10 Things to Do NOW

1.  Make your Family Disaster Plan.  Itīs not hard.  Talk with your family.  If you need help, go online to www.tampabayprepares.org or www.myflorida.com or call your local emergency management agency or local chapter of the American Red Cross.  Phone numbers are shown above.

2.  Refer to a Hurricane Evacuation Map and locate where you live and your evacuation level.  Determine if and when you would have to evacuate.  Remember:  All mobile home residents must evacuate, regardless of location.  If you need help determining your zone, go online or call your local Emergency Management Office/Citizen Information Center before the storm threatens.

3.  Decide now where you would go if ordered to evacuate; to a friends house, relatives, a hotel or motel, or as a last resort, a public shelter or out of the region.  Remember, if you are going to leave the area or are going to a hotel, you must leave very early.  Determine your route and plan to travel as little as possible.

4.  Check your disaster supplies kit and obtain any items you will need; medicine, baby items, cell phone and batteries, etc.

5.  Make plans to protect your home before the storm; shutters or other window protection; plastic sheeting, nails, etc.

6.  Keep your home in good repair.  Tack down loose roofing, trim trees, and keep gutters clean.

7.  Purchase a battery-powered weather alert radio and a non-electric land-line phone.

8.  Inventory (and video record) your property and possessions.  Store with insurance and title papers in a safe place and send a copy to a relative out of the state.

9.  Make sure your house number is clearly marked on your house.

10.  Review your insurance policies with your agent now, whether you rent or own your home.