It’s June and do you know what that means? If you’re a Florida resident, we’re sure you do. It’s officially Hurricane season!
This is that season from June 1st through November 30th when we sit in front of the television and keep an eye on every little storm that’s brewing out there. Unfortunately, there are times when these storms make it to shore and cause catastrophic damage, devastation and injury. To help you and your family to prepare for hurricane injury in West Palm Beach and elsewhere, Broward County released information regarding safety tips and preparations.
It’s important to get your plan in order now. Waiting until the last minute can leave you without a plan, without supplies and in danger for some serious injuries and damages in the event of a hurricane.
“All residents have a responsibility to be prepared in case of an emergency, with sufficient food, water and other supplies to sustain themselves and their families for three to five days,” said Chuck Lanza, with the Broward County Emergency Management Division.
Our West Palm Beach injury lawyers understand that Broward County hasn’t experienced a direct hit from a hurricane since we saw Hurricane Wilma back in 2005.
However, it’s always important to be ready and prepared for these events. This could be the year. Are you ready? During the summer season, residents shouldn’t only be focused on hitting the beach and soaking up the sun, but they should also be worried about how to prepare their home for a storm and how to keep family members safe in these kinds of emergency situations.
Here are some tips to get you started:
-Make sure that your family has a hurricane emergency plan. Broward County offers you a sample one to get your started.
-Set up shelter options. Are you going to stay home or will you be setting out to a shelter in the event of a severe hurricane. If you’re planning one going to a general population shelter, remember that preregistration is not available.
-If you have an elderly person in your family, consider registering their personal information with the Vulnerable Population Registry. This will help you to locate them if something happens and they get separated from you during a hurricane.
-If your family has pets, remember that they’re not accepted at all shelters. Be sure to find one that suits your needs beforehand.
-Stock up! You want to make sure that you and your family have enough supplies to last through a hurricane and its aftermath. Make sure you’ve got enough water and nonperishable food items to supply your family. Here’s a sample hurricane supply list to help you round up the necessities. Remember that you typically want enough supplies to last you and your family for eight weeks.
-Secure your home for the worst. Make sure the trees are trimmed and there’s no loose lawn furniture outside.
Freeman & Mallard is a personal injury and wrongful death law firm that is experienced in handling all types of injuries in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and the Port St. Lucie/Fort Pierce areas. Call today to set up a free and confidential consultation. Call 1-800-561-7777.
More Blog Entries:
Palm Beach injury attorneys urge residents to prepare for hurricane season, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, June 24, 2010