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EMERGENCY HURRICANE PHONE NUMBERS:

Fire / Police / Emergency 911

Village of Wellington Emergency Operations Center (EOC) (* These are only in effect when the EOC is activated)

Village of Wellington - Main Office 791-4000

Village of Wellington - Public Works 791-4003 (roads, swales, sidewalks, storm drains, street signs)

1. Review homeowner's and flood insurance policies
2. Perform a home inventory; videotape or take photographs of interior and exterior of home
3. Clear rain gutters and downspouts
4. Make a plan for pet(s)
5. Develop a Family Disaster Plan:

• Gather information about hazards
• Meet with your family to create a disaster plan
• Implement your plan

Seniors & Special Care - Prepare Now for an Emergency:

1. Post emergency numbers near your main phone
2. Have a plan to signal for help; plan and practice escape routes
3. Keep in touch with neighbors and look out for each other
4. Plan for transportation if you need to evacuate to a Red Cross Shelter; notify them of any special need(s) you may have If you have home healthcare services, plan ahead with your agency
5. Teach those who may need to assist you in an emergency how to operate necessary equipment
6. Store emergency supplies and ID tags in an easy-to-carry container (i.e. backpack, duffle bag); label all equipment
7. If you need to leave your home and go to a shelter, take all prescribed medicines, a list of medications & dosage, a list of allergies, an extra pair of eyeglasses & batteries for your wheelchair, oxygen, etc.
8. List type & serial numbers of any medical devices (pacemakers, etc.)
9. Take your medical insurance & other medical cards
10. Take a list of doctors, relatives & friends who should be notified in case of an emergency

Waste Management:

1. All cutting of vegetation should take place prior to June 1
2. Cut back all trees & thin your foliage and place waste on your curb (per Village standards) for regularly scheduled pickup before hurricane season
3. Clean your yard of items that could become projectiles during a storm

BEFORE THE STORM:

A disaster supplies kit should include: *

1. A 3-day supply of water (min. one-gallon per person, per day)
2. Food that will not spoil
3. 2-3 changes of clothing and shoes per person
4. Prescription medicines and medical supplies
5. One blanket or sleeping bag and pillow per person
6. First-aid kit
7. Battery-powered portable radio
8. Non cordless telephone
9. Emergency tools; flashlight (extra batteries)
10. Extra set of car keys; credit card or cash
11. Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
12. Documents: driver's license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.

* Take the above items with you if you plan to evacuate

Minimize a hurricane's effect on your family and property:

If you plan to relocate to a non-threatened area:

1. Do so early to avoid traffic jams
2. Bring a current road map marked to avoid routes near water which may become flooded
3. Listen to local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions

If you've decided to remain in your home:

1. Prepare to cover all windows and doors with shutters
2. Fuel and service family vehicles
3. Bring in light-weight objects such as garbage cans, garden tools, toys and lawn furniture
4. Keep your disaster supply kit nearby

Pool Protection:

1. Disconnect power & protect your pool pump and heater
2. Super-chlorinate or double the chemical you normally add to help avoid contamination
3. DO NOT lower water level more than 6-12 inches. If water level is lowered there is a possibility of the pool popping out of the ground due to a rising water table
4. Disconnect and remove automatic pool cleaners/equipment

The Village of Wellington's Environmental and Engineering Services Department takes hurricanes seriously. Long before the storm, Village pumps are operating at maximum capacity to lower water levels in the canals in order to accommodate thousands of gallons of additional storm water run-off. During the storm, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Management Team and Village workers "hunker down" in the EOC, located at the municipal complex. After the storm, crews clear major thoroughfares immediately with local streets soon to follow.

DURING THE STORM:

When located in a warning area:

1. Listen closely to the radio or TV
2. Follow instructions issued by local officials; leave immediately if told to do so
3. When the storm first hits, fill bathtub and large containers with water for sanitary purposes
4. Turn refrigerator to its coldest setting and keep closed
5. Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities
6. During the high point of the storm stay in an inside room or closet; away from outside walls and windows
7. Notify family members outside the warning area of your evacuation plans
8. Take pets with you; leaving pets behind is likely to result in their being injured or worse

In strong winds:

1. Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered
2. Close all interior doors; secure and brace external doors
3. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway

Generator Tips:

1. Ensure that your generator is located in a well ventilated area
2. Do not connect your generator directly to your home's wiring
3. Never plug a portable electric generator into a regular household outlet
4. Many generator parts are hot enough to burn you during operation; operate with caution
5. Keep away from portable electric generators at all times
6. Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage
7. Make sure your generator is properly grounded to prevent electrical shock
8. Do not operate more appliances and equipment than the output rating of the generator
9. Do not store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it is running
10. Turn off and disconnect all equipment powered by the generator before shutting down your generator
11. Always use a surge protector for your electronics

AFTER THE STORM:

1. Listen to the Village Emergency Broadcast System WQCY420 1680 AM, local radio or TV, to keep abreast of changing weather and other conditions
2. Do not attempt to drive across flowing water; as little as 6" of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle; 2 feet of water will carry most cars away
3. Stay away from standing water; it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines
4. If someone needs to be rescued, call professionals who will have the right equipment to help; many people have been killed or injured trying to rescue others in flooded areas
5. Have professionals check gas, water and electrical lines and appliances for damage
6. Use a flashlight for emergency lighting; never use candles or other flammable products indoors
7. Use tap water for drinking and cooking only when local officials say it is safe to do so
8. Use the telephone for emergency calls only
9. Turn off propane tanks
10. Unplug small appliances, computers, etc.

The following Publix Supermarkets have generator power:

• Town Square at Wellington @ 11950 W Forest Hill
• The Groves at Royal Palm @ 127 State Rd 7

The following gas station has generator power

• Citgo at 12000 South Shore Blvd 793-3030

STAGES OF HURRICANE DEVELOPMENT

TROPICAL DEPRESSION
A tropical wave with a counterclockwise circulation that has sustained winds of up to 38 mph

TROPICAL STORM WARNING
A tropical wave with a counterclockwise circulation that has sustained winds of 39-73 mph are expected within 24 hours or less

HURRICANE WATCH
First notice; the hurricane may threaten an area within 36 hours. You should begin preliminary preparations to protect life or property

HURRICANE WARNING
Issued when the eye of a hurricane is expected to strike within 24 hours. All precautions/preparations should be completed

HURRICANE CATEGORIES

CATEGORY 1
Winds of 73-95 mph. Storm Surge of 4-5 feet. Expected damage includes inundation of low-lying coastal areas, small craft in exposed anchorages torn from moorings, some pier damage.

CATEGORY 2
Winds of 96-110 mph. Storm Surge of 6-8 feet. Damage estimates include coastal roads and low-lying escape routes located inland being 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.

CATEGORY 3
Winds of 111-130 mph. Storm Surge of 9-12 feet. Damage estimates are the same as category two. Mobile homes are destroyed. Major damage to windows, doors, and roofing materials. Major damage to mobile homes.

CATEGORY 4
Winds of 131-155 mph. Storm Surge of 13-18 feet. Low-lying escape routes 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 caused by flooding and battering by waves and flying debris. Collapse of roofs of many small residences.

CATEGORY 5
Winds of more than 155 mph. Storm Surge of 18 feet. Damage estimates the same as category four. Small buildings will be overturned or blown away. Extensive shattering of glass in windows and doors. Collapse of roofs of residential and industrial buildings. Some buildings will collapse.