Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America
3838 W. Cypress St
Tampa, FL 33607
813-876-7660
813-870-0826 fax
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Hurricane Preparedness Suggestions
by Jim Kovach
Grace, Miami Springs
With yet another hurricane taking aim for Florida and the Bahamas, synod members may want to consider some of the following preparation tips, compliments of Jim Kovach of Grace, Miami Springs. See also the information provided by FEMA at the link below:
1. Pick up loose items from around house.
2. Gather up all important documents, photos, etc. that may be damaged by rising water. Place then in plastic storage containers lined with a trash bag. Tie up the bag and seal container. CD's, records, cassettes, photos, books, and legal papers come out a lot better if they are not under water for a period of time. Hurricane Irene never even hit Dade County but the outer bands dumped 22 inches of rain on the county.
3. Store up water now.
4. If you have a propane stove, grill, or camp stove, get the tanks filled today. DO NOT cook inside with charcoal - you will die from the fumes.
5. Get canned goods and a mechanical can opener. The electric may be out.
6. Gas up the car, truck, generator, or whatever.
7. Unplug all electrical items such as computers, TV's, stereos, etc. There may be significant power surges that will fry those items. You can wrap your computer up in a trash bag as well. Back up data you absolutely have to have.
8. Get cash from ATM prior to storm - they do not work when power is out.
9. Get prescriptions you may need, store in plastic bag.
10. Do not venture out in storm, you may be killed by flying debris. Hurricanes spawn powerful tornados, in Andrew over 200 were recorded as wind bursts.
11. Photograph or video all of your STUFF. If it gets damaged or lost, you have proof that it existed.
12. If an official hurricane watch is listed, put up hurricane shutters.
13. Pray for good weather and for those folks in the direct path of the storm.
For more information on Hurricane Preparedness, see the website of the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/hazards/hurricanes/