Oakland Park Mayor On Tropical Storm Isaac
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Those of you who were here 20 years ago no doubt have remembered Hurricane Andrew this week. This week, we have our first potential threat of the season with Tropical Storm Isaac currently in the Caribbean. The latest forecast shows the system potentially at hurricane strength in the area between Jamaica, eastern Cuba or the Bahamas in 4 days.
It’s likely that from Sunday into early next week, we will feel some impact from Tropical Storm Isaac. Current models beyond Sunday morning show a range of possibilities anywhere from a storm passing south/west of Florida, right over the peninsula or to the east over the Bahamas. This puts Florida within the zone of impact. Whether we are in the right, left or center of the “cone of uncertainty,” we WILL feel some impact!
Hopefully you have already made your home and family storm ready, but if you want to double check to see that you’ve covered everything, Broward County has a helpful Hurricane Preparation Guide. This guide and other links can be access from our City’s homepage.
- Every family should be prepared to be self-sufficient for the first five days after a major storm so recovery efforts can focus on those who can’t help themselves.
- Don’t wait until Saturday to stock up.
- Remember that your cordless telephone will not work without electricity!
If you require special assistance in evacuating, or need to stay at a Special Needs Shelter, call Broward County Human Services Department at 954-357-6385 (TTY 954-357-5608). If a member of your family is elderly, frail or disabled and may become vulnerable in the aftermath of a storm, register them with Broward County’s Vulnerable Population Registry. Visit www.broward.org/registry, call 3-1-1 or 954-831-4000.
Now is the time to review the list below and make sure you and your family are storm ready!
Hurricane Kit Checklist:
- Drinking Water: At least one gallon per person per day for three to five days, preferably two weeks. Extra water is needed for food preparation and personal hygiene. To store drinking water, use food-grade containers. You can use clean, airtight containers such as two-liter soda jugs, but no milk containers. If you re-use disposable plastic bottles, do not keep them for more than a month.
- Food: At least enough for three to five days, including non-perishable packaged or canned food, canned or shelf milk, cereal, etc.; ice and snack foods
- A three- to five-day supply of special items for babies such as formula, food, wipes, diapers; special foods for the elderly; toiletries and extra toilet paper
- Manual can opener/bottle opener
- Paper goods such as plates, bowls, napkins, towels, and plastic eating utensils
- Unscented household bleach and medicine dropper
- Extra bedding such as blankets, pillows, sleeping bag, etc. in case you must evacuate
- Clothing, including rain gear and sturdy shoes
- First aid kit
- Medicines/prescription drugs: A two-week supply
- Hand sanitizer
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-operated or hand-crank radio
- Disposable batteries, car charger or solar charger for your cell phone
- Hardline telephone with jack (not cordless)
- Books and games or toys
- Pet food, cat litter and other pet care items
- Tool kit including cord, rope, hammer, wood nails, saw, hatchet or axe, crowbar, chain saw blades, tarp, duct tape, and heavy work gloves
- Plastic trash bags and ties
- Extra resealable plastic storage bags, heavy-duty aluminum foil and disposable aluminum pans
- Extra charcoal or propane gas for outdoor cooking. Sterno can also be used. Never cook with any of these items inside your house. The smoke and fumes are deadly.
- Fire extinguisher (ABC type)
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Mosquito repellent with DEET, and sunscreen
- Any special equipment or items you may need.
- Prepare ahead for your medical needs such as dialysis, insulin, oxygen, and any prescription drugs. The emergency refill law now allows you to obtain a 30-day supply of medications when an emergency is declared.
Our Oakland Park Emergency Operations Center is ready to take action if situations warrant. Hopefully this will be a practice run but we should all be prepared. Stay tuned!
I am always available to answer questions by email at annes@oaklandparkfl.gov. If you prefer, you may also contact me by telephone at 954-253-0850. Leave me a message regarding your issue or concern and I will be happy to return your call.
