Southwest Florida Stocking Up Ahead Of Ian
Although it’s still a tropical storm, Southwest Florida residents aren’t taking any chances on a storm that’s likely to become Hurricane Ian. People are taking to the stores and emptying the shelves of the essentials. I made the trip to Publix in Estero Saturday afternoon to have a look at what people were buying the most. Water, Gatorade, and toilet paper. Have a look:
One employee was trying to restock the water aisle with a pallet of Dasani, but the customers would not wait. They were taking the cases of water from him before he even had a chance to stock the shelves. Everyone was very polite about it, but clearly they’re preparing for the worst.
So what can we expect with Hurricane Ian?
Right now, as of 4pm on Saturday? Nothing. The storm is forecast to miss us and head to Tampa. Many models are now showing a track even further north. If these models hold up, we may not feel effects from the storm at all.
Latest Saturday 18z spaghetti models are in. Another shift west. Florida panhandle paying close attention I hope. New NHC track comes out at 5pm. Latest 12z EURO east outlier near Tampa Bay. Lots to watch. https://t.co/Hk3pbO7x8H #Ian #tropics #flwx pic.twitter.com/zhWVvyfrR4
— Mike's Weather Page (@tropicalupdate) September 24, 2022
So what do I do with all this water? Store it? We have about another month of waiting and watching this hurricane season. I’m tapping into my hurricane supplies tonight, but I didn’t buy cases of water. Kirkland vodka.
Can Ian Still make a turn toward Southwest Florida?
Absolutely. I’ll be watching every update from the National Hurricane Center. NBC2 does a great job in covering storms, so if the situation changes that’s where I go. Meanwhile, I have 5 empty gas cans and a generator in it’s box waiting to see if they’ll be needed next week. As of right now, they’re staying in the garage. Here’s a link to our Hurricane Guide should we need it.
2022 Hurricane Central - Preparedness Guide
Hurricane Central – Preparedness Guide gives you the updated information you may need in the event of a hurricane. Just because 2021 was a quiet year for storms doesn’t mean we can ever let our guard down. This guide is sponsored by local businesses here in SWFL. Gavin’s Ace Hardware, Sean King Law, and Powerhouse Home Services.
- Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.
- Put together a go-bag: disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate
- If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
- Make a family emergency communication plan.
- Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications. To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the Internet with your town, city, or county name and the word “alerts.”
Terminology - Hurricane Watch
Hurricane watch = conditions possible within the next 48 hrs.
Steps to take:
- Review your evacuation route(s) & listen to local officials.
- Review the items in your disaster supply kit; and add items to meet the household needs for children, parents, individuals with disabilities or other access and functional needs or pets.
Terminology - Hurricane Warning
Hurricane warning = conditions are expected within 36 hrs.
Steps to take:
- Follow evacuation orders from local officials, if given.
- Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
Follow the hurricane timeline preparedness checklist, depending on when the storm is anticipated to hit and the impact that is projected for your location.
- Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.
- Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
- Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
- Turn on your TV or radio in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
- Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include food and water sufficient for at least three days, medications, a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
- Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. For example, you can call, text, email or use social media. Remember that during disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.
- Review your evacuation plan with your family. You may have to leave quickly so plan ahead.
- Keep your car in good working condition, and keep the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.
After The Hurricane
- Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
- Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
- Watch out for debris and downed power lines.
- Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Avoid flood water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines and may hide dangerous debris or places where the ground is washed away.
- Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
- Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.
