COMMON AREA EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS/ DISASTER PLAN HURRICANE GUIDE THIS PLAN STAYS IN THE MOBILE HOME

Transcription

1 COMMON AREA EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS/ DISASTER PLAN HURRICANE GUIDE 2010 THIS PLAN STAYS IN THE MOBILE HOME 1

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Helpful Agencies Introduction What is a Hurricane? Pre-Storm Action Checklist Hurricane Terms Monitor Weather Reports Storm Progression Log Hurricane Watch & Evacuation Order Evacuation Levels Employee Notification Records & Equipment Preservation Equipment Preservation Form Records Preservation Form Insurance Tips Building/Pool Protection The Aftermath of the Storm How Long Before? Damage Assessment and Recovery Recovery Considerations Checklist Damage Assessment Report Small Business Loans Mitigation Mitigation Data Form

3 HELPFUL AGENCIES Florida Department of Insurance National Flood Insurance Program Small Business Administration Disaster Application Center Teleregistration Hot Line (TDD) Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA Pinellas County Emergency Management Register for Special Needs Transport Emergency Preparedness Publications P.O. Box Washington, DC

4 INTRODUCTION This guide to Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery is intended for use by Bay Aristocrat Village, Inc. You may believe you are familiar with disasters by watching them on television. Please be assured that until you are in an actual disaster -- watching windows being blown out around you, feeling water rise around your ankles, being without electricity or drinkable water for days and, worst of all, losing loved ones -- you have not experienced the full impact of a disaster! This guide has three objectives: (1) To educate Board of Directors and Management of Bay Aristocrat Village, Inc. Explain how Board of Directors can prepare in advance, how they can help themselves and others during a disaster, and how they can accelerate the return to normalcy. (2)To motivate every Board member to share in the responsibility of community preparation. A community can not be totally prepared for a major disaster, but a prepared community rebuilds faster and becomes productive much more quickly. (3) To reduce the apathy level that exists in many of our communities. The "It will never happen here" attitude must be overcome. Unfortunately, someday it may happen here. 4

5 WHAT IS A HURRICANE? A HURRICANE is a severe tropical storm that spirals around a calm center known as the eye. Wind speeds range from 74 miles per hour to a high of 220 miles per hour. Hurricanes are rated from categories one through five. Category one has the minimum intensity and category five the most. PRE-STORM ACTION CHECKLIST Monitor storm progression. Listen for issuance of a hurricane watch and evacuation order. Determine if you must evacuate and/or secure your business. Notify employees to secure their own homes & families. Notify employees when & where they should report to work. Preserve records. Preserve equipment. Obtain insurance information. Protect building. Complete "Recovery Consideration" checklist. Review the "Mitigation Action Plan" prior to determining recovery actions. 5

6 HURRICANE TERMS HURRICANE WATCH *A first notice means the eye of a hurricane may threaten an area within 36 hours. HURRICANE WARNING *Issued when the eye of a hurricane is expected to strike within 24 hours. CATEGORY ONE HURRICANE *Winds of 73 to 95 MPH. *Expected damage includes inundation of low-lying coastal roads, small crafts in exposed anchorages torn from moorings, some pier damage. CATEGORY TWO HURRICANE * Winds of 96 to 110 MPH. * Coastal roads and low-lying escape routes located inland are likely to be cut off by rising water two to four hours before the arrival of the center of the hurricane. * Some damage to windows, doors and roofing materials. * Major damage to mobile homes. CATEGORY THREE HURRICANE * Winds of 111 to 130 mph. * Damages include low-lying escapes routes located inland will be cut off by rising water three to four hours before the center of the hurricane arrives. * Mobile homes destroyed. * Some structural damage to small buildings. * Serious coastal flooding. CATEGORY FOUR HURRICANE *Winds of 131 to 155 mph. * Low-lying escape routes located inland will be cut off by rising water three to five hours before the center of the hurricane arrives. * Major damage to the lower floors of buildings near shores because of flooding and battering by waves and debris. * Collapse of roofs on many small residences. CATEGORY FIVE HURRICANE * Winds of more that 155 mph. * Low-lying escape routes located inland will be cut off by rising water three to five hours before the center of the hurricane arrives. *Small buildings will be overturned or blown away. *Extensive shattering of glass in windows and doors. *Collapse of roofs on many residential and industrial buildings. *Some buildings will collapse. 6

7 MONITOR WEATHER REPORTS In order to have ample time to respond to the threat of hazardous weather such as hurricanes, you must monitor weather reports daily. The key information for which you are listening is the issuance of a HURRICANE WATCH for the Tampa Bay Area. Manager and President of Board will assist with this task. Monitoring progress of storm by watching TV and listening to the radio. Also using computer for up to date information. These methods do an outstanding job of relaying information from the National Weather Service in a timely manner. 7

8 STORM PROGRESSION LOG STORM PROGRESSION DATE TIME 1 Hurricane watch issued *36 hours before landfall / / : 2 Evacuation ordered *30 hours before landfall / / : 3 Hurricane warning issued *24 hours before landfall / / : 4 Weather deteriorates (high winds and rain) Complete preparations *18-20 hours before landfall / / : * Due to the unpredictability of hurricanes; the number of hours before the eye of the hurricane makes landfall is an average. 8

9 HURRICANE WATCH & EVACUATION ORDER Once a "Hurricane Watch" has been issued, next listen for an Evacuation Order and which evacuation levels will be affected. Our community will have to evacuate immediately. Securing our building, records, and equipment is strongly recommended at this time. We will have approximately hours to coordinate with our employees, evacuate, and secure the community once an evacuation order is issued. After that time, deteriorating weather conditions may make such actions unsafe. EVACUATION LEVEL Evacuation Level: Mobile Home Address: U.S. HWY 19 North City: Clearwater Fire Department: City of Clearwater Fire Department Police Department: City of Clearwater Police Department What's your Evacuation Level? MANDATORY EVACUATION You are located in Hurricane Evacuation Zone: Mobile Home Report for Mobile Home Park: BAY ARISTOCRAT VILLAGE, INC. Closest Hurricane Shelters Name Address City Status Distance HIGH POINT ELEMENTRAY SCHOOL TH AVE N CLEARWATER CLOSED 2.23 CLEARWATER FUNDAMENTAL MIDDLE SCHOOL 1660 PALMETTO STREET CLEARWATER CLOSED 3.53 McMULLEN BOOTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 3025 UNION STREET CLEARWATER CLOSED 3.59 Closest Special Needs Shelters Name Address City Status Distance OAK GROVE MIDDLE SCHOOL 1370 S. BELCHER RD ST PETERSBURG CLOSED 1.56 DUNEDIN HIGHLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL 896 UNION ST DUNEDIN CLOSED 5.06 JOHN HOPKINS MIDDLE SCHOOL TH STREET SOUTH ST. PETERSBURG CLOSED (distances are in miles) (distances are in miles) Mobile Home Residents must evacuate regardless of current level. PET SHELTER INFORMATION (pages 10 & 11) from Pinellas County Emergency Preparedness website 9

10 Register for a Public Shelter: Pinellas County pet owners have new options when it comes to pet-friendly emergency shelters. The Pinellas County School Board and Pinellas County government provide these three pet-friendly shelter locations. Oak Grove Middle School; 1370 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater Thurgood Marshall Middle School; nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg Dunedin Middle School; 70 Patricia Ave., Dunedin The facilities are substantially-built, have large indoor gyms and separate air handlers to ensure the comfort and safety of allergic citizens who shelter there. These locations replace the old pet shelters in the Judicial Tower in St. Petersburg and the Palm Harbor White Chapel. Residents must preregister themselves and their pets for these pet-friendly shelters, as space is limited. Mobile home residents are given first priority. Call (727) or download a registration form and return it to: Pinellas County Animal Services Ulmerton Road; Largo, FL Fax (727) Other Shelter Options: Animal shelters, such as Pinellas County Animal Services, the Humane Society and the SPCA, cannot accept your pets. Also don t assume that a boarding kennel or hotel/motel will accept your pet. Check ahead and look for kennels in non-evacuation zones. For pet-friendly hotels/motels call the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (727) or during an evacuation go to Other online sources for pet-friendly hotel/motel information: Disaster Supply Kit for Pets: 10

11 Proper identification Immunization records County license rabies tag Food and water (2 wks. supply) A carrier or portable kennel Medications Muzzle, collar and leash Manual can opener Current photo of pet Feeding and water bowls Favorite toys and blanket Cat litter/pan and scoop Grooming items Plastic bags to handle waste Preparation Tips: Plan for your pet well in advance if you live in an evacuation area. Write down your plan or create a check list. Take your pet when you evacuate. Know your evacuation route and when you will evacuate. Ask friends or family living outside of evacuation areas if they can keep your pet. Make sure you have a collar and leash for keeping your pet under control. Keep a pet carrier (portable kennel) for each pet one that allows your pet to stand and turn around. The carrier should be marked with your pet s identification. Make sure all your pet s vaccinations are current and have proof available of its current county-issued rabies vaccination. Pack supplies for your pet including current veterinary records, a two-week supply of food and water, medications with instructions, bowls, favorite toy and blanket, cat litter/pan, plastic bags, collar/leash, disinfectants to handle pet wastes and a current photo of you with your pet. f you must use a kennel as a last resort, make sure it is not in an evacuation zone and reserve space as soon as possible. Kennels require proof of vaccinations. Make sure your pet has proper identification with either a collar tag or a microchip implant. Have proof of current county-issued rabies vaccination available. A license is your pet s ticket home. Download a Pet Identification Form from the Animal Services website ( under the heading Pet Hurricane Planning. Fill out this form and adhere to your pet carrier or kennel. This form will contain all needed information about your pet for your stay at Pinellas County pet-friendly shelters. EMPLOYEE NOTIFICATION 11

12 The first phase of initiating our Hurricane Plan is to notify our employees. Remember, employees will also need time to secure their own families and homes. Notifying them as far in advance as possible will allow them more time to help both themselves and our business. An updated and consolidated list of employee's names, phone numbers, cellular numbers, etc., is prepared and placed in the office files. Manager will notify employees if they must come to work or if they are to leave early. RECORDS AND EQUIPMENT PRESERVATION 12

13 Safeguarding records and equipment which are both replaceable and irreplaceable, will ultimately save much time and aggravation in the event our office area suffers storm damage. Which records and equipment need to be evacuated from the premises versus being protected on premises: a) All Resident files must be packed and removed from building. Officers of the Board of Directors will be responsible for removing these files and keeping them in a safe place. b) All books containing minutes, association charters and association Documents will be packed and removed from the building. Board of Directors will be responsible for removing these files and keeping them in a safe place. c) All personal resident files and employee records located in office will be packed in boxes and removed from the building. Officers of the Board of Directors will be responsible for removing these files and keeping them in a safe place. Who will be responsible for accomplishing each of these tasks? The manager will be responsible to ensuring these files are protected and will maintain a log of who removes and keeps which files. Remember: Many or possibly all of our employees and board members may also need time to take similar measures to prepare their own homes and families. EQUIPMENT PRESERVATION FORM 13

14 VARIOUS METHODS FOR PROTECTING YOUR EQUIPMENT: *Relocate equipment to a safest part of the clubhouse and maintenance building. *Elevate equipment inside the buildings as high as possible. *Move equipment away from the windows and doors. *Protect equipment with plastic sheeting or bags and duct tape. EQUIPMENT METHOD OF PROTECTION COMMENTS OFFICE ELECTRONICS -Telephone -Computers -Printers -Fax machine -Copier -Other OFFICE FURNITURE AND APPLIANCES OTHER: TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OR VIDEO WHEN POSSIBLE Manager and/or Board member will coordinate documenting photos and video of property. RECORDS PRESERVATION 14

15 GATHER ORIGINALS AND BOX FOR REMOVAL AND SAFE KEEPING ALL RESIDENT DOCUMENTS Original ownership documents (such as the title on the building & company vehicles) Mortgage Holder & Account Numbers Financial & Banking Information Insurance Policies (include agent's name, phone & address) -Property Insurance -Flood Insurance -Income Loss Insurance -Requirements for claims Engineering Plans & Drawings Tools Personnel Files Computer Files INSURANCE TIPS 15

16 Manager will become familiar with our insurance policy BEFORE the storm! Obtain answers to the following questions to help you be better prepared AFTER the storm. Does our policy cover the cost required to upgrade buildings to code if the buildings are damaged? What perils or cause of loss does our policy cover? What are the deductibles? What is the name and phone number of the insurance company? What does our policy require the community to do in the event of a loss? What types of records and documentation will the insurance company want to see? INSURANCE MAY BE ONE OF THE FEW CONSOLATIONS YOU HAVE AFTER THE STORM. HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO MAKE DEALING WITH COMPANIES LESS CONFUSING. # Contact the agent as soon as possible. # Tell the insurer if the community is in an emergency situation. # Policies usually pay for temporary repairs to protect our property and the actual value and replacement value of damaged property. You may get two checks one for the contents and one for the structure. # Many policies do not pay for debris removal. However, if a tree falls in the community, the insurance policy might pay for its removal. # Flood damage caused by rising water is covered under flood insurance, which is required in some areas if you have a mortgage. The federal government underwrites flood insurance, but most insurance adjusters can handle the claims. Ask the agent about flood coverage. # An insurance adjuster will make an appointment to visit the property. It may take days or weeks. Be patient. # Prepare a list of damage and destroyed property before the adjuster arrives. The list should include a description of the item, date of purchase or age, cost at time of purchase and estimated replacement cost. If you have canceled checks or receipts for those items, collect them to show the adjuster. # If possible, gets a detailed estimate for repairs. # Take photographs or videos of the damaged areas. # Keep all receipts for all work done on the property. # The Florida Department of Insurance has a hot line to handle complaints or questions. The number is (800) It is staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. BUILDING PROTECTION 16

17 Protecting our building can be very time consuming and labor intensive; therefore, it is important to accomplish as much as possible in advance. Maintaining our building's integrity should be a priority whether it is located within an evacuation area or not. A good and effective idea is to have thick plywood cut to fit outside the windows with permanent attachments for easy installation. Water damage from blown out windows is a major source of loss. Maintenance should buy and prepare plywood for all the windows in clubhouse. Maintenance should prepare outside walls with necessary brackets for hanging the plywood on windows. This plywood should then be numbered per window and stored in a dry area for use if hurricane is expected to hit this area. POOL PROTECTION Protect pool furniture by placing in the pool. Place all chemicals for pool in safe storage area and cover with tarps. Remove any loose items and place in clubhouse for safe storage. THE AFTERMATH OF THE STORM 17

18 After the storm has passed, emergency crews will be assessing damage, performing search and rescue efforts, clearing debris and beginning to restore essential services. During this period, travel will be difficult and strictly controlled. Evacuated areas will be secured by law enforcement until they are considered safe. The Sheriff of Pinellas County will authorize re-entry into these areas through the media. This Hurricane Preparedness Plan along with a letter of authorize access is on file with the Pinellas County Emergency Management Services, all Law Enforcement Agencies and Military Personnel. Naturally, we want to return to our community as soon as possible after a disaster, but we must be careful. The period immediately after a disaster can be extremely dangerous due to downed power lines, potential traps from water, half downed trees, walls, hazardous material spills, and more. Do not return to the community until it is approved by authorities. The Board of Directors and Manager and Maintenance staff will inspect the property before allowing residents to return. Residents should check with office before returning back to the community. Protecting your life is more important than salvaging damaged furniture. IMPORTANT: Always carry a photo identification to provide authorities, or to be used in the case of injury so that your family may be notified. HOW LONG BEFORE...? Workers can get to work: 1 Day - 7 Days 18

19 Major roads passable with single lane: Major roads passable with double lane: 2 Days - 4 Days 5 Days - 3 Weeks Food & water available at disaster relief centers: 4 Days - 7 Days Water service restored: Sewer service restored: Cellular phone service available: Regular phone service restored: Power restored: Gas service restored: 3 Days - 2 Weeks 3 Days - 2 Weeks 2 Days - 5 Days 2 Days - 5 Weeks 2 Days - 5 Weeks 1 Day - 3 Weeks Note: Restoration of service estimated only for facilities not heavily damaged or not located on the beach. DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND RECOVERY 19

20 Initially, authorities will begin allowing only limited re-entry into evacuated areas. It is possible that re-entry will only be allowed during daylight hours. During this time, property owners may begin to assess the damage to their homes and to begin the clean up process. The Board of Directors, Manager and Maintenance Staff will be responsible for assisting the damage to the community and will complete a damage assessment form. (Please see form on page 21 of this plan). This report will provide enough information to help you make the recovery decisions as outlined on the "Recovery Consideration Checklist". RECOVERY CONSIDERATIONS CHECKLIST EMPLOYEES: 20

21 Can you make payroll or small cash advances for an extended period without any income? Your bank may be unprepared to support you if it is without electricity. Will you lose employees to other jobs? Meeting place for employees and employee family members. Stress management. SALVAGE REPLACEMENT OR RELOCATION: Establish agreements with service contractors for the salvaging & securing of equipment. Protect the building and equipment from additional damage. Can you quickly replace lost equipment? Can you get temporary power and phones for your building? How will major repairs be accomplished? What if contractors are not available locally? If needed, can you relocate operations on a temporary basis? RESIDENTS: Can you assist residents without electricity? How will residents be able to contact you? SUPPLIERS: Can you stop delivery of materials that will no longer be needed? Can you get large amounts of replacement stock to get back into business? HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: Has the building damage caused any hazardous materials situations? CITY, COUNTY, STATE, FEDERAL, OR OTHER REGULATORY AGENCIES: Must you report your loss to any regulatory agencies? Do you have to be recertified before re-opening? DAMAGE ASSESSMENT REPORT DAMAGED OR LOST PROPERTY/ITEMS 21

22 REPAIRS/REPLACEMENT NEEDED ESTIMATED TIME NEEDED FOR REPAIRS/REPLACEMENT REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT STATUS Completed By: Date: / / Time: : SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA) DISASTER LOAN ASSISTANCE Physical Disaster Business Loans 22

23 Any business that is located in a declared disaster area and has incurred damage during the disaster may apply for a loan to help repair or replace damaged property to it s pre-disaster condition. The SBA makes physical disaster loans of up to 1.5 million. USE OF PROCEEDS Repair or replacement of real property Machinery Equipment Fixtures Inventory Loans may be increase by as much as 20% to protect the damaged real property against possible future disasters of the same type. The interest rate will be determined by the SBA based on the type of business, credit history and private market rates. For more information, please contact the SBA Office. Economic Injury Disaster Loans for Small Businesses Small businesses that have suffered substantial economic injury resulting from a physical disaster may be eligible for the SBA s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL). Substantial economic injury is the inability of a business to meet its obligations as they mature and to pay its ordinary and necessary operating expenses. An EIDL can help you meet necessary financial obligations that our business could have met had the disaster not occurred. It provides relief from economic injury caused directly by the disaster and permits you to maintain a reasonable working capital during the period affected by the disaster. The SBA provides EIDL assistance only to those businesses that are determined unable to obtain credit elsewhere. The SBA can provide up to $1.5 million in disaster assistance to a business. Your loan amount will be based on your need. The interest rate on EIDLs cannot exceed 4% per year. For more information, please contact the SBA Office. SBA Information (800) U ASK SBA (800) MITIGATION *MITIGATION - WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REDUCE YOUR CHANCES OF LOSS OR DAMAGE "BEFORE" A HURRICANE STRIKES OUR AREA? 23

24 EXAMPLES INCLUDE: Purchasing or making shutters for windows. Upgrading insurance coverage (business loss). Purchasing a generator. WHAT CAN BE DONE "AFTER" A STORM TO REDUCE FUTURE LOSSES OR DAMAGES? EXAMPLES INCLUDE: Replacing broken windows with laminated safety glass. Replacing or repairing your damaged roof with a better designed roof (hip style) and include anchoring systems such as hurricane straps and clips. Many times, it is not cost effective to make desired structural or location improvements as long as the structure is meeting the current needs. However, if it were to be damaged that could be the incentive to "do things differently - the next time"! *Mitigation - To make or become less severe or intense. MITIGATION DATA FORM THE FOLLOWING MITIGATION MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN AS FUNDS BECOME AVAILABLE. I. Actions to take BEFORE a storm: Cost: Done: 24

25 1) $. 2) $. 3) $. 4) $. 5) $. 6) $. 7) $. 8) $. 9) $. 10) $. II. Actions to take AFTER damage occurs: Cost: Done 1) $. 2) $. 3) $. 4) $. 5) $. 6) $. 7) $. 8) $. 9) $. 10) $. from Pinellas County Emergency Preparedness website CARING FOR OUR MOST VULNERABLE CITIZENS 25

26 Residents with special needs, the elderly, the homeless and those without transportation require extra attention in order to stay protected in weather emergencies. Though Pinellas County government has education programs in place to help these citizens prepare and find safe shelter, the responsibility for storm preparation rests with individuals and their families or caregivers. That planning needs to happen early. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE STORM IS RAGING. Emergency personnel may not be able to respond when high winds make road travel hazardous. Plan for safe shelter now. Even if you don t have special needs, you can help others who do. Look around your neighborhood, workplace or place of worship and reach out to offer a hand. Serve as a host home, help to answer questions or pick up a few extra survival kit items for someone else. What to Expect From a Special Needs Shelter The Pinellas County Health Department and School Board staff these shelters with nurses and other medical personnel. Oxygen is available, but air conditioning may not be available if power is interrupted. Before going to a shelter, arrange to bring at least a two-week supply of any medications you need along with any needed portable equipment. If you have special diet requirements, be sure to pack your own special nonperishable snacks. For your own comfort, bring items such as bedding, sheets, pillows and blankets. Cots are available on a limited basis and are not guaranteed. Special needs shelters do not have hospital beds and cannot assist those with acute medical problems. Residents With Special Needs Should Register Residents with certain medical conditions can get help during an evacuation. Three special needs shelters will open for those requiring MINIMAL medical assistance. Information you need to know Register now. Contact either Pinellas County Emergency Management, your local fire department or your home healthcare provider. Once registered, you will be contacted for more information. After a medical needs review, your eligibility will be assessed. If you don t qualify for a special needs shelter, other options will be discussed with you. If you are registered and need transportation to a shelter, your local fire department will contact you before an evacuation. If you have your own transportation to a special needs shelter, preregistration is not required, but it is strongly recommended. You may bring your caregiver and/or family with you to a special needs shelter. You are not obligated to go to a special needs shelter once registered, if you have made other safe and secure arrangements. Service animals may go with you, but other pets need to be cared for by making prior arrangements. If you are registered and eligible to go to a special needs shelter, call Pinellas County Animal Services at (727) to register your pet. Animal Services will make arrangements for your pet to be taken to a host home. Advice For All Residents With Special Needs Whether you go to a special needs shelter or not, here s some good advice to keep in mind when preparing for hurricane season: Start a personal support network of people you can 26

27 count on during an emergency. Create an emergency health information card that is customized to you. Complete an emergency contact list with names and phone numbers of family members, friends, doctors, insurance information and hospital preferences. Conduct an ability self-assessment. Know what you can and cannot do. Talk with your health care provider about a realistic plan. Maintain at least a two-week supply and a current list of medications. Keep important equipment and assistive devices in a consistent, convenient and secured place. Did You Know... Florida law requires that utility companies offer a priority reconnection service for people with disabilities who use power-dependent equipment. Contact your utility company to get placed on the list. Service animals are allowed in hotels, motels and public shelters. Don t forget to pack their supplies, too. Wheelchair users need to have more than one exit from their residence that is wheelchair accessible. Practice how to escape from your home. Wear medical alert tags. Also write down special instructions for emergency personnel in a brief and direct format, such as, I am deaf, please write down your instructions or Please take my medication from the refrigerator. The National Weather Service has information on its website to help the hearing impaired utilize NOAA Weather Alert Radios for emergency weather notifications. Go to Keep cash available in case you need to buy special supplies. Be an advocate for yourself! Practice how to quickly explain your condition and your adaptive equipment to someone who is helping you. Register Now To register for a special needs shelter and/or transportation, do one of the following: Submit a form online at Call Pinellas County Emergency Management at (727) Call your nearest fire department or home healthcare provider. Your Doctor Can Help Assistance at a special needs shelter is limited to basic medical monitoring and backup electricity for lighting. The shelter will be inside a school and will likely be crowded and noisy. 27

28 Cots may not be available for everyone. While this is a safe location to ride out a storm, it is not for everyone. Many citizens require more comfortable accommodations as mobility restrictions make it impossible to sleep on the floor or a cot. In these cases, the host homes program is an excellent alternative.(see story on page 10) For some, a stay in a nursing home or hospital is necessary. If your condition warrants this level of care, then your physician can make arrangements ahead of time. A pre-admission letter needs to be written by the physician and accepted in advance by the facility of choice. At the time of evacuation, emergency workers must see a copy of this letter in order to transport you to that facility. The facility must also see this letter. Another reason you need to pre-arrange your stay is that Medicare will only pay for visits that are medically necessary. If any costs arise from your stay, you may be responsible to pay for them out of pocket. Are you a caregiver? Two recent surveys of Florida residents report that of those who are caregivers for an elderly or disabled relative, 31 to 39 percent do not know how to get help for their family members with special needs. (Information for pages 24, 25 & 26 is from: urricane_guide_8.pdf) 28