Sep 06 2017

Information To Prepare For Hurricane Irma

Update: 9/8/17 12:15pm

Please use the following links to access information on mandatory and voluntary evacuation notices, as well as shelter openings:

To find out which zone your house is in, you can search your address here.

If you are under an evacuation order, FEMA also advises that you:

  • Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions.
  • Call or email the out-of-state contact in your family communications plan. Tell them where you are going.
  • Secure your home by closing and locking doors and windows.
  • Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.
  • Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
  • Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat.
  • Check with neighbors who may need a ride.
  • Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts; they may be blocked.
  • Be alert for road hazards such as washed-out roads or bridges and downed power lines. Do not drive into flooded areas.

Above all else, listen to the directions of state and local officials. If told to evacuate, evacuate.

Posted 9/6/17

Now is the time for everyone in our community to prepare for this potentially dangerous hurricane. For more information on how to prepare for this storm, I strongly encourage you to visit Ready.Gov for a timeline of steps to take. Please also review the following information:

What We Know:

  • State of Emergency: Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency for all of Florida's 67 counties. According to FEMA, the best steps to take between now and this weekend are to remain calm, ensure you are signed up to receive emergency notifications and follow the steps below (and on Ready.Gov) to prepare.
  • Storm Information: While the exact path of the storm remains unclear, forecasters are predicting that Hurricane Irma will turn north toward Florida over the weekend. Review the National Hurricane Center website for up-to-date information.

What Actions To Take According To FEMA:

  • Know where to go: If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation routes to take and have a plan for where you can stay.
  • Update your disaster kit: Make sure to have a three-day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water, a battery-operated radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, cash, medicines, a first aid kit, pet foods, and important family documents. If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
  • Make a family emergency communication plan: This plan should include the telephone number of a family member or friend outside the area - a point of contact in the event of separation when a storm hits.
  • Sign up for emergency and weather alerts: Download the FEMA mobile app for weather alerts and maps of open shelters, among other important resources. If you live in Palm Beach County, sign up for local emergency alerts here. If you live in Martin County, sign up for local emergency alerts here. If you live in St. Lucie County, sign up for local emergency alerts here.

Important Resources:

I have been in contact with local, state and federal emergency management officials and will continue to be leading up to and throughout the storm. For more information over the coming days, please join me on social media:

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