Mission: To provide Brevard County residents, businesses and industries, non-profit
organizations, and local governments the education and support necessary
to reduce the loss of life and human suffering; to minimize property damage;
and to protect environmental sensitive areas from all types of disasters
through a comprehensive, risk-based, all-hazard emergency management program.
Clean containers for drinking water and your bath
tub for storing cleaning water. Line the tub with plastic sheeting
or clean shower curtain, or caulk the drain with silicone caulking
- it will hold water for weeks and it cleans up easily when dry.
Plan on three gallons per person, per day for all uses.
Obtain at least a two-week supply of non-perishable
foods. Don't forget a non-electric can opener.
During the storm, stay inside and away from windows,
skylights and glass doors. Find a safe area in your home - an interior,
reinforced room, closet or bathroom on the lower floor.
Wait for official word that the danger is over.
Don't be fooled by the storm's calm "eye".
If flooding threatens your home, turn off electricity
at the main breaker.
Offer your home as shelter to friends or relatives
who live in vulnerable areas or mobile homes.
If you lose power, turn off major appliances, such
as the air conditioner and water heater to reduce damage.
In Florida, we are particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and elders are especially
susceptible to their effects. Those who live alone, or are without
the support of family or friends, must take special precautions in
the event of an emergency situation. People who are frail or disabled
(either mentally or physically) may need special assistance from family
members, friends or social service agencies. Older adults who are also
care givers may require outside assistance. Excessive stress and anxiety
can contribute to increased episodes of illness, particularly for persons
with heart disease and other illnesses. If an older adult lives in
a nursing home, congregate facility (ACLF) or boarding home, the administrator
should be contacted to learn about the evacuation plan for that facility.
Pet owners are responsible for hurricane planning for their pet. If you
plan to evacuate, plan for your pet as well. Take your Pet Survival Kit
if you go to friends, relatives or a hotel. The Red
Cross shelters cannot accept pets, so if you plan to go to public shelter, make other
provisions for your pet. Limited space is available at "pet shelters". Contact your veterinarian, the Humane Society, or Animal Control for more information.
After the storm has passed, be careful in allowing your pet outdoors.
Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and your pet could easily
be confused and become lost. Downed power lines, animals, and insects
brought in with high water could present real dangers to your pet. Take
care not to allow your pet to consume food or water which may have become
contaminated. For more information call your county's animal control.
PET SURVIVAL KIT
Proper ID collar and rabies tag/license *.
Carrier or cage
Leash.
Ample food and water supply (at least two weeks).
Water/food bowls.
Any necessary medication(s).
Specific care instructions.
Newspapers, cat litter, scoop, plastic trash bags for handling waste.
Proper ID on all belongings.
Non-electric can opener.
* Make sure your pets have had all their shots within
the past 12 months. Pet shelters will require proof of vaccinations.
Virtually all economic activity in the devastated
south Dade area ceased following Hurricane Andrew. An estimated 8000
businesses and 100,000 jobs were seriously impacted. We could experience
even more severe losses given a storm the magnitude of Andrew. Use
the following checklist to prepare a Business Disaster Recovery Plan:
Know Your Risk.
Is your business located where you are vulnerable to storm surge or
freshwater flooding? Check your hurricane evacuation level and FEMA
flood maps! Is your workplace vulnerable to hurricane force winds?
Have your building inspected by a licensed professional.
Take the Necessary Precautions.
If a storm threatens, secure your building.
Cover windows with shutters, plywood or window protection film.
Cover and move equipment/furniture to a secured area. Protect
your data with backup files. If dependent on data processing,
consider an alternate site. Make provisions for alternate communications
and power. Make provisions to work with limited cash, water and
sewer, and no power. Store emergency supplies at the office in
case it is difficult to get around after the storm.
Protect Your Employees. Employee safety
comes first!
Prepare, distribute and exercise your business hurricane plan for
recovery. Consider providing shelter to employees and their families.
Also consider helping employees after the storm with essential
supplies. Establish a rendezvous point and time for employees outside
of the evacuation area in case damage is severe and communications
are disrupted. Establish a call-down procedure for warning and
post-storm communications.
Contact Your Customers & Suppliers.
Share your communications and recovery plan in advance.
Review Your Insurance Coverage.
Have your business appraised at least every five years. Inventory,
document and photograph equipment, supplies and workplace. Have
copies of insurance policies and customer service/home numbers.
Obtain Business Interruption Insurance. Consider Account Receivable
and Valuable Papers Coverage. Consider Income Destruction Insurance.
If you have Business Owners Protection Package (BOPP), check
co-insurance provisions.
Remember: Flood damage requires separate coverage
and is NOT covered under other insurance programs.
After the storm, use caution before entering your
business.
Check for downed power lines, gas leaks, and evaluate any structural
damage. If any electrical equipment is wet, contact an electrician.
Prepare loss information for insurance claims, get independent estimates
of damages. Take pictures before cleanup. Take appropriate steps to
minimize additional water damage. Contact the local Small Business
Administration (SBA) office for information on low interest disaster
relief loans.
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