Hurricanes / Tropical Storms » Tropical Cyclone Preparedness
Know Your Vulnerability
The first step in making your plan is knowing your vulnerability - answer the questions below to the best of your ability.
Flooding:
- What is the base elevation of your home? ____
- Has your home or the surrounding property
ever been threatened by flooding during heavy rains? ____ - Do you live within a half mile of water that is subject to tidal changes?____
- Do you live within 3 miles of the coast or Charlotte Harbor? ____
- Are you required to own flood insurance? ____
Wind:
- Is my home a manufactured or mobile home? ____
- Was my home built before 1993? ____
- Does my home have a gabled roof? ____
- Does my home lack window protection? ____
- Does my home have large vaulted ceilings? ____
- Does my home have two or more stories
constructed of different materials (i.e. masonry and lumber)? ____ - Does my home have a non-reinforced garage door? ____
- Are any large trees close enough to hit your house if blown over? ____
If your home is less than 15 feet above sea level and/or you answered YES to any of the Flooding questions, there is a possibility you will need to evacuate. Be sure to include an evacuation procedure in your personal plan!
Under Wind, if you answered YES to the first question, find somewhere else to stay, even during a minimal hurricane. If you answered NO to the first question, but YES to one or more of the other questions, you may still be vulnerable to wind damage.
The more YES answers, the greater your vulnerability. Reinforce your home and/or make a plan to find a safe place to stay. If you answered NO to all of the questions, your home may be a safe place to stay in all but the strongest hurricanes!
Make a note of your home’s weaknesses and keep them in mind as you make your hurricane plan.
Last update: 2007-06-19 21:33
Author: NBC 2 - Fort Myers, FL
Revision: 1.0
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