Highlands County S.A.L.T Council 424 Fernleaf Ave. Sebring, Florida 33870 Tel: 863-385-0024

It is better to be prepared in case a hurricane becomes an unwelcome visitor in Highlands County than take a wait and see attitude and get stuck at the last minute.

The following pages of information are written to assist you in preparing for storms. These are only suggestions and meant to help you to become self sufficient. On June 2, 2006 Highlands Today carried this headline on Page 2. "Self-Sufficiency The Best Way To Prepare For Storm". We have tried to cover some of the facts about hurricanes; a list of shelters (including one that takes pets); a list of motels that will take pets; what to do to prepare; a medical supply list; a list of emergency supplies; a list of non-perishable foods.

People living in mobile homes will need to make plans to evacuate ahead of time. Decide on your destination and route that you will travel to arrive safely at your destination.

Anyone who requires special assistance, because of age, physical disability or medical needs should register with Highlands County Emergency Management ahead of time. (Registrations are required annually)

Highlands County Emergency Management
6850 George Blvd.
Sebring, Fl 33875
Tel: 863-385-0024, 385-1112

Special Needs Shelter 4505 George Blvd Sebring, Fl 33875

Important Telephone Numbers
Emergency Management 385-1112
Sheriff's Office 402-7200
Glades Electric Cooperative 226-4025
Progress Energy 228-8485
Solid Waste 655-6483
Animal Control 655-6475

Radio Stations
WITS 1340 AM
WJCM 1050 AM
WWTK 730 AM
WWLL 105.8 FM
WWOJ 99.1 FM
WWRZ 98.3

Tropical Depression: An organized system of clouds and/or thunderstorms with some circulation with highest winds less than 39 miles per hour.

Tropical Storm: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with stronger circulation. The highest winds will be 39-73 miles per hour. These storms can quickly grow into hurricanes. They are given names when they reach tropical storm strength.

Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions with winds of 39-73 miles per hour are a possible threat to your area in 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical Storm conditions are expected within 24 hours.

Hurricane: A very strong system of circulation with winds of 74 miles per hour or more.

Hurricane Watch: A hurricane is a real possibility for your area within 36 hours.

Hurricane Warning: A hurricane is expected within 24 hours.
Category One Hurricane: Winds 74-95 mph. Storm surge generally 4-5 ft. above normal.
Category Two Hurricane: Winds 96-110 mph. Storm surge generally 6-8 ft. above normal.
Category Three Hurricane: Winds 111-130 mph. Storm surge generally 9-12 ft. above normal.
Category Four Hurricane: Winds 131-155 mph. Storm surge generally 13-18 ft. above normal.
Category Five Hurricane: Winds greater than 150 mph. Storm surge generally greater than 18 ft. above normal.

Did you know that storms circulate clockwise in the southern hemisphere and counter clockwise in the northern hemisphere?

In one day a hurricane releases enough energy to supply the entire nation's electrical needs for about six months.

A hurricane's winds can generate a 50 foot or higher wave.

Hurricanes are named by the letters in the alphabet and alternate gender.

Highlands Today August 30th Edition & Highlands County Emergency Management Information

PREPARATION BEFORE THE STORM
(These are all suggestions to help you prepare and weather a storm) Determine if you live in an evacuation zone. If you have to evacuate plan ahead on where you will go. (hotel, shelter, friends home)

Prepare emergency water supply figuring one gallon of drinking water per person per day. Clean bathtub so that you can store water in it.

Clear yard of loose objects such as bicycles, lawn furniture and trash cans. Anchor down objects no matter how heavy or large) that cannot be moved inside. Lower water level in your pool about 6-12 inches to accomodate heavy rains.

Turn off electricity to the pool equipment and add extra chlorine to prevent contamination.

Store your important documents in waterproof containers. Take the lower rack out of your dishwasher. It will make a good waterproof storage place. It doesn't let water out so it won't let it in.

Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and freeze water in plastic jugs and containers to be used to help keep your refrigerator cold.

Check the terms of your homeowner's insurance policy and list the policy number and the telephone number of your agent.

Board up windows. Tape will not keep windows from breaking but may keep broken glass from flying.

Notify your relatives where you will be if you are evacuating to another location and if possible give them a telephone number.

Make a list of your prescription medications with doses, doctors names, pharmacy and telephone numbers. Make sure that you have an ample supply for a few days.
Medical Supply Checklist
*Over-the-counter pain medications
*Insect repellent
*Adhesive bandages
*Extras of specialized medical equipment/supplies
*Contact-lens solution
*Scissors
*Cooler/freezer packs for medication that requires refrigerator
*Antibiotic ointment
*Antiseptic wipes, alcohol pads
*Hydrogen peroxide
*Zip-top plastic bags for storing supplies
*Supply of prescription medications
*Manual wheelchair (in case you can't recharge batteries for a motorized scooter or wheelchair)
*Any Supplies (wires, cables, tubing,chargers, adaptors)needed

Emergency Supplies
*Non-electric can opener
*Disposable wipes for cleaning hands and face
*First Aid Kit
*Batteries
*Cell phone
*Battery powered radio
*Games, cards and books
*Flashlight, lantern, candles
*Shampoo, soap, toothpaste
*Matches, lighter
*Garbage bags & trash bags
*Bug Spray
*Bleach
*2 coolers(1 for ice/1 for food)
*Broom, mop
*Ice
*Buckets
*Portable radio & extra batteries
*Whistle
*Camera and film
*Double rolls of toilet paper

Non-Perishable Foods
*Water for 3 to 5 days (one gallon per person) *Bread, peanut butter & jelly *Cans of Soda *Canned foods for at least 5 days Pork & Beans, spaghetti, soups, fruits, tuna fish, chicken, puddings *Boxes of Granola Bars *Instant coffee & Tea *Pet Food

Hurricane Proof Your Records

Let's play "What If?". What if the doctor and dentists offices or clinic are destroyed? What if the bank looses its' roof? To protect records by place them in a safe deposit box, waterproof storage box or wrap them in plastic. The dishwasher is waterproof so why not use it? Records that need to be safeguarded are: deeds, wills, financial records, social security cards, birth certificates, homeowners and car insurance records, car titles and registration, income tax records and important photos. Backup your computer data onto disks and put them in a safe place. (You should do this regularly anyway in case you loose your computer thru storms etc.)

AFTER THE STORM
Avoid driving your vehicle because the roads need to be clear for emergency vehicles.
Do not call 911 except for emergencies or life-threatening situations.
Listen to your local radio stations for instructions about emergency medical food and housing assistance.
Report any broken wires, sewer lines or gas lines to your local utility. Don't report interruptions in service.
You might not be allowed to return home right away due to repair or rescue efforts.
Beware of snakes, insects and other animals that may have been driven out of their habitat by high water.
Operate a generator outside the house.
The water supply could be contaminated so use the water for drinking and cooking that you stored. There will probably be a boil water order.
Stay inside until you are sure that there are not any wires down in your area. You can step in a puddle and broken wire can be close by.
Use common sense.

LET US NOT FORGET!
In 1992 South Florida was hit by Andrew that was a Category 5 hurricane, the strongest storm to ever hit the United States. One gust of wind was measured at 177 miles per hour. In 2004 Highlands County along with a number of other counties was hit by Charlie, a Category 4 hurricane, followed by Ivan a Category 3 hurricane and others. We are in a danger zone.

Pictures after Hurricane Andrew visited Florida on August 24, 1992.
Corporate Office	Plywood driven thru Royal Palm	Somebody's Home

The information in this article has been obtained by reading articles by Highlands Today, The Tampa Tribune, Kash & Karry 2005 Hurricane Map & Guide, Publix Guide to Hurricane Safety and the Family Preparedness Guide published by the State of Florida. These pictures were on the NOAA Website. Compiled by Lucille Thole