Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Hurricane Preparedness

The tropics are active so it’s a good time to review some important hurricane preparedness tips. 

 

YOUR OUR HURRICANE PLAN:

_ Have a practice drill to determine what everyone’s responsibility will be.

_ Check all fire alarms, smoke alarms, etc. for proper operation.

_ Know your evacuation routes and determine which route you will use should an evacuation order be issued.

_ Determine in advance your evacuation destination. If you will not be staying with a friend or family member, make hotel reservations at this location as soon as a “watch” is issued. Remember, that during        an evacuation several towns may be evacuated at the same time and hotels will fill up quickly in all surrounding areas. Reservations can be cancelled.

_ Make a decision about vehicles. If you have more than one vehicle and will not be taking all of them with you determine where the other vehicles will be left during the storm.

_ Make a decision about boats and other recreational vehicles.

_ If you have pets, determine whether they will evacuate with you or be placed in a shelter.

_ Have a list of phone numbers, such as family members, doctors, employers, insurance company’s, etc.

_ Make arrangements for extra cash on hand.

_ Catalog all personal items NOW. Include description (brand name, model number, age, purchase price, place of purchase, etc.) Take a picture of everything and make two copies of the pictures and lists. Keep one copy with you and send the other to a relative or friend out of town. Never give the insurance company the only copy.

_ Have a secure place for all valuables & documents that you will need to take with you, such as birth certificates, property deeds, insurance policies, etc.

_ Determine an out-of-town person who can be a “point of contact” to communicate messages if communications are down for an extended period of time.

_ Prepare and maintain a “Hurricane Kit” (a list of recommended supplies is included). It is recommended that you have approximately 7 gallons of water for each person and food supplies for a minimum of 2 weeks.

_ Check all flashlights, battery operated radios & TVs, and other supplies in your “Hurricane Kit” for proper operation.

_ Evaluate your home to determine if you can make improvements that will provide better protection. If you have an older home, getting a professional opinion about updated building codes, etc. may be helpful in determining beneficial improvements.

_Secure any porch/patio furniture

 

 

 

AN IMPORTANT NOTE:

All public safety operations in the field will cease once the winds reach a sustained speed of 60 mph. These conditions are risky to the safety of law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel. If you have an emergency during this time, if you are stranded by rising water or if you have chosen to ignore the evacuation notice and then change your mind, once the winds reach this thresh-hold, public safety personnel are not going to be able to assist you. However, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will remain operational and as long as you have telephone service, information can be received from the EOC to help you until someone can reach you after the winds calm down. WAITING TO LEAVE MAY JEOPARDIZE YOUR LIFE AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS. Once the wind speed reduces to below 60 mph, public safety crews will once again respond to emergency call.

 

 

Thank you,

 

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

Community Management Group
349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412    


O:   843-795-8484 x329
F:    843-795-8482
www.CMGCharleston.com