2015 Hurricane Guide

2 HURRICANE GUIDE 2015

HURRICANE GUIDE 2015 3

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storm guide2015 HURRICANE GUIDE

staf fTHE NEWS-PRESS MEDIA GROUP

President & Publisher Mei-Mei Chan

Executive Editor Cindy McCurry-Ross

Hurricane Guide editor Mark H. Bickel

Designer Lindi DaywaltFeazel

Contributing reporters Michael Braun, Jennifer Ogles

Copy editor Dave Holmes

Graphics Mike Donlan, Dennis Wright

Photos News-Press archives

Niche Publications General Manager Kathryn Kinsey

Customer Service 1 (800) 468-0233 Call 239-335-0350 x3 to reach the newsroom

Hurricane Guide is a

publication of The News-

Press Media Group of

Gannett Company Inc.

and copyrighted by The

News-Press, 2442 Martin

Luther King Jr. Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901-

3987. No portion of this magazine may be

reproduced in any form without written

permission from the editor. Photos/graphics

by News-Press staff and Gannett Florida.

Cover Illustration: Thinkstock images

6 Season overview

6 2015 storm names

8 Important phone numbers

10 Supplies checklist

12 Generator tips

12 Electricity dangers

14 Boat prep

16-17 Atlantic tracking map

18 Kids and pets prep

20 Roof prep

21 Window prep

22-23 Storm surge maps

24 Pool prep

25 Avoid gouging

26-27 Florida shelters

28 Smallbusiness recovery

28 Important websites

28 Insurance advice

33 Storm cleanup

34 Dealing with mold

contents

Hurr icanefree st reak at 10 yearsTen years and counting. That is how long it has been since a hurricane has touched land in the Sunshine State. In fact, this is now the longest stretch of consecutive years since 1851 that no hurricanes have hit Florida. The longest hurricane-free streak prior to this one was five consecutive seasons from 1980 to 1984. Such long gaps in hurricane activity can lead to complacency. Residents of Southwest Florida should take steps to be ready every year and this guide is designed to help you be prepared.


key numbers2015 HURRICANE GUIDE

Emergency Operations Centers Lee: 533-0622 Collier: 252-3600 Charlotte: 941-833-4000 DeSoto: 863-993-4831 Glades: 863-946-6020 Hendry: 863-674-5400

Hotlines FEMA Disaster Assistance/Registration: 800-621-3362TTY: 800-462-7585 U.S. Small BusinessAdministration: 800-659-2955TTY: 800-877-8339 FEMA Fraud Hotline: 800-323-8603

State of Florida Emergency Info 24-hour hotline: 800-342-3557 Disaster UnemploymentServices: 877-872-5627 Florida Dept. of Financial Services Hurricane Help line: 800-227-8676 DCF Information: 866-762-2237 or call a local office Elder Helpline: 800-955-8770 Attorney Generals Price Gouging Hotline: 866-966-7226 To report unlicensed activity: 866-532-1440 To verify contractor licenses: 850-487-1395 Agricultural and Consumer Services: 800-435-7352

Contractor information Division of WorkersCompensation: 800-742-2214 Florida Association of Electrical Contractors: 407-260-1511 Florida Wall and Ceiling Contractors Association: 407-260-1313 Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida: 813-879-8064

American Red Cross offices Lee, Collier, Hendry and Glades: 278-3401 Collier: 596-6868

Charlotte: 941-629-4345 DeSoto: 863-494-2348

To volunteer and donate State Volunteers and Donations Hotline: 800-354-3571 Salvation Army DonationHotline: 800-725-2769 American Red Cross: 800-733-2767

Power companies Florida Power & Light: 800-468-8243 LCEC: 800-599-2356 Glades Electric Co-Op: 800-226-4024


generators2015 HURRICANE GUIDE

elect r ica l safet y

First-time buyers should find out which applianc-es they want to run and the wattage they need. Most generators can power between 2,500 and 5,000 watts enough for your refrigerator and

maybe a few lights, but not your entire home.

Strong winds from hur-ricanes and severe storms

can rip power lines down, creating dangerous hazards for residents and public safety workers.

What kind to buy, how to use them

Avoid the risks of downed lines

Whos at risk?All people and animals are at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning; however, certain groups pregnant women, infants and people with chronic heart disease, anemia or respiratory problems are more susceptible.

Symptoms of poisoning Headaches Dizziness Tightness of chest Fluttering of heart

Redness of the skin Loss of muscle control

Safety tips Never use a portable generator indoors, including in your home, garage, basement, crawl space, shed or partially enclosed area, even with ventilation.

Use a portable generator in a dry area far away from doors, windows and vents that can allow carbon monoxide indoors.

Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms or plug-in alarms with battery backup in your home.

Get to fresh air right away if you start to feel dizzy or weak.

Carbon monoxide

Report lines down

Carbon monoxide from portable generators can kill you in minutes.

Carbon monoxideWhen the power is out after a hurricane, operating your generator safely can mean the difference between life and death.

The exhaust from generators contains poisonous carbon monoxide, an odorless, invisible killer. The amount of carbon monoxide from one generator is equivalent to hundreds of idling cars. Carbon monoxide from a portable generator can kill you and your family in minutes.

Make sure your ap-pliance plugs match the generators socket. Refrigerators and stoves often have larger and spe-cialized plugs that might require a special connector that you should buy before a storm hits. Use heavy, thick extension cords. Smaller cords should not be used. Start the generator before plugging in ap-pliances one at a time.Dont overload your generator. Add up the wattage of the appliances you plug in and make sure it is less than the generators maximum

capacity. NEVER try to power the house by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as back feed-ing. This is extremely dangerous and is an elec-trocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer. Keep the generator dry and do not use in rainy or wet conditions. To protect from mois-ture, operate it on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure. Dry your hands before touching the generator.

USE WITH CAUTION

Stay away from standing water or debris where live power lines could be concealed.

Do not touch any electrical lines. Assume that every power line is energized.

Turn off circuit breakers if you suspect rain or water has gotten into the walls of a home. Water inside a wall or ceiling can come in contact with electrical wiring, creating a potential hazard.

Before the storm, turn off pool pumps, note the location of all power lines around your house and have trees trimmed.

Report outages and downlines

Regional power companies tips:

Numbers to know Call 9-1-1

FPL at 800-4OUTAGE (800-468-8243)

LCEC at 656-2300 or 800-599-2356

Glades Electric Co-Op at 863-946-6200


proper t y2015 HURRICANE GUIDE

Preparing your boat

Securing on land Avoid exposure to the wind and park away from trees. Lash the boat to the trailer and secure the boat with heavy lines to a fixed object, preferably from four direc-tions. Block the tires to prevent rolling. Seal doors and secure windows. Remove sails, rigging and other loose objects.

Hauling Be sure the marina can haul your boat and store and secure it quickly. Check into

prearranged contracts for hauling and have an alternate plan in case the marina cannot meet the sudden demand that would be generated by an ap-proaching hurricane.

At the dock Double all lines and protect them from chafing. Make sure boats will not strike a roof as water levels rise. Make sure that cleats and winches are well secured to the boat. Adjust lines to accommodate unusually high or low water. Install fenders to protect the boat from rubbing against a pier, pilings and other boats. Shut off all electrical devices

except bilge pumps for the du-ration of the storm. Remove all loose items (canvas, sails, dinghies, radios, cushions, etc.) and lash down everything you cannot remove. Seal doors and secure windows.

Anchoring in open water Select a location that offers the best protection from wind and storm surge. Before leaving the dock, re-move sails, riggings and other loose articles. Seal doors and other open-ings.

Avoid channels and tidal currents. Leave early for your site because of the danger of high winds and strong currents. Bridges may be locked down many hours prior to ac-commodate land evacuation. Do not tie up to other boats. Practice runs should be made to determine accessibil-ity, depth of water, location of bridges, and to locate obstruc-tions and objects on which to secure lines. Make sure cleats and winches are well secured to the boat. Cut off all electrical devices except bilge pumps for the duration of the storm.

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Kid tips: Details are critical

Have a plan for your pets

Practice makes perfect

FEMA recommends putting together an activity kit

When getting ready for a hurricane, it is important to explain to your chil-dren what is happening:

Tell your children what can happen during a storm. Make certain your children know you might have to change plans and prepare them to move quickly. Explain to children their life is likely to be disrupted for a few days. Ask your children what their fears are, and if they have any, ask them what they believe the family should do. Watch weather forecasts and listen to reports with kids and ask them if they have questions about the storm. Dont exaggerate how bad it might be, but on the other hand, show respect for an approaching storm.

If you have pets, you must include them in your disaster plan. Keep in mind most pets cannot survive alone. Be-cause of public health reasons, few evacuation shelters allow you to bring pets.

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Put together a selection of favorites. Books Crafts Assemble crayons, pencils, paper, scissors and glue. Toys Pack a couple of board games as well as a favorite toy or two. Puzzles They keep a childs mind occupied.

Make a family plan that addresses disaster scenarios and practice it, says the American Red Cross of Lee County:

Pick two places to meet one near your home and one remote.

Write down contact info for an out-of-town relative or friend who can act as a touch base

if everyone is separated.

Remind your child of names, locations and telephone numbers of the emergency contacts and locations on a regular basis.

Share copies of your emergency plan with your childs caregivers, teachers and contacts so they know how to reach

you.

Locate evacuation routes and shelter locations.

Know how to accommodate persons with disabilities.

Speak with your child about emergency exits, sirens, flashing lights and alarms.

If you cant take your pet to a temporary shelter, contact friends, relatives, veterinarians or boarding kennels in advance to make arrangements to keep your pet. Some hotels will let you bring your pets. Watch animals closely. Normally quiet and friendly pets may become aggressive

after a storm. Make sure ID tags are up to date and securely fastened to your pets collar. Pack a pet survival kit, which might include food, water, medications, vet-erinary records, cat litter, manual can opener, first-aid kit and food dishes. Carry a photo of your pet for identification.



Home roof careDuring a hurricaneThe force of the wind pushes against the outside of your house, and that force is passed from your roof to the exterior walls and finally to the founda-tion.

Before a stormLook for curled, torn or loose shingles. If possible, replace with new shingles. If possible, drive new nails through the original holes. After replacing the nails,

coat the nail heads with roofing cement. Press the shingle overlaying it down firmly. Have a roofing contrac-tor lined up who will give you priority after a hur-ricane hits. Check with a building professional about having your home fitted with hurricane straps, designed to help hold your roof to the walls. Fix little leaks. Be mindful of areas around roof vents. Seal with a commercially avail-able sealant.

Dont expect blue roofs from FEMA after a storm.

Clean guttersNormal Florida rains will tax your gutters if they dont allow a free flow of water. Also, make sure downspouts direct water away from your homes foundation.

Tile roofsReplace loose tiles, which can become airborne with heavy winds. TH

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Window coversW

hen you are plan-ning to cover the windows and doors in your home there

are several options.Brian Rist, president of Storm

Smart and head of the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association, cautioned homeowners when mak-ing any such purchase.

Make sure its Florida Building Code approved for hurricane wind resistance, he said. Thats the mea-suring point. Is it approved?

Plywood Pro: One of the least expensive impact-resistant measures. Con: Time-consuming. Must be installed before and removed after each storm. Can leave your home full of screw holes. Cost: $21 to $28 for a 4-by-8 sheet, which covers most windows. Cost varies depending on thickness (5/8inch is the minimum you should be using).

Impact-resistant windows Pro: No last-minute preparation. New windows have a National Fenestration Rating Council sticker that provides an impact rating specific to the windows size and model.

Con: A little costly. And some models often have to be replaced after a storm. Cost: $55 to $75 per square foot.

Panel shutters Pro: Less expensive than other shutters. Low maintenance and upkeep cost. Con: Can be difficult and time consuming to install and take down. Additional storage space is required. Aluminum versions allow little light into home. Cost: $4 to $6 per square foot ($10-18 installed).

Roll-down shutters Pro: Ease of use. Simply roll out of a permanently installed box above each

window. Con: Expensive; electric versions wont operate in a power failure unless you have a battery-powered backup (solar-powered versions are available); require occasional maintenance. Cost: $60 to $80 per square foot.

Accordion shutters Pro: Ease of use; not as expensive as roll-downs; suited to large openings; do not require electricity to operate. Con: Requires some maintenance; permanently installed. Cost: $25 to $40 per square foot.

Colonial or Bahamian shutters Pro: Easy to use; do not require electricity to operate. Con: Permanently installed; must conform to home architecture. Cost: $40 to $50 per square foot.

Fabric or soft-panel options Pro: Easier to install than metal panels. Con: Might not stop flying debris from breaking glass, but can protect from debris and water penetration. Cost: $6 to $8 per square foot, depending on material and size.

Note: Prices subject to the size of the opening being covered


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Backyard pools are a source of relaxation, but they also need attention before and

after a storm. Some suggested stepsfrom the Associated Swimming Pool Industries: Turn off all electrical power to the swimming pool (pump, motor, lighting, chlorinators, etc.). Do not drain the pool. If you do lower the water level, be sure to close your skimmer valve to prevent damage to the pump when the power is

restored. Wrap the pump motor with a waterproof membrane or plastic bag, and tie it securely in place to prevent sand and driving water from entering the motor. Tie down the pump box lid, if present. Remove all loose items from the pool area. Dont sink patio

furniture or accessories in the pool. 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 pre-vent contamination. If your pool is screened, remove one or two mid-level

panels of screen on each side to allow wind to blow through and prevent costly damage. Do not remove lower or overhead panels. Slip the pins out of the door hinges and place the doors in a protected area.

When the storm clears: Super-chlorinate the pool. When the chlorine level returns to normal, test the water for proper balance.

Remove any wrapping around the pump motor. If the motor has been submerged, it should be removed for profes-sional cleaning and be dried out. If the pump has remained dry, turn on the electricity. Run the filter until water is crystal-clear and resume normal pool operation.


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Hurricanes and tropical storms often cause physical damage to personal or private

property. It is important to pre-pare for and assess the financial cost of these damages.

In recent years, thousands of consumers have filed complaints with the state Attorney Gen-erals Office about price gouging before and after storms.

Florida law prohibits extreme increases in the price of such commodities as food, water, hotels, ice, gasoline, lumber and equipment needed as a direct result of an officially declared emergency. The Florida Attorney Generals Office and the Florida Department of Agriculture and

Consumer Services investigate any complaints.

Consumers are urged to call the price-gouging hotline if they feel theyve been gouged.

Under Florida law, price gouging occurs if a commod-itys price increases by a gross disparity from the average price of that commodity during the 30 days immediately before the emergency.

A law enacted in 2005 crimi-nalizes price gouging and pro-

vides that during a declared state of emergency, any person who offers goods and services for sale to the public without possessing an occupational license commits a second-degree misdemeanor.

Price gouging applies unless a price increase is attributable to additional costs incurred by the seller or to national or interna-tional market trends.

Retailers must show a cor-responding increase in their price of goods that is being passed to customers.

State officials urge consumers to be wary of business scams that might arise in the wake of a hur-ricane, including building-repair and tree-removal companies that come into storm-affected areas.

af termath2015 HURRICANE GUIDE

Avoid being taken after the storm Report price gouging Florida Attorney Generals Office: (866) 966-7226 Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: 1-800-HELP-FLA(435-7352)

Connect with Tell Mel

After a hurricane, price gouging,

unlicensed contracting and

home repair rip-offs are as common as

power outages. The News-Press

Consumer columnist Melanie Payne

will give you the tips and resources you need to avoid

financial disaster after a natural

disaster. Follow her on twitter @tellmel

and read her column at news-press.com/

tellmel


shel ters2015 HURRICANE GUIDE


A man reads a newspaper in Germain Arena, a sports stadium being used as a hurricane shelter, October 23, 2005 near Ft. Myers in Estero, Florida during Hurricane Wilma.

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As hurricane season approaches, it is important to re-view your policy.

Remember: If Florida is under a hurricane watch or warning, it is likely too late to purchase insurance.Here are some details to re-view about your insurance: Windstorm insurance typically carries a much higher deductible than other coverage. Take your insurance documents with you if you leave the area because of the storm. Scan your insurance docu-ments into your computer and then mail those files to an email account. New or increased cover-age cannot be issued when a tropical storm or hurricane

watch or warning is in place for any part of Florida. Consider purchasing flood insurance, which is usu-ally written separately from homeowners insurance. Make certain the amount of your coverage matches the value of your home. Check your policy to make sure it lists any steps you have taken to protect your home, such as installing storm shutters. Understand in the event of a loss, you would receive the cash value of your belong-ings or whether your policy specifies replacement.

Understand what is covered ... or not

When hurricane warn-ings are issued, the Florida

Department of Financial Services is mobilized to assist with insurance and banking questions.

The toll-free hot line is 800-22-STORM. Everyone lives in a flood zone in Southwest Florida. And you dont simply need to live near the water to be flooded. Many flooded areas are caused by overloaded drainage systems. Flood damage is not cov-ered by your homeowners policy. You can purchase flood in-surance no matter what your flood risk is, as long as your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program.

A maximum of $250,000 of building coverage is available for single-family

residential buildings and per unit in a condominium.

Commercial structures can be insured to a limit of $500,000. Call your insurance agent for details about how to get flood insurance. Plan ahead because there is usually at least a 30-day wait-ing period before any flood insurance goes into effect. Content coverage is sepa-rate. Up to $100,000 con-tents coverage is available. Federal disaster assis-tance is only available if the president declares a disaster. A rule of thumb: About 90 percent of all disasters in the United States are not declared disasters by the president.

National Flood Insurance Program: floodsmart.gov

Insurance policy details are critical

Online help Resources for you nhc.noaa.gov: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration experts at the National Hurricane Center are leading authorities on Atlantic Basin hurricanes and tropical storms. leeeoc.com: The official website of the Lee County Emergency Operations Center. floridadisaster.org: This is the states Emergency Operations Centers website for up-to-date statewide information, news alerts and contact information about storms,

evacuations, storm surge and shelter information. colliergov.net/em: The official website of the Collier County Emergency Operations Center. charlottecountyfl.com/emergency: The official website of the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center. hendryclerk.org/weather.php: This is the Hendry County storm informationwebsite. desotobocc.com: This is the DeSoto County website in Arcadia.

capecoral.net: The official website of Lee Countys largest city.

Where to find agency help fema.gov: This is the Federal Emergency Management Agency website. It offersdetailed instructions for natural disasters, including action plans, safe rooms and the National Flood Insurance Program. redcross.org: The American Red Cross keeps residents informed about response and recovery operations.

Insurance helpThe Small Business Administration

provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster.

Any business that is located in a declared disaster area and has incurred damage during the disaster may apply for a loan to help repair or replace damaged property to its pre-disaster condition.

To learn moreTo obtain program information or to

receive a status update on your loan request, call 800-659-2955 or email to [email protected].


The hurricane has passed, the skies have cleared and its time to clean up and get back into a sem-blance of a routine. But remember post-storm hazards can be more dangerous than the storm.


Cleanup

Situations to be mindful of: In the yard: Dont trim trees or remove debris located near power lines. Electrical: Use a licensed elec-trician to repair damage to your homes electrical system. Building damage: If your home or any other building has been damaged, inspect it to make certain it is safe to enter. Stay alert: Heed all orders about not re-entering a neigh-borhood after evacuation until authorities OK it. Water: Do not attempt to drive through high water, and avoid moving water regardless of speed or depth.

Food: Do not eat any food that may have come in contact with floodwater. Discard perishable food that has been at more than 40 degrees for two or more hours. Contamination: Discard any wood-cutting boards, plastic utensils, baby bottles, nipples and pacifiers that have come in contact with contaminated floodwater. Drinking water: If drinking water is contaminated, health officials may issue a boil wa-ter notice and urge the use of bottled water.Residents should deal whenever possible with established local companies when they contract for repairs or arrange financing to pay for any repairs that might not be covered by insurance.



Mold

Molds effect on health

Molds can cause allergic reactions, fungal infections and other health problems. Most people will have no reaction when exposed to molds. Some people have un-derlying health conditions that make them more sensitive to mold exposure. Health effects can include:

How to start the cleanup

Start cleanup as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely the mold will grow.

Assess the damage

If the molded area is less than 10 square feet, you likely can clean it yourself. If not, consult a specialist for proper cleanup.

Dry all items completely. Dehu-midifiers can help.

Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water. A mild bleach solution also may help with some surfaces. Afterward, dry completely. Appliances, such as washers and dryers, should be cleaned with hot water or a mild bleach solution, not detergent.

Absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles, upholstery, clothing and carpet, may have to be thrown away. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of these materials, meaning the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.

Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold. Buy a respirator, or mask, which costs about $15, to avoid breathing in mold. Also, wear gloves and goggles.

Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces before cleaning the mold.

You should be able to reoccupy the area without health complaints or physical symptoms.

If you have concerns or ques-tions, call the Environmental Protection Agency Indoor Air Quality Information Hotline at 800-241-1754.

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Allergic rhinitis or sinusitis (Eyes, nose, throat) Similar to hay fever or the common cold, but over an extended period of time. Symptoms include a runny nose, nasal or sinus congestion, irritated

or red eyes, irritated or scratchy throat, and cough. Reactions occur quickly after exposure to molds.

Dermatitis (skin) Symptoms include red, itchy skin and/or rash.

Asthma (lungs) Symptoms include acute attacks of coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Reactions usually occur within minutes. May repeat 6-10 hours later.duration of the storm.


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2015 Hurricane Guide