Veronawalk's Storm Preparation Plan

1. Check the location of insurance policies and other valuable papers. Video or photograph your house inside and out. Make CDs. Show values for every item. Put these into a safe deposit box or waterproof container or bags in case a claim must be made.

2. Make a list of all needed medications in case evacuation is necessary.

3. If you need to evacuate, be aware that motels inland will be filling up. The largest areas for hotel/motel rooms will be Orlando or Miami. The choice will be dependent on the direction from which the storm comes and how far it is expected to reach. Do not wait until the last minute to evacuate. Roads will be jammed. Don’t forget pets. Research which hotels will take pets. Keep your car full of gas and have cash on hand. If power goes out, many gas pumps and ATMs will not work. Keep tuned to the radio or TV for up-to-date conditions and instructions. Obtain photo ID and one other proof of residence for reentry after the storm.

4. Move anything that could become a missile indoors. This includes potted plants, garden furniture, hose reels, etc. Wind will be a serious problem.

5. Check your flashlights. Have extra batteries on hand. If the power goes out they may be your only source of light for days. Do not use candles or hurricane lamps.

6. Keep an emergency supply of water on hand. You will need one gallon per person, per day. Before the storm, sanitize your bath tubs and fill them with water. If power is lost by the water department, their pumps won’t operate. You will need water to drink, bathe with, and to flush toilets. Conserve water. Remember the old island rule: “On our island in the sun, we don’t flush for number one.” Every flush uses a gallon of water. There is emergency water in your hot water heater if needed. Do not remove it while there is still power going to the heater. Do not turn the power to the heater back on until the heater has been refilled with water.

7. If you must evacuate, turn off all power and water before leaving. Remember that you will lose all refrigeration so you will need to empty the fridge and freezer or find spoiled food upon your return.

8. Put up your storm shutters. Taping windows will NOT protect your home. Be a good neighbor and help those who are elderly or physically incapable of putting up their own shutters.

9. If you do not have one, invest in a battery-operated radio so that you can monitor the storm and hear emergency instructions. A NOAA weather radio will not only give you advance warnings but will update you as well.

10. Make sure that you have a supply of canned or packaged foods. Don’t forget to get a manual can opener.

11. Other items that may be useful include a first-aid kit, mosquito repellent, plastic trash bags, eating utensils, pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, duct tape, small tools and nails, portable cooler, rope, water purification tablets, tarps, and Clorox or other types of bleach.

12. Keep an emergency bag ready to evacuate. Don’t forget a supply of medications for your family and food for your pets.

During the Storm

1. Stay put in your home. Windowless rooms or closets in the center of the house are the safest. Stay away from windows. If you have unprotected doors that open inward, block them with heavy furniture. As the eye of the storm passes over, there will be a calm period. DO NOT VENTURE OUTSIDE. The storm will renew in a short period. Listen to your radio for instructions. Don’t open your refrigerator or freezer if it still has food in it.

2. Conserve use of your cell phone. You may have no way to recharge it. Cell towers may be down.

After the Storm

1. Safety is paramount. Stay away from all downed power lines and nearby water puddles. Find your fire extinguisher before turning your power back on.

2. Beware of spoiled food. Do not refreeze any food that has begun to thaw. Put spoiled items into a closed container. Remember trash collections will be disrupted for long periods.

3. Do not expect the staff of VeronaWalk to respond immediately to your requests for cleanup, etc. They also have homes and families to care for. In addition, it will take days to organize the resources for cleanup and repair. Be patient. Call your insurance company and get on their list of claimants. Take pictures or video your damage to back up your claim before it is cleaned up. Save all bills, which might be incurred for cleanup or repair.

4. If you are fortunate enough not to have any damage, help those on your block that were not so fortunate. We have many elderly residents who cannot physically do these types of tasks. Help each other. Share your tools, supplies, and if necessary shelter.

5. If by some chance you get water inside your home, you should make every effort to remove it as soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in mold forming. Many insurance policies will not cover mold. Ventilate the house.

6. Our VeronaWalk homes are extremely well built and can withstand severe storms. We are also in an area where storm surge problems are low. However, Mother Nature is unpredictable. BE PREPARED! BE READY! BE SAFE! LISTEN TO YOUR EMERGENCY AGENCIES FOR INSTRUCTIONS.