Wind and trees

Hurricane-force winds can literally blow the roof off a home – and cause other damage. Tropical storm winds can also make things interesting for Florida homeowners. To help limit wind damage, homeowners can take several important steps to make their homes more resistant and keep their families as safe as possible. When they do, they […]

Burglar

While most of us look forward to the lazy dog days of summer and extra time vacationing with family and friends, others use this time to burglarize.  In fact, according to the U.S. Dept. of Justice, most burglaries happen in the summertime between the June and August – and most happen between 10 a.m. and […]

Safe Place During a Storm

Did you know that Florida emergency management officials typically recommend that residents who do not live in an evacuation zone stay home during most tropical storms and hurricanes? While this does not include people who are in poor health, elderly, or in the last trimester of pregnancy, this does mean most of us should be […]

Prepare your pets during a storm

If your local Florida community issues a hurricane or storm warning, bring all pets inside and be sure they are safe and accounted for. If you are under an evacuation order, you must bring your pet with you, so they don’t end up lost, injured or worse. To best be prepared for emergencies and to […]

Preparing Kids for a Hurricane

When a tropical storm or hurricane heads toward Florida, it is impossible to escape the worry and fear that accompanies it. From panicked friends and relatives to news stories on TV, to school dismissals, to evacuations and emergency runs to the grocery or hardware store, storms can be scary and disruptive for everyone – especially […]

Helpful Neighbor

Whether you live in a residential neighborhood, apartment building, or a more rural area, there is comfort knowing your neighbors – and knowing they are there for you if needed. When you know your neighbors and they know you, you can be there for each other before, during and after hurricanes or other emergencies. Here […]

After the hurricane

When Florida faces a hurricane, we know the actual storm is only the beginning.  The winds and rains can cause tremendous damage while the storm is in full force – but they also leave countless hazards in their path after everything has calmed. Take these precautions to keep you and your family safe from a […]

Evacuation Route

Living near Florida’s coast is a blessing – and, during storm season, can be a curse. Obviously, the coastal areas are most at risk of hurricane, flood, and storm surge damage – and at times weather conditions may cause officials to declare mandatory evacuations. To find out if you are in an evacuation zone (as […]

family emergency planning

When a disaster caused by hurricanes, flooding or other natural event takes place, communications with family members, schools, medical professionals and other first responders is key. Florida families should have an emergency contact/communication plan in place and available to everyone in the home (including children) so they know how to reach you during or after […]