HIBISCUS BY THE SEA
RESIDENT HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS PROCEDURES
Hurricane Season is from June 1- November 30. Each resident is recommended to have their own procedures in place. The Hibiscus Board of Directors has prepared some TIPS to get you started.
STORM ALERT
This ALERT is issued by local & national weather stations when a severe storm poses a possible threat to our area within 48 to 72 hours. We suggest you monitor your TV and Radio stations for any up to date information.
HURRICANE WATCH
· A HURRICANE WATCH is issued for a coastal area when there is a threat of severe weather conditions within 36 hours.
· Periodic announcements will be made over the building’s intercom as information is known. It is each individual’s responsibility to monitor conditions and decide what action to take.
HURRICANE WARNING
A HURRICANE WARNING is issued by the National Weather Service when a hurricane is EXPECTED to strike the area within 24 hours. Winds will be 74 MPH or greater & tides could be 7-9 feet. In addition a severe tidal surge can be expected. During this time, final action MUST be taken to prepare for evacuation. Orders will be given by the St. Lucie County of Emergency Management or the Indian River County Office Emergency Management on when to evacuate. REMEMBER WE ARE ON A BARRIER ISLAND, roads will be jammed don’t wait until the last moment to leave.
SUGGESTED ACTIONS ITEMS THAT RESIDENTS SHOULD CONSIDER IN PREPARATION FOR HURRICANE SEASON.
· Secure a re-entry pass from the Ft. Piece Police Dept. for access to Hutchinson Island. Proof of property ownership is required. Accepted forms of ID are Florida driver’s license or copies of electric or phone bill with your name.
· Keep your car(s) gas tank filled. Service station may go out of gas or lines will be long.
· Have flashlights, candles, batter powered radio, extra batteries, sufficient drinking water and non-perishable food in your unit to last for three (3) to seven (7) days for each person in case you are unable to evacuate and are required to stay.
· Call your relatives and friends and advise them of your plans. Confirm with them that you have returned safely.
· Store valuables and all original documents off-site. A safe deposit box at a local bank is recommended.
· A GRAB & GO BOX for Documents. What should it contain?
1. Will(s) or trust agreement(s)
2. Insurance policies
3. List of checking/savings account numbers
4. Emergency cash
5. Recent tax return
6. Safety deposit key(s)
7. List of all prescription drugs for the family or guests
8. List of credit card numbers and phone numbers of vendors
9. Copy of Drivers license(s)
10..Copy of social security card(s)
11.Current bills
12.Birth/marriage certificate(s)
13.Power of attorney
14.Contact list of friends, heirs, and advisors should something happen to you
15.Investment statements
16.Extra prescription drugs
AN OVERNIGHT SUITCASE WITH YOU PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS AND A CHANGE OF CLOTHES FOR A MINIUM OF 3 DAYS MAX 7 DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY OF THE STORM.
WHEN A HURRICANE WARNING IS ISSUED YOU SHOULD HAVE
· Moved everything outside of your unit indoors including outdoor furniture, plants, floor mats, pots, wreaths and decorations. Everything becomes a flying bullet during a storm.
· Closed all hurricane shutters.
· Moved all valuable furniture and objects away from windows if you do not have shutters.
· Turned your hot water heater OFF before your turned your water off in your unit. This applies to owners of Buiding I only.
· Turned off your hot and cold water supply to the unit. Shutting off the individual water supply is also a great idea.
· Emptied ice from freezer and shut off the ice maker.
· Removed anything perishable from the refrigerator and all items from your freezer.
During Hurricane season it would be good to keep frozen supplies to a 1 wk. min. This would save of frozen food loss.
· Shut off your HVAC unit. Start again once the cooling tower has been powered back up.
Leave phone numbers on your kitchen counter where you can be reached in case of an emergency and post them on your kitchen counter where you can be reached in case of an emergency and post them on the website in the directory.
· Put towels or swimming pool noodles in tracks of your sliders to help minimize water intrusion. Make sand socks (use tube socks and fill them with sand). Put them in the window tracks or in front of the front door to prevent water intrusion.
· Fill all bath tubs with water for potable use until city water service has been re-activated.
· Un-plug all electrical appliances including TV’s, computers, cable lines, etc.
EVACUATION
· The Office of Emergency Management or other official government agencies are authorized to mandate evacuation orders. Once the orders are issued then the Property Management Company and the Hurricane Preparedness Committee will finalize the shut down of all HBS facilities in order to make SAFE the buildings and common area.
· Only one elevator will be operable to conserve energy. Power and water could be lost at any time.
WHERE CAN YOU GO
· All shelters are not open at the same time. Information will be provided on TV or the local radio stations. Listen to them for more detailed instructions on locations, times and points of access. The Health Department of St. Lucie County operates a shelter located at the Civic Center, 25th St. and Virginia Avenue. Other shelter locations can be the Middle School and High School. Listen to the radio for details.
· Most shelters have first aid personnel on site.
· All public shelters are safe refuge during a hurricane. The American Red Cross is usually operating these facilities. Assistance is provided. What you should bring.
1. pillow, blanket or sleeping bag, towels, soap, lots of reading material, folding chair, playing cards, radio, change of clothes, flashlight, extra batteries, non-perishable food and water.
If you chose not to stay in a local emergency shelter there are many hotels and motels outside our area. Travel in the direction away from the storm preferably inland like to Orlando. Hotels will fill up fast. Make a reservation by credit card to assure a guaranteed stay. REMEMBER MANY PEOPLE WILL BE TRAVELING IN THE SAME DIRECTION. THE ROADS WILL BE CROWDED, GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME.
IF YOU SHOULD STAY AT HIBISCUS BY THE SEA
· Have flashlights, extra batteries, candles, battery powered radio, sufficient drinking water and non-perishable food in your unit to last for three days to one week for each person staying.
· Sign the register in the lobby notifying others staying in the building of your intent to stay. Give next of kin or contact information.
· Notify relatives or friends of your intent to stay.
RETURNING TO HIBISCUS BY THE SEA
· Once the storm has passed and the office of Emergency Management has issued orders for a safe return access might be on a limited basis. Here is some steps to follow:
Go to the Association website for accurate and current information. www.hibiscusbythesea.com
*Information will be posted as soon as the association has assesses to the property and has assessed damages etc.
· Check the bulletin board for specific instructions regarding available utilities, damages, etc.
· Check your unit and report all damages to the Building Committee or a Board Member. All off site property owners should make arrangements to check their units as quickly as possible for any damage.
RESIDENT HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS PROCEDURES
Hurricane Season is from June 1- November 30. Each resident is recommended to have their own procedures in place. The Hibiscus Board of Directors has prepared some TIPS to get you started.
STORM ALERT
This ALERT is issued by local & national weather stations when a severe storm poses a possible threat to our area within 48 to 72 hours. We suggest you monitor your TV and Radio stations for any up to date information.
HURRICANE WATCH
· A HURRICANE WATCH is issued for a coastal area when there is a threat of severe weather conditions within 36 hours.
· Periodic announcements will be made over the building’s intercom as information is known. It is each individual’s responsibility to monitor conditions and decide what action to take.
HURRICANE WARNING
A HURRICANE WARNING is issued by the National Weather Service when a hurricane is EXPECTED to strike the area within 24 hours. Winds will be 74 MPH or greater & tides could be 7-9 feet. In addition a severe tidal surge can be expected. During this time, final action MUST be taken to prepare for evacuation. Orders will be given by the St. Lucie County of Emergency Management or the Indian River County Office Emergency Management on when to evacuate. REMEMBER WE ARE ON A BARRIER ISLAND, roads will be jammed don’t wait until the last moment to leave.
SUGGESTED ACTIONS ITEMS THAT RESIDENTS SHOULD CONSIDER IN PREPARATION FOR HURRICANE SEASON.
· Secure a re-entry pass from the Ft. Piece Police Dept. for access to Hutchinson Island. Proof of property ownership is required. Accepted forms of ID are Florida driver’s license or copies of electric or phone bill with your name.
· Keep your car(s) gas tank filled. Service station may go out of gas or lines will be long.
· Have flashlights, candles, batter powered radio, extra batteries, sufficient drinking water and non-perishable food in your unit to last for three (3) to seven (7) days for each person in case you are unable to evacuate and are required to stay.
· Call your relatives and friends and advise them of your plans. Confirm with them that you have returned safely.
· Store valuables and all original documents off-site. A safe deposit box at a local bank is recommended.
· A GRAB & GO BOX for Documents. What should it contain?
1. Will(s) or trust agreement(s)
2. Insurance policies
3. List of checking/savings account numbers
4. Emergency cash
5. Recent tax return
6. Safety deposit key(s)
7. List of all prescription drugs for the family or guests
8. List of credit card numbers and phone numbers of vendors
9. Copy of Drivers license(s)
10..Copy of social security card(s)
11.Current bills
12.Birth/marriage certificate(s)
13.Power of attorney
14.Contact list of friends, heirs, and advisors should something happen to you
15.Investment statements
16.Extra prescription drugs
AN OVERNIGHT SUITCASE WITH YOU PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS AND A CHANGE OF CLOTHES FOR A MINIUM OF 3 DAYS MAX 7 DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY OF THE STORM.
WHEN A HURRICANE WARNING IS ISSUED YOU SHOULD HAVE
· Moved everything outside of your unit indoors including outdoor furniture, plants, floor mats, pots, wreaths and decorations. Everything becomes a flying bullet during a storm.
· Closed all hurricane shutters.
· Moved all valuable furniture and objects away from windows if you do not have shutters.
· Turned your hot water heater OFF before your turned your water off in your unit. This applies to owners of Buiding I only.
· Turned off your hot and cold water supply to the unit. Shutting off the individual water supply is also a great idea.
· Emptied ice from freezer and shut off the ice maker.
· Removed anything perishable from the refrigerator and all items from your freezer.
During Hurricane season it would be good to keep frozen supplies to a 1 wk. min. This would save of frozen food loss.
· Shut off your HVAC unit. Start again once the cooling tower has been powered back up.
Leave phone numbers on your kitchen counter where you can be reached in case of an emergency and post them on your kitchen counter where you can be reached in case of an emergency and post them on the website in the directory.
· Put towels or swimming pool noodles in tracks of your sliders to help minimize water intrusion. Make sand socks (use tube socks and fill them with sand). Put them in the window tracks or in front of the front door to prevent water intrusion.
· Fill all bath tubs with water for potable use until city water service has been re-activated.
· Un-plug all electrical appliances including TV’s, computers, cable lines, etc.
EVACUATION
· The Office of Emergency Management or other official government agencies are authorized to mandate evacuation orders. Once the orders are issued then the Property Management Company and the Hurricane Preparedness Committee will finalize the shut down of all HBS facilities in order to make SAFE the buildings and common area.
· Only one elevator will be operable to conserve energy. Power and water could be lost at any time.
WHERE CAN YOU GO
· All shelters are not open at the same time. Information will be provided on TV or the local radio stations. Listen to them for more detailed instructions on locations, times and points of access. The Health Department of St. Lucie County operates a shelter located at the Civic Center, 25th St. and Virginia Avenue. Other shelter locations can be the Middle School and High School. Listen to the radio for details.
· Most shelters have first aid personnel on site.
· All public shelters are safe refuge during a hurricane. The American Red Cross is usually operating these facilities. Assistance is provided. What you should bring.
1. pillow, blanket or sleeping bag, towels, soap, lots of reading material, folding chair, playing cards, radio, change of clothes, flashlight, extra batteries, non-perishable food and water.
If you chose not to stay in a local emergency shelter there are many hotels and motels outside our area. Travel in the direction away from the storm preferably inland like to Orlando. Hotels will fill up fast. Make a reservation by credit card to assure a guaranteed stay. REMEMBER MANY PEOPLE WILL BE TRAVELING IN THE SAME DIRECTION. THE ROADS WILL BE CROWDED, GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME.
IF YOU SHOULD STAY AT HIBISCUS BY THE SEA
· Have flashlights, extra batteries, candles, battery powered radio, sufficient drinking water and non-perishable food in your unit to last for three days to one week for each person staying.
· Sign the register in the lobby notifying others staying in the building of your intent to stay. Give next of kin or contact information.
· Notify relatives or friends of your intent to stay.
RETURNING TO HIBISCUS BY THE SEA
· Once the storm has passed and the office of Emergency Management has issued orders for a safe return access might be on a limited basis. Here is some steps to follow:
Go to the Association website for accurate and current information. www.hibiscusbythesea.com
*Information will be posted as soon as the association has assesses to the property and has assessed damages etc.
· Check the bulletin board for specific instructions regarding available utilities, damages, etc.
· Check your unit and report all damages to the Building Committee or a Board Member. All off site property owners should make arrangements to check their units as quickly as possible for any damage.
HURRICANE CHECKLIST FOR CLOSING UP YOUR UNIT
1. Shut off main water supply in air conditioning closet and water heater. Any other appliances not in use.
2. Close all Shutters East, West, North and South Sides. Management will not be closing for you.
3. Set your AC to desired Temperature. If closing shutters consider setting temperature lower.
4. Remove everything from balconies, walkways and doors.
5. Empty ice from freezer and shut off ice maker. Remove anything perishable from Refrigerator. Best to empty, open and turn off.
Spoiled food ruined many during the 2004 Hurricanes.
6. Consider putting rolled up towels or swimming pool noodles in the tracks of your windows and sliding glass doors to minimize water intrusion.
7. Leave phone numbers/email address where you may be reached in case of an emergency on your kitchen counter or post on front of refrigerator.
8. Arrange to have a neighbor check your unit while you are gone.
9. Inform your guests of this checklist and to sign in the Guest Book in the Lobby.
10. In the event of a Hurricane refer to the Hurricane Preparedness Document available on our Website http://www.hibiscusbythesea.com and in the Lobby next to Guest Book. You are responsible for making arrangements to return to your property in the event of a hurricane to assess your own unit’s condition.
1. Shut off main water supply in air conditioning closet and water heater. Any other appliances not in use.
2. Close all Shutters East, West, North and South Sides. Management will not be closing for you.
3. Set your AC to desired Temperature. If closing shutters consider setting temperature lower.
4. Remove everything from balconies, walkways and doors.
5. Empty ice from freezer and shut off ice maker. Remove anything perishable from Refrigerator. Best to empty, open and turn off.
Spoiled food ruined many during the 2004 Hurricanes.
6. Consider putting rolled up towels or swimming pool noodles in the tracks of your windows and sliding glass doors to minimize water intrusion.
7. Leave phone numbers/email address where you may be reached in case of an emergency on your kitchen counter or post on front of refrigerator.
8. Arrange to have a neighbor check your unit while you are gone.
9. Inform your guests of this checklist and to sign in the Guest Book in the Lobby.
10. In the event of a Hurricane refer to the Hurricane Preparedness Document available on our Website http://www.hibiscusbythesea.com and in the Lobby next to Guest Book. You are responsible for making arrangements to return to your property in the event of a hurricane to assess your own unit’s condition.