Amelia Island Plantation. Homeowner Emergency Preparedness Plan 2013

Transcription

1 Amelia Island Plantation Homeowner Emergency Preparedness Plan 2013

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction Equipping Your Home for a Severe Weather Event Planning for People with Special Needs Pets Out of State Emergency Contact Countdown to a Storm Evacuation Map Evacuation Shelters Pet Shelter After the Storm... 10

3 1. Introduction The following describes the steps to be taken in preparing your family, pets, and home in the event of a hurricane or other disaster. As members of AIPCA and residents of Florida either all the time or sometimes, we may not be able to prevent hurricanes, tornadoes and severe storms from occurring, but by planning ahead we can help save lives, property, and reduce the time it takes for our community to recover. In creating a resident s emergency plan, it is important to carefully consider the particular needs of the people who live in your home. This plan will help you prepare for future hurricanes and other disasters by providing useful planning tips, suggestions, and checklists. A prudent and viable Emergency Plan will include but not be limited to the following: Food and water supplies recommended for your family Tips and supplies for planning for pets Important documents and files to collect and protect Disaster Kits and what to have in them Your local evacuation routes Contact information for local emergency providers Checklist of important things to do before, during and after a disaster, and more! Be sure to update your Emergency Plan regularly. Be sure to carefully consider the different needs of each person in your household and make sure any special needs are included in your plan. Members of your household that might have special needs include infants, small children, elderly persons, and any persons with disabilities. Your family may not be together when a disaster occurs, so it is good to plan ahead and choose a place where you could meet after a disaster or how you will contact one another if you are separated. The following summary details action steps for pre-, during, and post-emergency. It covers the planning process, situation and hazard assessment, member responsibilities, safety and security of the members, and damage assessment and repair.

4 2. Equipping Your Home for a Severe Weather Event A few basic supplies and checklists will make a huge difference when severe weather is forecast. At a minimum, you should have the following supplies on hand. Take these with you should you be required to evacuate, because you will be expected to need these on your return: Flashlights and extra batteries Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries First aid kit and manual Emergency food and water Non-electric can opener Candles, matches or lighter in a waterproof container Wrench or pliers to turn off/on utilities (Locate household gas and water shutoff valves) Map of local area, including evacuation routes (See Section 7 for county map and evacuation routes.) NOTE: The AIA/SR 200 Bridge to the mainland is closed to vehicular traffic when sustained wind speeds exceed 40 MPH. If a storm is severe, then police and fire will also evacuate Amelia Island. For this reason, should you decide to stay, it is expected that there will be no 911 assistance available before and during the disaster incident. There are important papers and personal items that you should have in a container that will go with you if you have to evacuate. These items will vary by individual homeowner but might include: Birth and marriage certificates Social security cards Bank account numbers Tax returns for previous 2 years Credit card and cash Personal identification An extra set of car keys Map of your local area Insurance Policies (medical and homeowners) ICE (In Case of Emergency) List, to include doctors, relatives, and friends who should be notified if you are injured

5 3. Planning for People with Special Needs If you or someone within your household or renting your property has a disability or a special need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your family in an emergency. Here are some helpful tips to consider before an emergency occurs: Designate a support network of people in your area to help you in an emergency and provide them with a key to your house. Create an Emergency Kit containing supplies specific to your special needs (medications, extra eyeglasses, hearing aids, etc.) Contact the Security Department regarding your disability/special need. Enroll annually in Nassau County s Special Needs Evacuation Program. Info follows. The Nassau County Special Needs Evacuation Program is designed for those who have special physical / medical needs and may require government evacuation / shelter assistance in the event of an emergency. The Special Needs Evacuation Program requires you to enroll annually. Visit to download the Special Needs Evacuation Registration Form and then mail it to: Nassau County Emergency Management Office Citizens Circle Yulee, FL Pets Pet owners should make arrangements for their pets if they plan to evacuate. Assume you will be traveling off-island and make sure you have an airline approved pet carrier in case you need to stay in an emergency shelter. Since many shelters cannot accept pets, locate a kennel or animal clinic within driving distance of the island that can accommodate pets. Bring your pet s current paperwork, including proof of vaccinations, along with pet food and medications. If you plan to travel with your pet, make prior arrangements and reservations with pet friendly hotels. 5. Out of State Emergency Contact Designate an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person. Remember that some hurricanes knock down cell towers so occasionally even cell phones will not work after a hurricane event.

6 6. Countdown to a Storm A HURRICANE WATCH is issued when the onset of tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) appears possible in our area within 48 hours. The purpose of a hurricane watch is to ensure residents obtain supplies, secure their homes, and be prepared to evacuate. Nonresident members should contact their HOA-COA- POA or their property s manager if there is no HOA to assure that their regular preparation procedures are being followed, for example, that their renters are notified in a timely way so they can evacuate. Nonresident members are asked to stay away from the community, unless absolutely necessary. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information. NOAA Weather Radios or FM Radio Stations: WJCT 89.9 and WEJZ 96.1 National Weather Service Weather Forecast and Reports Phone for Nassau Emergency Information Line (rumor control.) The AIP Security Department will also be sending updates via s to AIPCA members, but these will be based on information received from NOAA, the National Weather Service and County Emergency Operations. Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind. Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, precut plywood can be a reliable substitute but this measure requires preparation and manufacture and will have to be accomplished prior to a hurricane. (Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended.) Ensure your car s gas tank is full, and you have plenty of cash on hand. Expect that electricity will not work at gas station pumps and automatic bank teller machines (ATMs). Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications as detailed in the Preparation Phase. Don t forget matches and candles! Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly. Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and other cooking containers. Expect that you will need approximately 3 gallons per day per person. Meet with your family and discuss your Hurricane Plan, including your designated Meeting and Check-in locations after a hurricane.

7 A HURRICANE WARNING is issued when a hurricane with sustained winds of 74 mph (65 knots, 118 km/h) or higher is expected within the next hours. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continue, even though the winds may have subsided below hurricane intensity. Complete necessary preparations to evacuate; until then, stay indoors, in the center of your home if possible, and away from windows. Interior bathrooms or closets are recommended locations. Higher elevations are preferred in case of flooding. Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes. Be aware that the eye of the storm is deceptively calm; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm can happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. If you are caught in a hurricane, seek highest elevation you can find to avoid rising ocean and marsh levels from the storm surge. If officials indicate EVACUATION is necessary: Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve. Avoid taking the elevator if you live in a high-rise building. A power outage could result in entrapment. Lock up your home and leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges. Tell your out-of-state emergency contact where you are going. Lock up home and leave early. Assume that all other residents of the county or region will also be leaving so assume travel time will take longer than usual. If you decide to stay when told to evacuate, remember that 911 personnel cannot help once wind speeds have exceeded sustained speed of 40 mph. You are on your own. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

8 7. Evacuation Map

9 8. Evacuation Shelters (Note: Not all shelters will be opened. The Nassau County Emergency Management Office will determine which shelters, and in which order, will be opened.) Callahan Intermediate School (General Population) Ball Park Rd. Callahan, FL Hilliard Middle-Senior High School (Special Needs Only Registration Required) 1 Flashes Ave. Hilliard, FL Yulee Elementary School (General Population and Pet Friendly - Registration Required) Felmore Rd Yulee, FL Hilliard Elementary School (General Population) Ohio St. Hilliard, FL West Nassau High School (General Population) 1 Warrior Dr. Callahan, FL Yulee High School (General Population) Miner Rd. Yulee, FL Yulee Middle School (General Population) Miner Rd. Yulee, FL Pet Shelter Yulee Elementary School Felmore Rd. Yulee, FL Registration All owners must pre-register their pets with Nassau County Animal Control. Please call (904) for registration and information.

10 10. After the Storm Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for instructions. If you evacuated your home, you can return ONLY when public officials tell you it is safe to do so, for example, after roads are cleared of debris or downed power lines, the Governor may lift the evacuation order for Nassau County but County Emergency Operations Director has power to stop the return until roads on Amelia Island are safe. Depending on the severity of the storm, military personnel may be stationed at the bridge to block access to Amelia Island and help secure the area. Such information is shared via local radio or TV or from AIPCA. Depending on storm severity, Amelia Island may be closed to all incoming traffic at the A1A bridge for several days or weeks. Check for damage in your home. Do not expect that electricity or water will be working upon your return immediately after a disaster. Electricity can be intermittent for several weeks following a storm. Use flashlights at all times; avoid using candles. Contact your insurance provider to report any damages. Call your Out of Town Contact and other family members to let them know you are OK Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons Repair or block off access to anything in your home that is damaged and could cause injuries Stay away from downed power lines Confine or secure your pets during the clean-up period after a disaster. Your pet could come into contact with spilled chemicals, dangerous debris or wild animals, which would cause them harm or even death.