Hurricane Preparation
Checklist if you choose to leave when a storm is coming
- Remove all items from outside unit; door décor, wreaths, door mats & plants (plants are not allowed and should not be there).
- All operable bikes stored inside the unit during the storm. Bikes left in racks that are obviously not in operable shape will be disposed.
- Remove screens from outside of windows.
- Empty freezer and refrigerator. If power is off all perishable food must be disposed of for safety and odor protection.
- If using a generator during power outage consider turning it off during night hours when neighbors are trying to sleep and windows are open.
- Florida/Martin County also state that operating generators should be at a minimum no closer than 5 feet from all open doors and windows. Remember that the exhaust from the generator may be entering neighbors and or your home and carbon monoxide is deadly.
- No generators are allowed per Florida fire laws on common walkways and is a fire hazard!
- Remove items from open screen porches. (enclosed porches optional)
- Close shutters when you leave.
- Do not expect/assume those left behind will choose to do your storm preparation work. In a storm those that choose to remain have enough to do to keep themselves and their property safe.
- If you ask Wes to perform either out of season or storm related work be aware that he must do storm preparation and all his regular assigned Association work first and he does have his own family to care for in a storm. All owners requests, and if he chooses to help, will be done on his own time after work hours. If you ask please be prepared to pay him for his time.
- After a storm and in off season the Association does not conduct any inspection of the 186 units. Any emergency or obvious problems will be addressed. Carefully consider hiring/using a friend or a service to inspect your unit on a regular schedule and ASAP after a storm.
- Use the FPL website to check and see if you have power in your unit.
Checklist if you choose to stay when a storm is coming
- Fill your freezer with as much ice or frozen non-perishable items as possible.
- Use packs of water to fill your refrigerator to help keep it cold.
- Set up a communication link with neighbors who remain.
- Have battery operated fans. Consider using head lamps which are great for reading.
- Have battery operated radios, flashlights and lanterns.
- Have battery/solar operated phone chargers.
- Use the FPL website to check on restoration work and see if you have power in your unit.
- Don’t expect those who stay to keep you updated (they need to conserve battery power). The association will post general information on the website ASAP.
Make a plan and follow the plan in a timely manner. Some reputable sources of information:
- National Hurricane Center (storm tracking at its best)
- National Hurricane Center (storm preparation)
- Florida Disaster Center
- Federal Emergency Management (FEMA)