EVACUATION  I  SAFETY  RULES Before making any last-minute preparations, be absolutely certain you have time. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Don’t wait until the last minute to leave, hoping to save your possessions. Save your life. Move quickly and calmly. Don’t take chances. Getting safely away from the storm area is your first consideration. Keep your radio turned on and located where you can hear it. Know where you are going before you leave. Local officials will probably establish shelters in public buildings. If you don’t know the location of public shelters, listen to your radio for evacuation instructions. If an evacuation route is suggested, use it. Other short cuts could have roads or bridges blocked or washed away, or downed power lines. If you have limited time for evacuation preparations, take only family medicines, blankets and a battery-powered radio with you. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time to gather supplies, take with you: Protective clothing, especially water-repellent outer garments and footwear Several blankets Flashlights and batteries Battery-powered radio Personal hygiene items Infant supplies Important documents and papers Drinking water in plastic bottles; other liquids Emergency supplies of ready-to-eat foods Necessary prescription drugs or medicines, such as heart medication or insulin If you are certain you have time before you leave your house:   Turn off utilities If flood waters threaten, open basement windows to let water in and equalize pressure As you travel listen to the radio. Watch for: Washed-out bridges or roads Undermined roadways Landslides Fallen rocks Downed power lines Floating hazards Don’t drive over flooded roads, especially where they cross overflowing streams and rivers. Flood currents are strong, and cars and people are easily washed away in them. (SOURCE:  The Disaster Handbook - National Edition, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Evacuation I - Safety Rules, Section 3.3, Page 2)

EVACUATION  II - SAFETY  TIPS  FOR  EMERGENCY  TRAVEL In times of emergency, people often panic, either staying with or abandoning their cars at the wrong time. After almost every disaster, search and rescue teams find victims who might have survived if they had been prepared for emergency travel, and had known whether to stay with or leave their cars. Hurricanes:  Evacuate early... Before you leave, have your car checked. A thorough safety check should include: Ignition system Battery Lights Tires cooling system Fuel system Exhaust system Heater and air conditioning Brakes Wiper blades and windshield washer fluid Coolant or antifreeze High grade oil and other lubrication Select alternate routes before you leave, in case your preferred route isn’t passable. Listen to the radio as you travel, and heed the latest weather information. Seek shelter immediately if the storm seems severe. Try not to travel alone during a storm. Two or three people traveling together can provide mutual aid. Travel with another car if possible. Make sure someone knows where you are going, when you leave, the time you expect to arrive, and your expected route. Always fill your gas tank before leaving, even for short distances. Drive defensively. Carry an emergency kit. This should include: Blankets or sleeping bags Matches and candles for light Empty coffee can with plastic cover to use as a toilet Facial tissues and paper towels Extra clothing and waterproof gear High-calorie non-perishable food and can opener Bottled water Compass and road maps Knife First aid kit Flashlight or signal light with extra batteries Booster cables Fire extinguisher Portable radio with extra batteries Tools: pliers, screwdriver, adjustable wrench, shovel, traction Mats Flares Never attempt to drive during a hurricane or until the all-clear is given after the storm. Flash flooding can occur after a hurricane has passed. Avoid driving on coastal and low-lying roads. Storm surge and hurricane-caused flooding are erratic and may occur with little or no warning. Floods and Tornados:  Get out of the car... Floods and tornados often accompany hurricanes. Do not try to stay with your car under these conditions. Never attempt to drive through water on a road. Water can be deeper than it appears, and water levels can rise very quickly. Most cars will float dangerously for at least a short while; during this time they can be buoyed by floodwaters and swept downstream in a flood. Floodwaters also can erode roadways, and a missing section of road - even a missing bridge - will not be visible with water running over the area. Wade through floodwaters only if the water is not flowing rapidly and only in water no higher than the knees. If a car stalls in floodwater, get out quickly and move to higher ground. The floodwaters may still be rising and the car could be swept away at any moment. A car is the least safe place to be during a tornado. When a warning is issued, do not try to leave the area by car. If you are in a car, leave it and find shelter in a building. If a tornado approaches and there are no safe structures nearby, lie flat in a ditch or other ground depression with your arms over your head. If trapped by a storm... Avoid overexertion and overexposure. Stay in your car where you are sheltered and more likely to be found. Stay calm. Keep fresh air in your car. Keep the downwind window open about an inch if you run the motor. Exercise from time to time by clapping hands and moving arms and legs vigorously. Don’t stay in one position long. Keep the dome light on at night to make the car visible to rescue crews. Have one person keep watch. Don’t allow everyone in the car to sleep at once. Signal with the horn. An automobile horn can be heard for as far as a mile downwind. Flash your lights from time to time at night. (SOURCE:  The Disaster Handbook - National Edition, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Evacuation 11 - Safety Tips for Emergency Travel, Section 3.4)

HURRICANE  PRECAUTIONS  FOR  SWIMMING POOLS Before the storm... Never completely drain your pool. You do not need to lower the water level in the pool, but if you decide to, be sure to close your skimmer valve to prevent damage to the pump when the power is turned on. Turn off all electrical power to the swimming pool (pump, motor, lighting, chlorinators, etc.). If your filter pump is in an unsheltered area, have the motor removed and stored; or wrap the motor with a waterproof membrane or plastic bag and tie it securely in place to prevent sand and driving water from entering the motor. Remove all loose items from the pool area. It is not advisable to throw patio furniture or accessories into the pool. If it is necessary, however, remove them as soon as possible after the storm has passed. Heavy furniture may chip and damage the pool finish and the chemicals in the water will have an adverse effect on the furniture. Add extra chlorine to your pool to prevent contamination. The pool provides a handy source of water for washing and flushing if your house water supply fails. If your pool area is screened, you may prevent costly damage to the frame structure by removing one or two panels of screen above the chair rail on each side to allow the wind to blow through. Don’t remove the lower panels or panels overhead. Slip the pins out of the door hinges and place the doors in a protected area. After the storm... Do not empty the pool. High ground water can cause structural damage to an empty pool. Superchiorinate the pool water. When the chlorine residual returns to normal, have the water tested for proper balance. Heavy rain upsets mineral balance needed for protection of your equipment and pool finish. Remove all debris from pool with a rake and skimmer before re-starting the system to prevent clogged lines. Some chemical feeders require special care before starting pump motor. Check with your ASPI member pool company. Remove any wrapping around pump motor. If the motor has been submerged, it should be removed for professional cleaning and drying. If the pump has remained dry, turn on the electricity. Check to make certain the pump is operating normally and that the water is circulating in the pool. Reset time clocks to show the correct time of day. Run the filter until the water is crystal clear and resume normal pool operation. For further advice, call: Associated Swimming Pool Industries (ASPI) (305) 937—0960 National Spa and Pool Institute (NSPI) (800) 569-6774 (SOURCE:  The Disaster Handbook - National Edition, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Hurricane Precautions for Swimming Pools, IFAS Publication DPRM7I6. - August 2005.)

INFORMATION  FOR  PET  OWNERS If you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND! Pets most likely cannot survive on their own; and if by some remote chance they do, you may not be able to find them when you return. For additional information, please contact The Humane Society of the United States. Plan for pet disaster needs... Identifying shelter. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets. Find out which motels and hotels in your area allow pets - well in advance of needing them. Include your local animal shelter’s number in your list of emergency numbers - they might be able to provide information concerning pets during a disaster. Take pet food, bottled water, medications, veterinary records, cat litter/pan, can opener, food dishes, first aid kit and other supplies with you in case they’re not available later. While the sun is still shining, consider packing a “pet survival” kit which could be easily deployed if disaster hits. Make sure identification tags are up to date and securely fastened to your pet’s collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. If your pet gets lost, his tag is his ticket home. Make sure you have a current photo of your pet for identification purposes. Make sure you have a secure pet carrier, leash or harness for your pet so that if he panics, he can’t escape. Prepare to shelter your pet… Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter, or animal control office to get advice and information. If you are unable to return to your home right away, you may need to board your pet. Find out where pet boarding facilities are located. Be sure to research some outside your local area in case local facilities close. Most boarding kennels, veterinarians and animal shelters will need your pet’s medical records to make sure all vaccinations are current. Include copies in your “pet survival” kit along with a photo of your pet. NOTE: Some animal shelters will provide temporary foster care for owned pets in times of disaster, but this should be considered only as a last resort. If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take, but remember that leaving your pet at home alone can place your animal in great danger! Confine your pet to a safe area inside - NEVER leave your pet chained outside! Leave them loose inside your home with food and plenty of water. Remove the toilet tank lid, raise the seat and brace the bathroom door open so they can drink. Place a notice outside in a visible area, advising what pets are in the house and where they are located. Provide a phone number where you or a contact can be reached as well as the name and number of your vet. During a disaster… Bring your pets inside immediately. Have newspapers on hand for sanitary purposes. Feed the animal moist or canned food so they will need less water to drink. Animals have instincts about severe weather changes and will often isolate themselves if they are afraid. Bringing them inside early can stop them from running away. Never leave a pet outside or tied up during a storm. Separate dogs and cats. Even if your dogs and cats normally get along, the anxiety of an emergency situation can cause pets to act irrationally. Keep small pets away from cats and dogs. In an emergency, you may have to take your birds with you. Talk with your veterinarian or local pet store about special food dispensers that regulate the amount of food a bird is given. Make sure that the bird is caged and the cage is covered by a thin cloth or sheet to provide security and filtered light. After a disaster… If after a disaster you have to leave town, take your pets with you. Pets are unlikely to survive on their own. In the first few days after the disaster, leash your pets when they go outside. Always maintain close contact. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and your pet may become confused and lost. Also, snakes and other dangerous animals may be brought into the area with flood areas. Downed power lines are a hazard. The behavior of your pets may change after an emergency. Normally quiet and friendly pets may become aggressive or defensive. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard with access to shelter and water.  (SOURCE: http ://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/animals.shtm, 7/19/2006)

KEYS  TO  HURRICANE  SAFETY Before a hurricane threatens... Know your home’s elevation above sea level. This information is often available from county planning or zoning offices or from your insurance company. This information may also be available through Internet sources. Are you vulnerable to storm surge... Coastal areas are susceptible to storm surge damage. Individuals in coastal areas should pay careful attention to local authorities regarding evacuation. Keep disaster supplies organized so that you can leave promptly. Is it safe for you to stay at home... Have your home evaluated by a qualified building inspector and retrofit as needed. If you live near the shore or in a mobile home, plan to evacuate. Know the location of nearest shelter... Emergency Management or Red Cross personnel can give you the location of the shelter nearest your home and explain what you should bring with you. Plan for your family’s safety. Know how to contact family members should the need arise. Plan a route to safety if you must leave... Plan your escape route early. Research low points and flooding history of your route and plan an alternative. Avoid peak evacuation traffic by leaving early. Inventory your property... A complete inventory of personal property will help in obtaining insurance settlements and/or tax deductions for losses.  An inventory checklist can be obtained from many sources, including your insurance representative. Do not trust your memory. List descriptions and take pictures. Store these and other important insurance papers in waterproof containers at home or in your safety deposit box. You may wish to keep copies of your most important papers in both locations. Check insurance coverage... Review your insurance policies and your coverage to avoid misunderstandings later. Take advantage of flood insurance. Separate policies are needed for protection against wind and flood damage, which people frequently do not realize until too late. Do not wait until a hurricane is approaching. By then it is too late.  When a storm is heading to shore, insurance offices are too busy preparing for the emergency and won’t be able to respond to individual requests, and insurance cannot be obtained. Make plans early... Listen constantly to the radio or the TV. Monitor storm reports and keep a log of hurricane positions.  Remember, evacuation routes sometimes can be closed up to 20 hours before landfall by wind gusting or storm surge flooding. If you are considering moving to a shelter, reffil needed prescriptions and make arrangements for your pets.  Pets are not allowed in most public shelters. Locate pet-friendly shelters or motels before the storm. If evacuation has not already been recommended, consider leaving the area early enough to avoid long hours on limited evacuation routes. Check supplies... Have a transistor radio with fresh batteries. A radio will be your most useful source of information. Have enough batteries to last several days. There may be no electricity. Flashlights, candles or lamps, and matches. Store matches in a waterproof container. Have enough lantern fuel for several days, and know how to use it safely. Full tank of gasoline. Never let your vehicle gas tank be less than half-full during hurricane season. Fill the tank as soon as a hurricane watch is posted. Remember, when there is no electricity, gas pumps won’t work. Canned goods and non-perishable foods. Store packaged foods which can be prepared without cooking and need no refrigeration. There may be no electricity or gas. Containers for drinking water. Have clean, air-tight containers to store sufficient drinking water for several days. The city supply will probably be interrupted or contaminated. Materials to protect glass openings. Have shutters or lumber to protect large windows and doors and masking tape for use on small windows. Materials for emergency repairs. Your insurance policy may cover the cost of materials used in temporary repairs, so keep all receipts (also will be helpful for income tax deductions). When a warning is issued... Continue listening to radio or TV. Continue to monitor hurricane position, intensity and expected landfall. If you live in a mobile home, check tie-downs and leave immediately for a safer place. Mobile homes are not safe in hurricane force winds. Prepare for high winds... Brace your garage door. Lower antennas. Be prepared to make repairs. Anchor outside objects. Garbage cans, awnings, loose garden tools, toys and other loose objects can become deadly missiles. Anchor them securely or move them indoors. Protect windows and other glass... Board up or shutter large windows securely. Tape exposed glass to reduce shattering. Draw drapes across windows and doors to protect against flying glass if shattering does occur. Move boats on trailers close to house... Fill boats with water to weight them down. Lash securely to trailer and use tie-downs to anchor the trailer to the ground or house. Check mooring lines of boats in water. Leave the area immediately. Store valuables and personal papers... Put irreplaceable documents in waterproof containers and store in the highest possible spot. If you evacuate, be sure to take them with you. It is also a good idea to keep copies of your most important papers in an off-site location, such as a safe deposit box. Prepare for storm surge, tornados and floods... Storm surge, tornados and flash floods are the worst killers associated with a hurricane. During a tornado warning, seek shelter inside, below ground level if possible, or in an interior hallway, closet or bathroom on ground level. If outside, move away at right angles from the tornado; if escape is impossible, lie flat in a ditch or low spot. The surge of ocean water plus flash flooding of streams and rivers due to torrential rains combine to make drowning the greatest cause of hurricane deaths. Check your survival supplies again. Stay indoors, in an inside room away from doors and windows. Stay away from windows and glass doors. Move furniture away from exposed doors and windows. Don’t go outside in the brief calm during passage of the eye of the storm. The lull sometimes ends suddenly as winds return from the opposite direction. Winds can increase in seconds to 75 mph or more. Protect property... Without taking unnecessary risks, protect your property from damage. Temporary repairs can reduce your losses. Stay tuned to media broadcasts... Keep a radio or television tuned for information from official sources. Unexpected changes can sometimes call for last minute relocations. Remain calm... Your ability to meet emergencies will help others. If you must evacuate... Know where you are going. Leave early in daylight if possible. Move your most valuable possessions. Possessions that you can not take with you should be moved to higher points in your home. Lock windows and doors... Turn off gas, water and electricity in your home. Check to see that you have done everything possible to protect your property from damage and loss. Do not travel farther than necessary. Roads may become jammed. Do not let your stranded car become your coffin. Take survival supplies with you... First-aid kit Canned or dried provisions, can opener, spoons, etc. Bottled water Extra prescriptions and medications for your family Spare eyeglasses, hearing aids and batteries, if needed Warm, protective clothing Keep important papers with you at all times... Driver’s license and other identification Insurance policies Property inventory Medic-alert or device to convey special medical information Maps to your destination Supplies for shelters... Take blankets or sleeping bags, flashlights, special dietary foods, infant needs and lightweight folding chairs. Register every person arriving with you at the shelter. Do not take pets, alcoholic beverages or weapons of any kind to shelters. Be prepared to offer assistance to shelter workers if necessary, and stress to all family members their obligations to keep the shelter clean and sanitary. After the hurricane... If you are evacuated, delay your return until it is recommended or authorized by local authorities. Beware of outdoor hazards... Watch out for loose or dangling power lines, and report them immediately to the proper authorities. Many lives are lost through electrocution. Walk or drive cautiously... Debris-filled streets are dangerous. Snakes and poisonous insects will be a hazard. Washouts may weaken road and bridge structures which could collapse under vehicle weights. Guard against spoiled food... Food may spoil if refrigerator power is off more than a few hours. Freezers will keep food several days if doors are not opened after power failure, but do not refreeze food once it begins to thaw. Do not use water until safe... Use emergency supplies or boil water before drinking until official word is given that the water is safe. Report broken sewer or water mains to the proper authorities. Take extra precautions to prevent fire... Lowered water pressure in city mains and the interruption of other services may make firefighting very difficult after a hurricane. Insurance... Insurance representatives will be on the scene immediately following a major disaster to speed up the handling of claims. Notify your insurance agent or broker of any losses, and leave word where you can be contacted. Take steps to protect property... Make temporary repairs to protect property from further damage or looting. Use only reputable contractors (sometimes in the chaotic days following a disaster, unscrupulous operators prey on the unsuspecting). If possible, check contractors through the Better Business Bureau. Keep receipts for materials purchased. Be patient... Hardship cases will be settled first by insurance representatives. Don’t assume your settlement will be the same as your neighbor’s. Policy forms differ and storm damage is often erratic. In a major catastrophe, the insurance industry will have emergency offices and extra manpower to expedite claim settlements and to speed recovery. Everyone cannot be first. Responsibility for the clean-up falls to numerous local, state, and federal agencies. A local Emergency Management coordinator (the mayor, county judge or a designated  representative) will be on hand to help residents in this effort.  (SOURCE: The Disaster Handbook - National Edition, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Keys to Hurricane Safety, IFAS Publication DPR-0708 - August 2005.)

KIDS  ACTIVITY  SURVIVAL  KIT   You may have to leave your house during a disaster and may sleep somewhere else for a while. It’s smart to put together your own Kid’s Activity Survival Kit so you will have things to do and share with other kids. These can all be stored in a backpack or duffel bag. Just make sure you can carry it easily.   Some suggested items for your Activity Survival Kit:   A few of your favorite books Crayons, pencils or marking pens and plenty of paper Scissors and glue Two favorite toys such as a doll or action figure One or two board games A deck of cards A puzzle (One with lots of pieces is good - it takes a long time to do!)  Small people figures and play vehicles that you can use to play out what is happening during your disaster - such as ambulance, fire truck, helicopter, dump truck, police car, small boats. Favorite stuffed animal or puppet Favorite blanket or pillow Pictures of the family and pet A "keep safe" box with a few treasures that make you feel special.  (SOURCE: FEMA For Kids: Kids Activity Survival Kit, www.fema.gov/kids/k_srvkit.htm, 7/18/2006)

PROTECTING  DAIRY  CATTLE  DURING  A  HURRICANE Food and water... Hurricanes cause abrupt changes in the environment for cattle, sometimes resulting in a lack of feed and water. Water for cattle is essential, particularly in hot weather. A cow’s daily water intake will increase as much as 100% in high temperatures. The threat of a hurricane might even require livestock to be moved to a different environment. Remember, cattle must have access to grass pasture. If finding a secure location with access to pasture is impossible, you must bring in hay for the cattle to eat. Cows... Avoid using grain or concentrate feed because this creates complications such as grain overload, bloat and lactic acidosis. Under hurricane conditions, cattle can be maintained on grass and hay only. Calves... Calves less than 8 to 10 weeks of age will require milk or milk replacer fed at least once daily. Most cattle will not nurse calves unless the calf has been with the cow since birth. Since the dairy calves have usually been separated at a very early age from their mothers, relief workers will be challenged by the labor-intensive process of feeding milk to dairy calves. Shelter... Florida’s subtropical climate can be particularly stressful to cattle, whose comfort is best when temperatures range between 41 to 78°F. The combination of solar radiation, elevated ambient air temperature and high humidity can be life threatening. To relieve the heat stress. the following procedures are suggested: Provide access to shade, such as trees or portable structures. Temporarily allow access to ponds or standing water so that cows may cool off. Emergency medical care... Having proper supplies available will facilitate emergency medical care and management of your cattle. You will need horses and riders to round up stray cattle, as well as restraint equipment: Portable chutes and corrals Lariats Rope halters Veterinary assistance will most likely be required for trauma cases and other problems. Depending upon the severity of the medical situation, euthanasia may be the most humane treatment option. Because controlled substances may be required to euthanize, plan carefully and consult your veterinarian. Milking Procedures... Depending upon local conditions and facility damage caused by the hurricane, it may not be possible to continue milking. Although this results in some discomfort to the cow, it is not life threatening. To discontinue milking, however, can predispose cows to mastitis. Mastitis must be handled individually. Prolonged discontinued milking (several days to more than a week), along with lack of feed and water will cause the udder to cease producing milk. Using portable milking facilities operated by generators to milk a limited number of animals is a feasible method to prevent mastitis and to preserve the udder’s milk production. Another option is moving the lactating cattle to other farms or facilities. In the worst of conditions, you may decide to dry all cows off and not try to milk them. In this case, administer dry treatment to all quarters of all cows. (SOURCE: The Disaster Handbook - National Edition,  Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Protecting Dairy Cattle During a Hurricane, IFAS Publication DPR-0722 - August 2005.)

PROTECTING  MOBILE  HOMES Generally in high winds, mobile homes are much less safe than site-built homes. Mobile homes built before 1977 should be considered even more dangerous as they vary in construction quality because there were no national unified Construction and Safety standards. Mobile home occupants should always seek safety in designated shelters when warned of an approaching tornado or hurricane. Many coastal areas are likely to flood during hurricanes. Learn evacuation routes and shelter locations prior to hurricane season. High winds and flooding... Consider positioning your mobile home to take advantage of the natural wind protection provided by hearty 30-foot or higher wind-resistant trees such as hickory, pecan, live oak, cypress, American ash, pine laurel and water oaks. Sweet gum and pine trees are not wind-resistant and may fall on or otherwise damage the home. If possible, avoid positioning a home on top of a hill, in low, flood-prone places, or broadside to the most likely high wind direction (e.g., wind from open bodies of water, such as large lakes, the Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean). You may wish to compromise ideal wind-resistant positioning for view, solar heating, air flow or layout. Even proper positioning and tie-downs will not ensure safety of your unit in high winds, so heed evacuation warnings. Mobile homes should be anchored to withstand hurricane-force winds. Installation of mobile homes should be done by a professional. There are two types of tie-down methods. The “over-the-top” tie and the “frame” tie. The over-the-top tie keeps the unit from overturning and the frame tie prevents the unit from being blown of its supports. For maximum protection, use both over-the-top ties and frame ties to secure 10-, 12- and 14-foot-wide mobile homes. Check with local city or county officials for the exact number of ties and anchors required in your area. Install permanent piers and footings under the supporting steel frame of your mobile home. Piers and footings should be heavy enough to anchor your home to the ground. Check the requirements for piers in your area. Do not install turbine or other vents that were not installed by the manufacturer. These have not been very effective at saving energy on units with a well-insulated roof system and they will weaken the structural integrity of the unit. To tie down a mobile home... Over-the-top straps keep the homes from tipping over. The straps are secured with anchors on each side. Frame ties made of wire rope or rust-resistant steel strapping prevent the home from tipping over. They may secure the frame, but if the home itself is not strapped down properly, the home can be blown off its tied-down frame. Use both over-the-top straps and frame ties to secure mobile homes 10, 12 and 14 feet wide. (Double-wides, because their width makes them more stable, usually require only frame ties.) (SOURCE: The Disaster Handbook - National Edition, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Protecting Mobile Homes, IFAS Publication DPR-071 3 - August 2005.)