PSO’s Guide To Hurricane Season Preparations
Part 2
Last month, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office covered ways to prepare for hurricanes before they arrive, but what happens when the big one does hit? And what dangers do they leave in their wake? This month, we are focusing on safety measures people can take when a hurricane is in our area, as well as the precautions to take immediately after the storm passes.
Shelter in Place: You don’t need to be in the eye of the storm to feel the impact. Even hundreds of miles from the coast, citizens can experience flooding and strong winds. Therefore, when the storm arrives, do not attempt to go outside. Avoid traveling unless instructed to evacuate. Listen to local officials and shelter in place, preferably stay in an interior room without windows. Should your home become flooded, get to higher ground. If the inside becomes too dangerous, get on the roof and call 911. Please keep in mind that emergency services may be temporarily suspended due to extreme weather conditions during the hurricane. Citizens can still call 911 for emergencies, and assistance will be provided when it’s safe.
Stay Connected: One of the biggest concerns regarding hurricane safety is remaining connected when the storm arrives. In some instances, people may lose power. This does not mean you are cut off from emergency communication. Verify with your mobile carrier provider that Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on your phone to receive emergency notifications from national, state, or local public safety officials.
Continue to monitor forecasts throughout the hurricane. Storm tracks can change rapidly, and slight shifts can make a big difference. Even when the worst seems over, remain in place until instructed that it is safe to leave. Many evacuees rush to return, thinking the danger has passed. However, if a river overflows, it can lead to flooding in low-lying areas, even far inland. We strongly advise everyone to continue sheltering in place or to wait for confirmation from local authorities before returning home.
Assessing The Damage: After a storm passes, it may take time for crews to assess areas for safety. Although it might be tempting to go out quickly to evaluate the damage yourself, there could be hidden hazards. Be cautious of dangers in the grass and standing water, such as downed trees, power lines, and wildlife. When clearing storm debris, wear safety gear like protective eyewear and gloves.
While splashing in puddles or swimming in high water areas may seem fun for children, these waters can be contaminated with oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. It’s important to remind children not to play in these areas.
Although it is best to stay off the roads after an intense storm, if you must drive, avoid flooded roadways and exercise extra caution. Flooded roads can conceal their depths and dangers. Remember, just six inches of water can cause issues like stalling, and a foot of water can float most cars. Before driving anywhere, check for road closures related to the storm at fl511.com.
Unlicensed Contractors: Rebuilding after a storm is challenging, and it can be difficult to know whom to trust. The PSO advises citizens to exercise caution and be vigilant against unlicensed contractors. Hiring unlicensed contractors can expose homeowners to the risk of poor-quality work and noncompliance with building codes. Additionally, property owners may become liable for injuries, face limited options if a contract is broken, and fall victim to other scams, such as identity theft.
When approached by unsolicited contractors or workers in plain clothes without company branding on their vehicles, use extreme caution. Be wary of contractors who depend on other businesses to obtain the necessary licenses. Never sign a contract with blank spaces or a completion certificate before the work is finished. Avoid using cash or gift cards for payment, as these methods are difficult to trace.
Out of all the details you’ve learned from our hurricane preparations series, two of the biggest takeaways are that a lot goes into the planning, and it should not be taken lightly. We hope you use this guide as a resource for your own planning this season. If you missed part 1 of the guide, go to News.PascoSheriff.com. This will give you insight into
Together, we can weather any storm. Stay safe, Pasco!
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