Stay informed. Watch or listen to local media for information on
hurricane watches and warnings, track storm's location and follow
instructions from local emergency management agencies.
Maintain a family disaster supply kit. For a hurricane, you must be
prepared to go without utilities for at least 3 days, longer in rural areas.
If someone in your family is dependant upon electricity or has other special
needs contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office to register for emergency
support.
Insure against storm damage. Make sure all your policies are current
and cover storm damage.
Trim trees. Remove any dead or diseased limbs from your trees, and keep
them trimmed to allow high winds to pass through them. Trees with too many
branches may be severely damaged or uprooted by hurricane force winds.
Prepare for evacuation. Families should develop an evacuation plan. It
is likely that residents of mobile homes will be asked to evacuate.
Brace for the storm. Secure any outside items. Fill your car's gas tank
and get some emergency cash. Turn your freezer and refrigerator to their
coldest setting. Be sure you have extra medical supplies, batteries and at
least one phone that does not require electricity (such as a traditional
corded phone).
Plan for your pets. Most shelters in Marion County will not allow you
to bring your pets. However, dogs, cats, and birds in their own cages are
welcome at the Vanguard High School shelter. In all cases, shelters should
be a place of last resort. It's best to know where you can take your pets in
case of an emergency.
