Florida Gulf Coast: Prepare for Major Hurricane Ian

In terms of wind speed, Hurricane Ian is the fifth strongest hurricane to make landfall on the United States. According to reports on Social Media from CBS News and others, the water was drained from portions of Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and others.

The NHC predicts Ian will strengthen to a major hurricane as it crosses the westernmost tip of Cuba. The storm will continue to curve north and north-northeast as it strengthens—possibly to category 4—a very powerful and dangerous hurricane. On the 3-5 day forecast, computer models vary widely to the east and west of the NHC forecast for a landfall on the Big Bend Coast. The current track is further north and a little west than originally expected.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Declares State of Emergency—Landfall of Hurricane Ian Constitutes a Major Disaster. (Amended Executive Order 22-219) The Emergency Order now includes the entire state of Florida.

All Florida residents, businesses, and other interests should monitor this storm as it develops. Begin hurricane preparations now. The NHC expects significant impacts across the Florida Peninsula and Panhandle including storm surge and flooding, extreme winds, tornadoes, and widespread power outages.

The Governor and the Florida Division of Emergency Management urge everyone in the path of the storm to prepare.

Top 10 Tips to Survive a Hurricane Disaster

Tropical Storm Ian formed out of a tropical wave over the Western Caribbean Sea. This system emerged off the coast of Africa and crossed the tropical Atlantic to the Windward Islands. Forecasters gave the tropical wave a 90 percent chance of development. Tropical Depression Nine organized on the morning of Friday, September 23 and strengthened to a Tropical Storm by 11:00 PM EDT Friday Evening.

Watches issued by the NHC included a tropical storm watch for Jamaica and a hurricane watch for the Cayman Islands. Ian stayed away from Jamaica and the authorities cancelled the watch there.

Grand Cayman Island and the western third of Cuba is under a hurricane warning and tropical storm warning. Hurricane Warnings are now in effect for the Cayman Islands.

As the storm grows in size and approaches Cuba on Tuesday, the first watches and warnings could go into effect for the Florida Keys with additional watches and warnings issued as the storm progresses into the Gulf and nears Florida.

Any impacts on the Florida Keys could occur well in advance of impacts to the Florida Peninsula and Panhandle. These impacts could be significant if the storm follows a more easterly track than currently forecast. Expect Storm Surge, heavy rain, and flooding.

How to Use a Portable Generator for Emergency Power

Must Have Items:

• Non-perishable food for 5 days
• 5 Gallons of water per person (= a 5-day supply)
• Prescription Medicines for at least 5 days. Talk to your pharmacist/doctor for emergency prescription medicine supplies.
• If you have medication that must be refrigerated, make sure you have a way to keep it cold.
• Food and Water for Pets
• A reasonable amount of cash on hand in smaller bills: ones, fives, and tens, with a few larger bills kept separately.
• Supplies to shelter in place including a large tarp, blankets, sleeping bags, etc.
• Personal hygiene items
• Keep vehicles fueled and ready to go.
• Radio, flashlights, extra batteries.
• Emergency Power Source

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Must Do Items:

• Know your evacuation route.
• Be prepared to take your supplies and evacuate if ordered.
• Prepare your home. Move all loose objects indoors.
  • Lawn and patio furniture
  • BBQ grills
  • Toys
  • Lawn tools and equipment
• Remove any dead branches. Trim trees back from the house.

Portable Generator Safety Rules to Live By

• Cover Windows and doors, especially garage doors and sliding patio doors. Storm shutters and hurricane rated doors are best, but if you don’t have them, use 3/4-inch plywood with 5/8-inch lag screws screwed into the house framing every six to 10 inches.
• Inform family members of your plans and where you will go if you evacuation. Designate one family member as your point of contact and keep them up to date.
• Include your pets in evacuation plans. They are completely reliant on you for their safety.
• If you intend to evacuate, complete preparations on your home and leave as early as possible. Make hotel reservations well in advance and arrive before the earliest check-in time if possible.
• Start and warm up your generator. Check fuel supplies and top off as required.
• Keep your phone batteries charged and have a way to charge them during an outage.