What are the recommended safety measures for Florida residents in the face of Hurricane Milton?

Category 4 Hurricane Milton is moving toward Hillsborough and Pinellas counties (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)

Hurricane Miltoncurrently category 4, has generated intense preparation in Floridaas it approaches from the western Gulf of . The authorities are on alert due to the threat of this phenomenon that could impact the counties of Hillsborough y Pinellas in the middle of the week. According to the forecast from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), it is expected to make landfall on the west coast of Florida on the night of Wednesday, October 9 or early Thursday, the 10th.

In response to the imminent arrival of the hurricane, preventive emergency declarations have been issued in 51 counties in Florida. According to CNNAnna Maria, a coastal city south of Tampa, has already begun mandatory evacuations. The governor Ron DeSantis He stressed the importance of safety, stating that the public must “have a plan” and reminded not to wait for an evacuation order to take action. “Do not wait for an evacuation order to leave,” the governor insisted, according to local media reports.

According to the NHC, this is the list of things you should do BEFORE hurricane season begins:

Know your area: Find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone by contacting your local emergency management office or checking the evacuation sites website.

  • Prepare an emergency kit: Prepare a basic emergency kit. Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators, and shutters.
  • Write or review your family emergency plan: Before an emergency occurs, sit down with your family or close friends and decide how you will contact each other, where you will go, and what you will do in case of an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supply kit or in another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster. Get started on the emergency plan webpage Ready.Gov.
  • Review your insurance policies: Review your insurance policies to ensure you have adequate coverage for your home and personal property.
  • Understand NWS forecast products, especially the meaning of NWS watches and warnings.
  • Preparedness tips for your home from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes.

Polk Countylocated east of Tampahas identified available shelters, including those that welcome pets, as described by Telemundo 51. Schools and universities are also taking preventive measures; Collier County forced the closure of all its schools through Thursday. According to the National Weather Service, “coastal counties such as Sarasota, Pinellas and Lee” could suffer catastrophic wind damage.

  • Sign up to receive free emergency alerts from your local government.
  • Have a way to charge your cell phone.
  • I have a radio that runs on batteries.
  • Learn first aid and CPR.
  • Prepare to live without electricity.
  • Learn how to use a generator safely.
  • Plan how you will use electrical medical equipment.
Preventive actions in 51 Florida counties include mandatory evacuations (NOAA)

Based on information from the American Red Cross, if authorities advise or order people to evacuate, they should grab their emergency equipment and leave immediately. If they are not in a mandatory evacuation zone, they must decide whether to leave the area, move to higher ground nearby, or remain in their home.

If you choose to stay, it is important to remember that even if high winds and flood waters do not reach your home, you may be left without power and water, and it may be impossible to leave for several days if roads are impassable.

According to the American Red Cross, you should not return home until you are told it is safe to do so. If you evacuated your home, you should wait for local authorities to declare that it is safe to enter your community and make sure you have the necessary supplies. If your home suffered damage from hurricane force winds or flooding after the storm, it is essential that you inspect it carefully and clean it thoroughly.

Memories of Hurricane Helene, which recently hit the Big Bend de Florida causing more than 230 fatalities, are still fresh in the collective memory. Residents like Don Girard of Fort Myers Beach have taken the necessary precautions to protect their homes. Helene, who flooded her residence just weeks ago, was remembered preparing her three-story home for Milton’s arrival. “Milton presents an additional challenge for communities already affected by recent natural disasters,” said one resident.

The preparation and safety measures highlight the seriousness with which authorities and the population are confronting this hurricane, which brings with it the potential for a significant natural disaster.

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