2013 HURRICANE SURVIVAL GUIDE

1 |
Orlando Sentinel Sunday, May 26, 2013
2013 HURRICANE
SURVIVAL GUIDE
A PUBLICATION OF FOX 35 AND THE ORLANDO SENTINEL
INSIDE THIS SECTION:
> Top 10 things you need before, during and after a storm
> How to use social media to stay on top of developments
> How to keep yourself, your family and your pets safe
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| 2
Sunday, May 26, 2013 Orlando Sentinel
The best agents help you
prepare for the worst.
A good insurance agent will be there to cut you a check after a storm, but the best agents are
there long before a catastrophe strikes. That’s why Orlando area Allstate Agents offer some
STORM PREPARATION ADVICE:
MINIMIZE YOUR LOSSES. Review your insurance policies with an agent so
you understand your coverage in the event of a storm. Also, place important
documents such as insurance policies, birth certificates and IDs in a
waterproof container.
HAVE A PLAN IN PLACE. Simply stocking up on supplies isn’t enough. You also
need emergency cash. Also, decide on an evacuation route and include a place
to meet your family if you get separated.
LET US HELP. Preparing for a storm can feel overwhelming, so take it one step at
a time. And whenever you have a question, local Allstate Agents are here to help.
You should never have to face a storm alone.
Call an Orlando area Allstate Agent today.
© 2013 Allstate Insurance Co.
3 |
Orlando Sentinel Sunday, May 26, 2013
2013 Hurricane Survival Guide
TOP 10
STORM
CHECKLIST
What
you
should
do
before,
during
and
after a
storm
By Ken Kaye
Staff Writer
Before
A PLAN; DECIDE
WHETHER TO STAY OR GO
1 MAKE
If you haven’t done so already, make a plan for the entire
family, right down to the dog. When a storm threatens, will
you stay home, head to a shelter or flee the area? Each
scenario requires some forethought. For instance, if you
stay home, will your house stand up to the storm? If you
head to a shelter, which one exactly? And if you depart the
region, where will you go? Making such critical decisions
should be top priority now, before winds start howling.
2
STOCK UP ON
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
Plan to be self-sufficient for at least three days — better yet,
five — in the event power is out, roads are blocked and you
can’t get groceries. The single-most important item: drinking water, at least a gallon a day per person. Keep lots of
canned goods and nonperishable foods on hand, and make
sure your first-aid kit is up to date.
3
FILL-UP CAR;
GET CASH
Lines at service stations can be long the day before a storm
hits and worse in the days — and weeks — after. Fill up as
soon as a storm looks like a possible threat. Similarly, don’t
wait to get cash because you might need to purchase supplies after the storm.
VIA BLOOMBERG NEWS
SHUTTERS;
CLEAR THE YARD
4 CHECK
Make sure your shutters are in good order. If you have
panels, practice putting them up to ensure they fit and can
be properly secured. If you have accordions, make sure
their tracks aren’t obstructed and practice locking them
shut. In the days before a storm, you’ll want to bring in
potted plants and store pool or lawn furniture.
INSURANCE IN ORDER;
PROTECT PAPERWORK
5 GET
Read over your insurance policy, ask your agent questions
and update your policy as needed — now. If you don’t have
a policy, buy one now; most insurers suspend selling policies when a storm threatens. Also, store important financial and personal documents in plastic bags.
6
PROTECT ELECTRONICS,
DIGITAL DATA
Back up important digital information, whether you use
flash drives or online backup services. Update the apps on
your smartphone and insert some sites that will help you
through the storm. When a storm is on the horizon, unplug computers and other electronics, move them away
from windows and cover them in plastic, such as garbage
bags. Store cellphones and accessories in plastic bags.
Please turn to SURVIVAL, 4
Protect yourself
during the storm
During the storm, everyone should go into the
strongest interior room,
preferably without windows.
MAKE SURE the gas is
turned off. Unplug unnecessary or sensitive electric
equipment before a storm to
protect equipment. Turn off
electricity or circuit breakers
if you’ve noticed leaks in the
roof or windows of your home
or if there is flooding.
IF WINDOWS aren’t shuttered, protect yourself (with
a mattress, if possible) from
flying debris and glass.
IN HIGH-RISES, avoid the
upper floors, where wind is
strongest, and the ground
floor, where flooding is likely.
THE WEATHER may calm
suddenly as the eye of the
storm passes. Do not go outside; the storm is not over. It
can take the eye anywhere
from 30 seconds to 30 minutes to pass, depending on
the size of the storm and your
location in relation to the
core. Winds will return from
another direction after the
eye passes.
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Sunday, May 26, 2013 Orlando Sentinel
2013 Hurricane Survival Guide
Have a plan so
pets stay safe
SURVIVAL
To keep your pet safe in
the event of a hurricane, your
choices are to keep the pet
with you at home, take it with
you if you evacuate, leave it
with a friend or board it at a
kennel.
Don’t plan on taking your
pet to a public shelter unless
you have preregistered at a
pet-friendly shelter.
During
Continued from Page 3
7 HUNKER DOWN
All family members should be in a strong interior room
without windows. Make sure the gas and all appliances,
mainly the kitchen stove, are turned off. Unplug any unnecessary or sensitive electrical equipment. Don’t go outside until you’re sure the storm has ended; winds will
temporarily subside when the eye of a hurricane passes
over but will start howling again.
AT HOME
Be sure the pet has proper
identification. Tags increase
the chance of an owner-pet
reunion after a storm. Even
pets who stay at home with
their owners can be lost in
the confusion of a hurricane.
Take a picture of your pet,
and consider getting a microchip.
Arrange to make the pet
as comfortable as possible;
give it a familiar place to stay
and leave a familiar towel.
Have on hand a two-week
supply of food, water and any
medications.
After
8
Be careful of people who show up at your house offering to fix your roof or make other repairs. They
might be price gougers or lack the skills and licenses
required to do the work. Before hiring anyone, check
with your city and county’s licensing divisions. Otherwise, expect disruptions, from blacked-out traffic lights
to sketchy cable service.
BOARDING
Call ahead. Make sure the
boarding facility will take your
pets in the event of a hurricane.
TRAVELING
BE AWARE OF
DANGERS
9 HIDDEN
Bring along a collar with
identification; a familiar towel
or blanket; a two-week supply of water and food; a leash;
and any medications needed.
Call hotels on your route
to confirm they take pets.
People too often die after a storm subsides because they’re
unaware of hidden dangers. They fall from roofs or ladders
during cleanup. They’re electrocuted after wading into
puddles hiding downed power lines. They drown after
driving into water-covered holes. Or they’re killed from
carbon-monoxide poisoning while running a generator in
the house. Make sure all appliances are thoroughly dry
before plugging them back in.
SHELTERS
Register for a pet-friendly
shelter in advance and show
proof you live in a mandatory
evacuation zone or mobile
home in the county. Petfriendly shelters do not accept exotic pets such as
reptiles or livestock. Owners
usually sleep in a different
part of the facility than their
pets.
For a list of pet-friendly
shelters and hotels by county,
visit floridapetfriendly.com/
pet-friendly-hurricaneshelters.htm
BEWARE OF GOUGERS;
EXPECT DISRUPTION
MAKE SURE WATER,
ARE SAFE
10 FOOD
STAFF FILE PHOTO
Trees block Phelps Avenue in Winter Park during Hurricane Frances in 2004.
Adhere to any boil-water orders because water plants
often lose pressure and can have tainted supplies after a
hurricane. For drinking, rely on the water you saved before
the storm. Be careful with food, particularly items that
normally would need refrigeration.
5 |
2013: What to expect
By Glenn Richards and Rob Eicher |
Richards
Eicher
However, we have to
remember that it does not
matter how many tropical
storms or hurricanes form;
what matters is where they
go.
Four of this year’s storms
are expected to become
major hurricanes. We will
be in between the weather
patterns known as El Nino
and La Nina. This will
decrease upper level wind
shear across the tropics and
make it easier for tropical
systems to form.
Tropical systems need
warm water to gain
strength. So far this year,
the Atlantic waters have
been slightly warmer than
normal. That means more
Know when, where to evacuate
The 2013 hurricane season is upon us. After a very busy
2012 hurricane season — with 19 named storms and
10 hurricanes — it looks like we will keep up the busy pace
with a forecast of 18 named storms and nine hurricanes for
2013.
available energy for developing tropical storms and
hurricanes. This combination of decreased wind
shear and milder waters
should increase hurricane
activity.
Even if most of the tropical systems move away
from Florida, we have to
remember that it only takes
one hurricane to make it a
destructive season for
Central Florida.
With new technology,
the National Hurricane
Center has improved forecasts — meaning we get
longer lead times to prepare. Currently the NHC
issues regular outlooks to
let us know if it thinks a
By Jayme King and Liz Horton |
Fox 35
particular disturbance or
tropical wave might become a tropical storm in
the next 48 hours. Beginning this summer, it will
increase that lead time to
five days.
You can track the development of any storm at
www.orlandohurricane
.com. And if you are away
from your computer, we
still have you covered. The
free Fox 35 Weather App
has tropical satellite data,
water temperatures, forecast cones, everything you
need to know about a tropical cyclone and will even
send you alerts if a watch or
warning is issued for your
current location.
King
Horton
Fox 35
It’s not a matter of “if”, it’s a matter of “when” Central
Florida will fall victim to a hurricane strike.
Should you evacuate as the storm nears? The answer
depends largely on where you live, the intensity of the
storm, where it’s coming from and its forward speed.
SHOULD YOU STAY OR GO?
EVACUATION ROUTES
■ If you live east of I-95 be prepared to
Traffic jams across Central Florida can be
tricky to navigate. Throw in a major storm
event like a hurricane, and traffic control
becomes a major issue. The Florida
Department of Emergency Management
has prepared evacuation routes to make
your voyage a little easier. It’s best to
know your evacuation route and try to
leave as early as you can. Fill up with gas
early to avoid long lines. And remember to
avoid driving on streets that are flooded.
leave. That area is considered the primary
“Atlantic Land Falling” hurricane evacuation zone. It is prone to deadly storm surge
and flooding.
■ If you live in a mobile or manufactured
home be prepared to leave no matter
where you’re located. Mobile homes and
modular/manufactured homes must be
evacuated for any hurricane, even if you live
inland. Most wind-related fatalities are in
mobile and manufactured homes.
■ If you live west of I-95 in a well-constructed home built after 2000, consider
staying.
■ A storm approaching through what’s
called “the back door”(from the Gulf of
Mexico) would produce little if any significant surge. Heavy rain and damaging winds
can still be expected, though. Wait on
official word about whether to evacuate.
Main evacuation routes by county:
■ Brevard: US-1 or I-95
■ Lake: US-441, US-17/92 or I-4
■ Orange: I-4, US-441, US-17/92, Florida’s
Turnpike or SR-417
■ Osceola: Florida’s Turnpike, I-4 or
US-441
■ Seminole: I-4, SR-417 or US-17/92
■ Volusia: US-1, I-95 or US-17/92
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Orlando Sentinel Sunday, May 26, 2013
2013 Hurricane Survival Guide
| 6
Sunday, May 26, 2013 Orlando Sentinel
2013 Hurricane Survival Guide
How to be sure
your water is safe
Boil-water orders are often
issued after a hurricane —
usually because the public
utility has lost pressure in its
water-moving systems,
making it possible for contaminants to enter water
lines. The danger is from
bacterial contamination that
can cause severe diarrhea,
which when untreated can
be life-threatening.
A GOOD MEAL
CAN STILL BE HAD
DESPITE HURRICANE
By Heather McPherson |
Staff Writer
Pantry essentials
■ Store 1 gallon of water per day for each family member —
USE ONLY BOTTLED or disinfected water for drinking,
brushing your teeth and
cooking until public-water
supplies have been declared
safe. Use bottled water for
cleaning contact lenses. Use
water from the bathtub, pool
or tap to flush the toilet.
that includes pets. (Replace every six months.)
■ Stock shelf-stable canned beverages.
■ Buy enough nonperishable food for three to seven days.
Again, don’t forget your furry or not-so-furry friends. Select
foods that require no refrigeration, cooking or preparation.
Shop at stores that specialize in outdoor gear for freezedried foods such as dehydrated eggs (add water, seasonings).
■ Buy tough-skinned fruits and vegetables. Citrus, carrots
and apples are good examples. The harder the fruit, the
better it keeps.
■ Stock high-energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, unsalted nuts, health-food bars and trail mix.
■ Choose smoked or dried meats.
■ Buy instant drinks such as powdered, canned milk or
shelf-stable milk, instant coffee and tea. Grab a couple of
packs of soft drinks and juice boxes as treats for the kids too.
■ Buy stress-relief foods such as sugar cookies, hard candy,
sweetened cereals and Jiffy Pop popcorn.
■ Write out a basic meal plan and store in a sealable plastic
bag. Think of a prolonged loss of power as an impromptu
camp-out and the ideas will flow.
BATHING or showering with
tap water is fine, but don’t let
it get in your ears. If you shave
with tap water, dab any cuts
with antiseptic.
STORE water in a dark place,
with no air in the container. It
is good for up to six months.
DISINFECT tap water you’ll
use for cooking or drinking.
Always use clean containers.
Here’s how:
■ Strain solids from water;
boil for 10 minutes. Let cool.
You can also use liquid chlorine to cleanse water:
■ Strain solids from water.
Use household chlorine
bleach with no lemon scent.
Follow instructions on the
label. If no instructions are
available, add 16 drops of
chlorine bleach for each gallon. Stir; let stand 30 minutes.
In Florida, we share a history of bad dinner guests. You
may not have had personal contact with Katrina, Ivan,
Wilma, Charley, Frances and their buddies who blew
through in recent years, but it’s likely you know someone
who did.
When hurricane season begins, it’s time to stock the
pantry in case more unwanted guests pop in.
Your stash should include nonperishables chosen with
nutrition in mind, but leave room for a few indulgences.
GATHER THE ESSENTIALS: A manual can opener, a
heavy-bottomed pan that can be placed on your grill, sheet
pans or griddles that can be used on your grill, oven mitts,
matches stashed in sealable plastic bags, cooking tools, grill
fuel, moist towelettes, paper towels, gel fuel such as Sterno,
a grill light or flashlight designated for cooking, pet food,
paper plates and plastic utensils.
CARL SEIBERT/STAFF FILE PHOTO
Even when the lights are out because of a hurricane, you can get a good meal if
you have propane or charcoal, jugs of water and canned goods. On the menu:
Grilled acorn squash, onions, yams and grilled chicken.
Online
resources
For more information
from the National
Hurricane Center, check
out nhc.noaa.gov. To
print “Keeping Food Safe
During an Emergency”
guidelines, check
fsis.usda.gov.
GO LIGHT ON THE ALCOHOL: If a hurricane is churning
close by, you’ll need your wits about you.
Safe post-storm cooking procedures
■ Provide sufficient clearance around grills, making sure
awning overhangs, hanging plants and other easily combustible items won’t ignite.
■ Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside a house, tent or
canopy. Fumes create carbon monoxide, which becomes
highly toxic in an enclosed area.
■ Never leave a heated grill unattended.
■ Cooking in fireplaces after a severe storm is not recommended and is dangerous because the chimney could have
been damaged.
■ If using a charcoal grill, use only approved accelerant
fluids for charcoal fires, following the manufacturer’s
instructions and recommendations.
■ Never use gasoline. Once the barbecue has been ignited,
never add more fuel to the fire.
■ Allow charcoal briquettes 48 hours to cool before disposing of them. Thoroughly soak used charcoal in water
before tossing.
7 |
No power? Meals
are no problem
DAY 1: Stir-fry. Use cooked
and seasoned foods such
as Carving Board chicken
strips. In heavy-bottomed
pan over camp stove, heat
a small amount of oil. Add
canned and drained water
chestnuts, sweet corn and
peas. When heated, add
chicken. Add bottled teriyaki sauce or prepare sauce
from dry gravy mix. Serve
with bread and salad from
a pre-storm packaged mix.
■ If using a propane-fueled gas grill: When lighting, al-
ways open the lid before you start the flow of gas. Failure
to do so can result in a gas buildup and explosion.
A sweet snack
NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER TREATS
Combine 1⁄4 cup honey, 1⁄4 cup plain or crunchy peanut
butter, 1⁄2 cup dry milk powder and 2 tablespoons raisins.
Roll a heaping teaspoonful of the mixture into a ball. Set on
a plate. If mixture is too dry to form balls, add 1 tablespoon
peanut butter. Repeat until all mixture is used. Makes
about 16 treats.
After the storm: Kitchen tips
■ Cook with reconstituted powdered milk or shelf-stable
milk. The latter comes in single-serving boxes, so there
should be little to no waste. The shelf-stable milk needs to
be chilled after opening.
■ Don’t open the door to the refrigerator or freezer unless
it is absolutely necessary.
■ Food in a loaded freezer chest will remain frozen for one
to two days if no outside air is allowed in.
■ Spoilage comes 10 to 12 hours after a power failure in the
freezer section of a refrigerator.
■ Food stored in a closed refrigerator will remain cold and
safe for at least 24 hours. Food starts to spoil when the
temperature rises above 40 F. After that, you have two
hours to either return food to cold conditions or cook it.
■ When the power comes on, refreeze food in the freezer
that is hard in the middle, has ice crystals on the outside or
is very cold to the touch.
■ Pitch leftovers. Toss dairy items that smell or taste sour.
Refrigerator-odor cleanup tips
Here are some ideas to combat stubborn refrigerator
and freezer odors:
■ Dab cotton balls with vanilla or citrus extract and place
in an open dish in refrigerator.
■ Spread baking soda in shallow pans and place pans on
clean refrigerator shelves, bins and within the freezer
compartment.
■ Remove door and leave appliance unplugged until power returns. Spread activated charcoal, purchased from a
pet store, in shallow pans.
■ Place pans on shelves of cleaned refrigerator. To absorb
odors, turn refrigerator on low setting and run empty a few
days so odors will be absorbed.
■ Place freshly ground coffee in cereal bowls and set in-
side the cleaned refrigerator. Let refrigerator run empty
several days. A slight coffee odor may remain but will
disappear after washing the appliance again with a bakingsoda solution.
How to clean appliances
REFRIGERATORS: To properly clean the refrigerator, the
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences recommends removing all shelves and bins and
thoroughly washing them and the interior with hot water
and detergent.
After drying, combine 1 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of
water to sanitize the inside. Then combine 1 cup baking
soda with 1 gallon water and wipe again. If the refrigerator
has a drip pan, remove and empty it, then scrub clean.
Rinse and dry before replacing.
The appliance manual may offer more cleaning suggestions. But, no matter how much scrubbing is done, it may
not eliminate the residual odor.
OVENS: Clean the outside thoroughly with a grease
cutter, then with detergent and water.
Clean the inside with conventional oven cleaner.
WASHERS, DRYERS, DISHWASHERS: Pour a disinfectant into the empty washer. Run a 15-minute cycle using the
hot water setting. Clothes baskets, work surfaces and containers where clothes will be placed also should be sanitized.
Unplug the dryer and wipe the drum and dryer door
with a cloth dipped in disinfectant solution. Rinse with a
cloth dipped in clear water. Leave the dryer door open
until all parts are dry. When dry, the dryer can be used
again.
Disinfect a dishwasher as you would the washer and
dryer. Leave the door open until all parts are dry.
Homeowners should also inspect the cords and plugs of
all appliances at least once per year.
How to sanitize after a flood
For canned goods, mark contents on can lid with indelible ink. Remove labels because paper can harbor dangerous bacteria. Then wash cans in a strong detergent solution with a scrub brush. Immerse containers for 15 minutes
in a solution of 2 teaspoons of chlorine bleach per quart of
room temperature water. Air dry before opening. Sanitize
dishes and glassware the same way. To disinfect metal
pans and utensils, boil them in water 10 minutes.
There’s not much
left on the bottled-water aisle at
Albertsons grocery in Winter
Park in 2004 as
Central Floridians
prepared for Hurricane Frances.
JOE BURBANK/
STAFF FILE PHOTO
Heather’s
hurricane
favorites
■ A ridiculously red
fondue pot from
the ’70s. The
steady base and
candle holder are a
perfect match for a
small can of Sterno.
■ Jiffy Pop pop-
corn. On the grill,
the smell of hot
buttered popcorn
wafting over the
fence will have
neighbors scrambling to help you
clear debris. Buy
seven of the retro
packs that look like
mini frying pans.
DAY 2: Grilled pork chops.
Use defrosting meats.
Season with dried spices
and baste with canned fruit
pie filling. Serve with heated canned green beans and
sliced tomatoes.
DAY 3: Soup and sandwiches. Heat soup in heavybottomed pan on camp
stove or gas grill burner.
Make sandwiches out of
cold cuts and bread. Serve
with apples or oranges.
DAY 4: Grill-top pizza. Place
pizza crust (Boboli type) on
grill rack. Top with canned
pizza sauce, shredded
cheese and pepperoni. Add
bell pepper strips, if available. Close grill and let cook
over low heat until cheese
melts and bubbles. Serve
with cantaloupe. Treat kids
to shelf-stable pudding.
DAY 5: Can-do dinner.
Search cupboard for Asianinspired heat-and-eat
meals. Bring to serving
temperature in heavy-bottomed pan on camp stove.
Serve with Mandarin slices.
DAY 6: Omelets to order. If
you stored food properly,
your eggs will be safe. With
fry pan on camp stove,
cook beaten and seasoned
eggs. Add cut up fresh
veggies or from the cupboard (drained and blotteddry canned green beans,
sweet corn, etc.) and cold
cut strips. Serve with fruit
cocktail.
DAY 7: Soup to nuts. Warm
canned soup and serve
with tuna fish sandwiches.
Fresh fruit and packaged
nuts are good after-dinner
treats.
Orlando Sentinel Sunday, May 26, 2013
2013 Hurricane Survival Guide
Sunday, May 26, 2013 Orlando Sentinel
| 8
Potential track area
2013 tracking map
N.J.
MD.
Atlantic
DEL. City
VA.
Norfolk
N.C.
ALA.
MISS.
Montgomery
Humberto
Ingrid
Jerry
Karen
Lorenzo
Melissa
Nestor
New
Orleans
Pensacola
Galveston
Tampa
Corpus Christi
Olga
Pablo
Rebekah
Sebastien
Tanya
Van
Wendy
35°
Wilmington
Savannah
BERMUDA
Mobile
Houston
Brownsville
30°
FLA.
Orlando
Miami
BAHAMAS
Nassau
Tampico
25°
CUBA
MEXICO
20°
HAITI
Veracruz
GUATEMALA
DOMINICAN
REPUBLIC
JAMAICA
BELIZE
Acapulco
San Juan
PUERTO
RICO
HONDURAS
EL
SALVADOR
LESSER
ANTILLES
N
10°
PANAMA
VENEZUELA
COLOMBIA
MILES
100
95°
90°
15°
NICARAGUA
COSTA RICA
0
40°
Charleston
GA.
LA.
TEXAS
Andrea
Barry
Chantal
Dorian
Erin
Fernand
Gabrielle
Cape
Hatteras
S.C.
Atlanta
2013 Atlantic cyclone names
85°
80°
75°
70°
65°
9 |
YOU MUST PROTECT YOUR
ELECTRONICS, DIGITAL DATA
Websites, apps to help you
through hurricane season
Social media, mobile applications and the Internet
served as lifelines to millions of residents in the U.S.
Northeast in 2012 when superstorm Sandy knocked out
power and most other lines of communication. As hurricane season 2013 approaches, here is a list of websites
and apps that Central Florida residents can follow or
download before a storm strikes.
Staff Report
Whether you stay or go, it’s smart to back up important files, photos and
other information from your computer and other electronic devices.
WEBSITES
■ National Hurricane Center: nhc.noaa.gov
■ Florida Division of Emergency Management:
Floridadisaster.org
■ OrlandoSentinel.com/hurricane
■ Fox 35 News Hurricane Center: OrlandoHurricane.com
FACEBOOK
■ NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center
■ Orlando Sentinel
■ Fox 35 WOFL
TWITTER
■ @NHC_Atlantic: Public advisories, updates on storm
STAFF FILE PHOTO
A woman makes a phone call in front of a tree downed during Hurricane Charley on Livingston Street in 2004.
Computers
MICROSOFT allows users to store data in the cloud
with SkyDrive. Once you create a free account, you can
upload and view your stored files from any computer or
mobile device. Those files can be accessed from Sky
Drive.com, via desktop apps for Windows and Mac and
with apps for Windows Phone, Android and iOS.
APPLE users can also back up data from their Mac
computer, iPhone, iPad or iPod – such as photos, music,
apps, calendars and documents – to iCloud, a feature
already built into new iOS devices and new Mac computers. You’ll need to create an Apple ID and password.
Once you turn on iCloud on each device, data backs up
automatically over Wi-Fi when a device is connected to a
power source. Once your files are in the cloud, you can
access them at icloud.com.
iCloud requires iOS 5 or later on iPhone 3GS or later,
iPod touch (3rd generation or later), iPad, or iPad mini; a
Mac computer with OS X Lion or later; or a PC with
Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8 (Outlook
2007 or 2010 or an up-to-date browser is required for
accessing email, contacts, and calendars).
Apple computers with Mac operating software Leopard (v10.5) and later automatically include a software
needed to back up your system. Time Machine, as the
software is called, allows you to back up your system and
place important files onto a hard disk or network volume.
Apple sells a storage device called Time Capsule, which
works with Time Machine.
ALL COMPUTER USERS can also back their data onto
CDs, DVDs and external hard drives sold at retail stores.
The first time you back up data may take several hours,
so you may want to do the process overnight. Because
your backup is only as safe as your external hard drive,
store it in a safe and dry place when you know a storm is
approaching.
Another option is to use a subscription-based online
backup service such as Mozy, Crashplan, iDrive or Carbonite so your files will be safe even if your house is destroyed. Dropbox also lets users store videos, photos and
documents.
Email yourself important documents such as an emergency contact list or upload them to a free online service
like Google Docs so you can access them from any computer or from a smartphone.
Cellphones
Load all family and emergency contact numbers into
your cellphone. Write them down and store them in a
sealed plastic bag. If your cellphone has a camera, use it
to take “before” pictures of your valuables for inventory
and insurance purposes. You could also upload pictures
from your cellphone or a digital camera to an online
photo site like Flickr or Photobucket.
Verizon Wireless has also launched the Verizon Cloud
where customers can save their contacts, call logs, messages, music, photos, videos and other data from their
smartphones, tablets and other devices. The stored data
can be accessed from various devices. The first 500MB of
data are free, charges apply for more storage capacity.
More information can be found online at verizonwireless
.com/cloud or at a Verizon retail store.
If you are going to be away from your home, or you
fear your home phone service will go out, have your calls
forwarded to your cellphone.
Get an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), like the
kind made by APC, to keep your electronics running after
the power goes out.
Store all cellphones, extra batteries and cellphone
accessories in a sealed plastic bag.
When the storm is coming, unplug your computers
and other gadgets and move them away from windows.
position and outlook with links to NOAA
■ @NHC_Surge: The latest information on storm surges
■ @FLSERTInfo: Florida Division of Emergency Management news
■ @OUCReliableOne: Updates from the Orlando Utilities
Commission on power restoration
■ @InsideFPL: News from Florida Power & Light
■ @BrightHouseCare: Updates on Bright House Cable
service restoration
■ @ATTCustomerCare: Updates on AT&T service for cell
phones, landlines and television
■ @OrlandoSentBRK: Breaking news from the Orlando
Sentinel
■ @Fox35Weather: Weather from FOX 35
APPS
■ Fox35 Weather: Weather maps, video, hourly and
10-day forecast. Free on iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and
Android.
■ iHurricane HD: Tracks storms, pushes email and text
alerts, shows satellite images, and includes a Twitter
feed. Free on iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Android.
■ Hurricane Express: Satellite loop images, forecast
models, tracking maps, Twitter feed, Spanish-language
bulletins. $0.99 on iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.
■ NOAA Radar U.S.: Great mix of interactive infrared
satellite and radar images that zoom into neighborhood
streets to check hyper-local weather patterns. iPhone,
iPod touch and iPad. $1.99.
■ SeaStorm: Tracking tools and marine maps showing
water temperatures, wind and wave forecasts; other
advisories for mariners. Android. $1.99.
■ A Red Cross app that can send NOAA alerts about
storms approaching your area and notify friends that
you’re OK. To download, go to: redcross.org/mobileapps/hurricane-app
Stay informed
Get the latest hurricane updates at
OrlandoSentinel.com/hurricane.
Orlando Sentinel Sunday, May 26, 2013
2013 Hurricane Survival Guide
| 10
Sunday, May 26, 2013 Orlando Sentinel
2013 Hurricane Survival Guide
Expect powerful storms
to disrupt utilities, services
After a big storm, expect utilities and services to be
disrupted. Here’s what you need to know.
DEBRIS: Pile debris as neatly and as close to the
street as you can. But if you can’t identify it, don’t touch
it. Keep debris from piling up around utility poles; repairs
may be delayed if pathways are impeded. Take care in
handling debris; wear thick gloves, boots and goggles.
Try to avoid using a chain saw unless you are experienced using one.
STAY SAFE
WHEN CHECKING
FOR DAMAGE
Staff Report
CABLE: Your cable TV service will be out as long as
you do not have power. If cable service is not restored
once power is back on, call your cable company.
CABLE INTERNET AND DIGITAL VOICE: Once your
power returns, to regain Internet service you will have to
reset your modem. Comcast advises you pressing its
reset button for five seconds. If that doesn’t work, unplug the cable modem from the electrical outlet. Leave
it unplugged for at least 10 seconds. Plug it back into the
electrical outlet and wait 30 seconds. Restart your
computer. To reset your digital voice modem, press the
reset button on the back of the unit with a pen. Keep the
button pressed until the lights in the front of the unit go
off. Release the reset button and wait for the unit to
reset itself. (This may take up to five minutes.)
In south
Orlando
in 2004, a
resident
tries
creatively
to get the
attention
of the
power
utility.
GARBAGE: Call your local trash hauler to find out
when pickup will resume. Meanwhile, double-bag all
garbage in plastic bags and keep the bags in covered
containers. Bag or box items such as broken parts of
windows, doors and mirrors separately for safe handling.
Spray the insides of the containers with insect repellent.
If the smell becomes unbearable, find a neighbor with a
pickup truck who can haul the garbage to a central
collection point.
STAFF FILE
PHOTO
Inside
■ Be careful; do not smoke
NATURAL /PROPANE GAS: Avoid open flames and
sparks, and call the fire department or your gas company if you smell or suspect leaking gas.
PHONES: Call your local phone company to report
problems and schedule repairs. Be patient; it may take a
while. Cordless phones won’t work if the electricity is off,
so keep a corded phone in your home. It will work in the
event power is out but phone lines are open.
CELLPHONES: Cellphone service can be spotty after
a storm. However, text messages often go through even
when voice connections can’t be made. Make sure you
have a car charger for your cellphone.
Blue tarps covering
rooftops are a common
sight after hurricanes.
STAFF FILE PHOTO
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Damaged homes can pose danger, so take your time. If
your home looks unsafe, it probably is.
Emergency-management officials have procedures to
certify structures for safety and it is wise to wait for
them.
Assessing damage on your own requires the right gear,
including dry, rubber-soled shoes; rubber gloves or work
gloves; hammer; screwdriver; pencil; and note paper.
Inspect only during the day, and even then use a good
flashlight.
Make only temporary repairs necessary to prevent
further damage. If you can, photograph the damage
before you make stopgap repairs, and keep all receipts.
Don’t make permanent repairs until your insurer inspects the property.
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Prevent mold
Mold can begin growing
almost immediately in a
storm-damaged home, and
the cost of cleanup might
not be covered in your
insurance policy.
IF WATER IS seeping
into your home, stop the
leak and start drying out
the affected areas.
REMOVE standing
water. If you have no power,
use a broom to sweep out
water.
DEHUMIDIFY. If power
is available, use large fans to
dry the area and a dehumidifier at the same time.
SET YOUR AIR conditioning to 80 to promote
evaporation. Lower temperatures will cause condensation.
or use an open flame. If
you smell gas, turn it off at
the meter or tank, or call
your natural/propane gas
company.
■ Watch for loose electrical wires and ceilings,
beams and other objects
that could fall. Never
touch an electrical appliance, any wiring or a tool
while standing in water.
■ Open all doors and
windows to release moisture, odors and dangerous
gases. If you cannot get a
window open, use your
tools to remove the sash. If
a door won’t open, remove
the hinge pins and take off
the entire door.
The roof
■ When possible, pur-
chase and store new shingles before a storm. They’ll
be much harder to find
once a hurricane has come
and gone.
■ From the outside, inspect roof supports, ridge
areas, gable ends and
eaves. The roof may have
stayed intact but shifted,
requiring professional
repair.
■ If you go into the attic,
step only on wooden roof
supports or you could fall
through the ceiling.
Cracked roof supports can
be repaired temporarily by
running 8-foot (or longer)
2-by-4s on each side of a
broken support and nailing
them to the cracked support.
■ Use extreme caution
and wear rubber-soled
shoes if you step onto the
roof, first making sure no
fallen wires have landed
there. Do not walk around;
roofs that appear intact
could have been weakened.
■ Look for missing asphalt
roof shingles and missing
or broken roof tiles. On flat
roofs, look for areas where
the gravel surface and
underlying foundation has
been torn away.
■ Emergency repairs can
be made in a variety of
ways. Special repair paper
comes in rolls and has a
self-adhesive side. Plastic
sheeting at least 6 millimeters thick can also stop
leaks.
11 |
TIPS FOR FINDING
YOUR CONTRACTOR
After a hurricane passes,
many dangers remain
Residents too often face the gravest dangers after a
hurricane has passed. Here are some tips to stay safe:
BEWARE OF HEIGHTS. Many who die during cleanup fall from a roof, ladder or tree. Harnesses, lifelines,
lanyards, anchors, slip-resistant shoes and ladder safety
devices can help, but the chaotic days after a storm are
a bad time to learn how to use unfamiliar equipment.
Staff Report
After the hurricane, the real work begins — if there is damage to your property.
Assess the damage and write a list to give to your insurance company.
Resources
TO VERIFY A
CONTRACTOR’S
STATE LICENSE, go to
the website of the
Florida Department of
Business and
Professional
Regulation’s licensing
division: www.myflorida
license.com, then click
on Verify a License in the
top row, second from
the left.
STAFF FILE PHOTO
TO COMPLAIN ABOUT
A CONTRACTOR:
File a complaint with
your local police
department. Go to the
www.myflorida
license.com site and
click on File a Complaint
bar on the left side of
the website.
Be diligent when hiring a contractor. Ask for references and how long a contractor has
been in the business, check out work done and the contractor’s license number.
Before you hire a contractor:
■ Find out what your property insurance will cover. At
the very least, you will likely have a deductible to pay.
■ Obtain three estimates for the repairs, specifying
such items as the quality and type of materials to be
used and how long it will take to complete the work.
■ Ask for references and how long a contractor has
been in the business, check out work done and the
contractor’s license number. Licensed contractors must
have general liability, property damage and workers’
compensation insurance in effect at all times.
■ Request a Certificate of Competency card and a
driver’s license; the names should be the same. Licensed contractors are required to include their Certificate of Competency license number in all advertising
and on vehicles used to perform work.
■ Check if your contractor has any unresolved complaints and if his license has ever been revoked or suspended.
■ To research companies or agents registered with the
state, go to sunbiz.org. Check the Better Business Bureau’s website for any complaints filed against the company: bbb.org.
■ Get any proposal, contract or agreement in writing.
■ If you hire a contractor and the work costs more than
$2,500, you may be liable if your contractor fails to pay
his suppliers or contractors. To prevent this, get what is
called a “release lien” from the contractor before making a lump sum or final payment for any work.
Warning signs
■ A large down payment is requested before the work
begins; only partial payments should be made until
work is completed.
■ Many requests for money are made during early
phases of construction.
■ You are asked to pay in cash or make your check
payable to an individual or “cash” instead of a company
name.
■ Building permits: A licensed contractor in good
standing will always obtain a permit for work performed. If you obtain the permit, you will be held responsible for complying with the Florida Building Code
and for workers injured on the job. Beware if you are
told the job does not require a building permit. Almost
all projects, with few exceptions, require one.
■ The contractor is only willing to work on weekends
and evenings, a sign the person may be an employee
moonlighting without a license.
■ Beware if the contractor is not willing to put all
terms in writing and offers a verbal contract or if someone other than the contractor obtains the building
permit.
WEAR SAFETY GEAR. Tree limbs, boards, ceilings
and other objects are unstable after a hurricane, and
people have been killed by falling debris.
WATCH YOUR STEP. Avoid standing water, which
can hide broken glass, sharp metal or a downed power
line. Don’t allow children to play in puddles.
USE CARE with metal tree trimmers or metal ladders
around power lines, and make sure appliances are dry
before plugging them back in.
CARBON MONOXIDE is a quick killer. If you have a
generator, make sure you also have a carbon monoxide
detector, either battery-operated or with a battery
backup. Never operate a generator inside an enclosed
area, even if windows and doors are open. Do not use it
outside near open windows or doors.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS. Existing health problems can
be exacerbated by the physical demands of cleanup. If
you have a heart condition, hire a professional crew to
help with the heavy yard work.
DRIVE CAREFULLY. After a storm, lights are likely to
be out at intersections, and you might have a hard time
telling flooded roads from canals.
FIRE HAZARDS. Flames from candles, improper use
of generators and boarded windows and doors have all
contributed to post-storm deaths. Battery-operated
lanterns are safer than gas lanterns. Unless you are
covering a broken window, there’s no reason to leave the
boards or shutters up once the storm has passed.
WATCH WHAT YOU EAT. Food can be kept in an
unopened refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Discard milk
and hard-boiled eggs if they have been at room temperature more than two hours. Water saved in bottles
before the storm should be good for up to six months.
You may qualify for federal aid
If your uninsured property is damaged or destroyed in
a hurricane, you might be eligible for assistance from
the federal government.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or
FEMA, can provide you with a temporary place to live or
money to fix your home. FEMA also can help pay for
certain disaster-related medical costs, storage costs,
funeral costs, clothing, household items and cleanup
items.
The U.S. Small Business Administration can make
federal subsidized loans to repair or replace homes,
property or businesses not covered by insurance.
Before you can qualify, the president has to make a
disaster declaration for your area. Then you need to file
insurance claims.
You can apply for FEMA assistance online at disaster
assistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 or, for the
hearing-impaired, (TTY) 800-462-7585.
Once your application is complete, you’ll get a FEMA
number that you will need to keep for reference.
Orlando Sentinel Sunday, May 26, 2013
2013 Hurricane Survival Guide
| 12
Sunday, May 26, 2013 Orlando Sentinel
BEST RELIABILITY IN FLORIDA
15 YEARS IN A ROW
– Based on 2012 data from the Florida Public Service Commission
We understand Florida’s weather is unpredictable. That’s why we have dedicated linemen
ready to respond 24/7 rain or shine. At OUC—The Reliable One, providing reliable electric
service is job no. 1. That’s why for the 15th year in a row OUC finished well ahead of the state’s
investor-owned utilities in key performance areas that measure overall electric distribution
reliability, based on 2012 data provided to the Florida Public Service Commission.
WWW.OUC.COM/STORMCENTER