Preparing and expecting the consequences of a significant hurricane in your region can be worrisome. We often start to doubt our housing, job, and other essential parts of life that might come up, especially if we find ourselves having to evacuate our homes. It is natural to be concerned about potential storm damage to your home, neighborhood, and community. In addition, the constant barrage of news about the approaching storm can also cause stress, anxiety, and fear. So where do we go from here? First, acknowledge these common emotional responses and take steps to ready yourself for the storm to help protect your emotional well-being. Have your hurricane plan ready and implement it. Also, don’t forget to empower your family members to join in on the getting ready process. Involving family members in hurricane preparations is essential for keeping everyone informed, involved, and prepared to take action when necessary. After all, the goal is to reduce anxiety and increase confidence, making the family better prepared to respond to emergencies. Assigning tasks and discussing the plan together creates a sense of teamwork and responsibility, which is critical in times of crisis. One way to organize your hurricane plan is to think about what you need to do before and after the storm.

Before the Storm

Secure Your Home

• Shutters & Windows: Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood to protect against flying debris.
• Doors: Reinforce garage doors and entry doors. Sliding doors should also be secured.
• Roof: Inspect the roof for loose tiles or shingles and reinforce it if needed. Use hurricane straps or clips to secure the roof to the structure.
• Clear the Yard: Bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, trash cans, and anything else that could become a projectile.
• Trim Trees: Remove weak or dead branches and trees that could fall on your home.
• Gutters & Drains: Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage from blockages.

For more information go to: https://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/preparing-your-home-family/

Create an Emergency Kit That Includes These Items

• Water: Plan for at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Fill containers and the bathtub before a storm.
• Shelf-Stable Food: Store non-perishable food items and have a manual can opener.
• Battery-Powered Radio: Stay informed with a battery-powered radio, especially during power outages.
• Flashlight: Keep a flashlight and extra batteries on hand.
• First Aid Supplies: Check your stock of essential first aid items.
• Toiletries: Have extra hygiene products available.
• Specialty Items: Gather specific needs like prescription medications and infant formula.
• Important Documents: Safeguard copies of essential documents.
• Cash: Keep some cash on hand as stores may not accept electronic payments during power outages.
• Pet Care Items: Prepare emergency supplies for pets.
• Portable Charger: Use it to charge your devices during power outages.

Ensure your pet has its own emergency supplies, including:

• Food & Water: At least three to seven days’ worth of food (canned or dry) and water for each pet.
• Bowl & Manual Can Opener: Portable, collapsible bowls and a can opener if needed.
• Medications: A week’s supply of any medications your pet needs, stored safely.
• Identification & Documents: Copies of veterinary records, vaccination status, and recent photos of your pet (in case they go missing). Ensure your pet has an updated ID tag and, if possible, a microchip with your contact details.
• Leash & Carrier: A sturdy leash, harness, and an appropriately sized carrier or crate for each pet.
• Waste Supplies: Litter and a small litter box for cats, poop bags for dogs, and cleaning supplies.
• Comfort Items: Your pet’s favorite toys, bedding, or a blanket to help keep them calm in stressful situations.

Take Note of Orange County Shelters

The Orange County, Florida Government has opened 11 general population shelters for individuals who need to evacuate or seek refuge from Hurricane Milton. You won’t need ID cards to enter the shelters.

• Apopka High School (Pet friendly)
• Carver Middle School (Pet friendly)
• Colonial High School (Pet friendly)
• Lake Buena Vista High School
• Lake Nona High School (Pet friendly)
• Oak Ridge High School
• Ocoee High School
• Odyssey Middle School
• Timber Springs Middle School
• Union Park Middle School (Pet friendly)
• Wedgefield K-8 School

Additionally, 3 shelters for persons with special needs (PSN) have also opened. Orange County residents requiring a PSN Shelter please dial 3-1-1 or 407-836-3111. LYNX will provide free service to shelter locations.

• Goldenrod Recreation Center
• Silver Star Recreation Center
• South Econ Community Park

Don’t forget to pack necessary items such as bedding, pillows, and toiletries. You can find more information on what to bring to a shelter at ocfl.net/shelters.

After the Storm

• Remember to protect yourself and others from electrical hazards. Never touch a fallen power line or drive through water with downed power lines. If someone experiences an electric shock, call 911.
• Use flashlights instead of candles and keep them away from flammable items.
• Have a fire extinguisher on hand and ensure your family knows how to use it.
• After the hurricane passes, make sure your home is safe before allowing pets outside. Check for broken glass, sharp objects, or contaminated water that could harm them.
• Never use a generator or any gasoline-powered engines inside your home. Remember that Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if inhaled. CO is found in fumes from small gasoline engines, stoves, generators, lanterns, gas ranges, and burning charcoal or wood, and can build up in enclosed spaces, posing a danger to people and animals.
• Ensure generators, pressure washers, and gasoline-powered engines are used at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents, and keep vents and flues clear of debris.
• Avoid using charcoal grills, lanterns, or portable camping stoves inside enclosed spaces.
• Never leave a vehicle’s engine running in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.
• Seek out FEMA assistance programs.
• Take Pictures of any damages to your property

For more information check out the following links:

www.fema.gov/assistance/individual

http://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu/

www.ready.gov

How to emotionally prepare for a hurricane (apa.org)

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