Hurricane Preparedness During a Pandemic
Florida is a beautiful state, full of clear water and swaying palm trees, but Mother Nature also shows her dark side here too. Every year tropical storms and hurricanes batter the state. These storms can be extremely dangerous so being prepared is crucial. But how do you prepare for such violent events during a pandemic? Social distancing might be difficult in certain situations, but by using PPE, you can give yourself and your loved ones the best chance of staying healthy during a natural disaster.
That being said, preparing for a hurricane as an apartment renter differs from those who live in houses. At the very least, you’ll have to be comfortable using the stairs, carrying “go-bags,” maneuvering pets through it all and having safe transportation. By following these precautions and checklists, you give yourself and your loved ones the best chances for safety.
The Evacuation Kit Checklist
In the event that evacuation is called for, DO NOT WAIT. The sooner you can get out of the danger zone the better. To avoid large crowds in hurricane relief shelters, establish a friend or family member living in a safer area and make arrangements ahead of time to go there. This should be done well in advance so the people you’re staying with have time to prepare for your arrival when a hurricane is announced. Planning on both ends will ensure the most success in this situation.
Whether you have a safe house or not, you’ll need enough supplies to survive for at least 3 days. Make sure you have the following items prepared in advance in a “go bag” (a relatively small bag that you can pick up, grab, and go):
- 1 month worth of medications & prescriptions (Keep these together in a separate container)
- Important legal document, such as IDs, passports, social security cards, certificates, etc…
- Hand sanitizers, soap & other disinfectants to prevent the spread of infection
- Tissues
- Face masks for everyone in the household
- Food (nonperishable is best)
- Pet food (if applicable)
- Water bottles
- Personal hygiene products (travel size will do fine)
- Photos of family, friends, and pets to show others if you get separated
The Stay at Home Kit Checklist
Not all storms merit evacuation, but even smaller ones can knock out the power in your apartment community if conditions are right. It’s important to ensure that your rental apartment is stocked up on the essential items to last for 2 weeks:
- 1 month worth of medications & prescriptions (Keep these together in a separate container)
- Food
- Pet food (if applicable)
- Water bottles
- Household cleaning products
- Personal hygiene products
- Paper products (toilet tissue, paper towels, etc.)
Pet Emergency Kit Checklist
Many apartment communities are pet friendly. It’s important that if you have a pet that you take the right precautions to protect Fido as well as your family. If you have to evacuate, take your pet with you—if conditions are dangerous for you, then they are dangerous for your pet as well. Follow these precautions to ensure their safety during a hurricane:
- If your community has hurricane drills, make sure your pet is part of it. This way, they are more familiar with the routine and their crates if necessary.
- Many shelters only accept service animals. Know in advance the hotels and motels on the route to your safe house that will allow pets in the event of a natural disaster.
- If you are out of town, make sure you have a friend, family member or veterinarian who can retrieve and board your pet for you. Making a list with phone numbers in advance is the best way to reach someone in an emergency.
- Have a spare key available in a safe place in case someone else has to get into your apartment to retrieve your pet.
- Put aside enough food for your pet’s evacuation. Know exactly where this emergency stash is so you can grab it with your go-bag or if someone has to retrieve your pet.
Here at Garden Communities Florida, we are dedicated to the safety of our residents. All of our communities are built to meet government disaster standards and withstand hurricanes. If you have any concerns, would like further information, or need any assistance developing your preparation plan, please give us a call. We are always here to support you.