaminated household materials that cannot be disinfected such as wall coverings, cloth, rugs, and drywall. All carpeting, and all dry wall damaged or wet from the storm needs to be removed to prevent molding Other Hazards. Downed Power lines To report a down power line call utage or Do not calls 911to report downed power lines. If a power line falls across your car while you are driving, continue to drive away from the line. If the engines stall, do not tum off theignition. Stay in your car and wait for emergency personnel. Do not allow anyone other than emergency personnel to approach your vehicle.