Welcome to The Club At Orlando Condominium

Disaster Preparedness

The Club at Orlando residents must take special precautions to prepare for a storm. A well-executed disaster plan will minimize injury and damage and promote a speedy recovery. Planning begins by understanding the Association’s responsibilities. This requires a review of the recorded documents.

Florida Disaster: Florida Division of Emergency: http://www.floridadisaster.org/index.asp

Some of the following helpful information can be found on the Florida Disaster website:

Preparedness Checklist, Family Disaster Plan, Family Disaster Supplies, Before a hurricane, During an evacuation, During a hurricane, After a hurricane, What to do before a tornado, What to do during a tornado, What to do after a tornado, Disaster Prevention, Persons with Disabilities, Hurricane Preparedness, Flood Insurance, New Preparedness Maps, Secure Your Home, Pet Plan, Disaster Supply Kit, Blueprint For Safety, Florida Wind Insurance Incentives, Florida Hazards and much more…

Building a Disaster Kit :

Your disaster kit should include enough supplies to last you and your family for a minimum of 3 days. Here are six basics you should stock for your home:

1.	Water
2.	Food
3.	First Aid Supplies
4.	Clothing and Bedding
5.	Tools and Emergency Supplies
6.	Special Items (Medication and Personal Items)
7.	Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container

Possible Containers include:

1.	A large, covered trash container
2.	A camping backpack
3.	A duffle bag

Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members and keep a smaller version of the Disaster Supply Kit in the trunk of your car.

Water
Store water in plastic containers such as empty soft drink bottles or milk jugs. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more.

Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation). For the elderly, you will want 1 1/2 to 2 gallons a day. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.

Food
Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of Sterno or a camping stove. Select food items that are compact and lightweight.

The following items make good emergency rations:

1.	Emergency food bars (specially designed to provide nutrients and calories)
2.	Military MRE rations (no cooking required)
3.	Dehydrated camping meals (may require cooking)
4.	Canned or bagged tuna, chicken, ham. Can be made into sandwiches or cooked with pasta or rice side dishes.
5.	Granola bars and energy bars
6.	Dried fruit
7.	Individually wrapped snacks and puddings
8.	Peanut butter and jelly
9.	Hard candy, such as peppermints
10	Just-add-water side dishes to mix with canned meat and vegetables
11.	Can opener

Tools and Supplies:

1.	Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils (mess kits)
2.	Emergency preparedness manual
3.	Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
4.	Flashlight and extra batteries
5.	Non-electric can opener
6.	Plastic sheeting (10' by 10')
7.	Duct Tape
8.	Plastic storage containers
9.	Whistle
10	Corded telephone
11.	Household chlorine bleach
12.	One complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
13.	Rain gear
14.	Blankets or sleeping bags
15.	Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons

For Baby:

1.	Formula
2.	Diapers
3.	Bottles
4.	Powdered milk
5.	Medications (2 weeks supply)

For Adults:

1.	Medication
2.	Insulin
3.	Prescription drugs (2 weeks supply)
4.	Denture needs
5.	Contact lenses and supplies
6.	Extra eye glasses
7.	Entertainment
8.	Games and books
9.	Important Family Documents

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:

1.	Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
2.	Passports, social security cards, immunization records
3.	Bank account numbers
4.	Credit card account numbers and companies
5.	Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
6.	Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

Don't Forget:

1.	Keep items in airtight plastic bags.
2.	Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh.
3.	Replace your stored food every six months.
4.	Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year.
5.	Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
6.	Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

Post-Disaster Safety Tips:

Food Safety:
In the event of a power outage, the following should be discarded:

1.	Perishable foods including meats
2.	Dairy products, and Eggs that have not been refrigerated for more than two hours.
3.	Foods that been contaminated by flood waters.

Water Purification:

1.	Residents under a boil water notice should bring water to a rolling boil for one minute.
2.	Drink bottled water if available.
3.	If you cannot boil water, add six drops of unscented household bleach per one gallon of water and let stand for thirty minutes prior to use. Water purification tablets are also available at most pharmacies and sporting goods stores.

Flood Safety:

1.	Walking, swimming, or driving through floodwaters is extremely dangerous.
2.	Fast-moving floodwater produces more force than most people imagine. Floodwaters often contain sewage and dangerous bacteria levels, avoid contact whenever possible.
3.	If you are driving and come upon floodwaters, stop, turn around, and go another way.
4.	Do not drive where water is covering the road.

Generator Safety:
Portable generators can be hazardous if used improperly. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion in internal-combustion engines. CO poses a serious health risk due to its ability to displace Oxygen. Carbon monoxide is fast becoming a killer among people of all ages.

To avoid CO poisoning:

1.	Only operate generators outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to the home.
2.	Never use generators indoors or in attached garages.

To Avoid Electrocution:

1.	Plug individual appliances into the generator using heavy duty, outdoor rated cords with a wire gauge adequate for the appliance load.
2.	Observe the generator manufacturer's instructions for safe operation.
3.	Do not plug the generator into a wall outlet.
4.	If connecting the generator into the house wiring is necessary, have a qualified electrician hook up the standby electrical system.

Chainsaw Safety:

1.	Wear protective clothing, including gloves to give you a good grip, a hard hat, safety goggles, hearing protection, steel-toed shoes with non-slip soles and trim-fitted clothing that won't get caught in the chain.
2.	Follow instructions in the owner's manual for starting and operating the saw.
3.	Stand to the side of the saw so you won't follow the cut through into your leg.
4.	Hold the saw parallel to the ground with your left arm straight for better control and to reduce the chance of "kick back."
5.	Keep both hands on the saw while it is running.
6.	Avoid cutting above mid-chest height.
7.	Never try to cut a tree with a diameter greater than the length of the chainsaw blade.
8.	Be extremely careful when cutting limbs or stems of trees that are bent or under tension; the branch can spring back into the operator.
9.	Carry the saw below the waist with the engine off and bar pointed to the rear.
10	Do not work alone. Have a companion nearby and keep bystanders and helpers at a safe distance.

Other Preparation Tips

Insurance
Both the property and casualty coverage and the flood coverage should be reviewed to ensure that there would be adequate funds to rebuild if there is major damage. In a condominium this is a Board responsibility; whereas, in the homeowners association it would be the responsibility of the individual owner in most cases. The changes in the way some condominiums and homeowners associations have been structured means that you need to refer to your documents and consult your insurance professional to make sure you are properly and adequately covered. We are now seeing single family detached condominiums where the owner is responsible for the entire building which is his unit. The master policy will not cover your contents and personal property so make sure these are insured as well.

Installing hurricane shutters
The association should allow owners to install hurricane shutters but may restrict the style and appearance. In multi-story buildings, Associations can require you to install shutters, laminated glass or window film in that preventing water intrusion which can affect all owners.

Storing Cars
A policy for storing cars and recreational equipment and securing common areas, including the pool and pool deck must be enacted.

Designate a disaster coordinator or committee
Pre-designate the person or committee granted the authority to act on behalf of the board and the association to implement a well-conceived and orchestrated disaster plan in the aftermath of a storm. Someone should be responsible for notifying all residents to vacate the property. Someone else should take charge of the removal of any critical records. Responsibility for the storage of loose objects and the securing of utilities and the physical property should also be assigned. This emergency plan should be coordinated with the manager and staff.

Develop and rehearse an evacuation
Consider having a “buddy system”. Power can fail before the storm, so elevators won't work. Memorize exits and how many steps they are from your apartment, in case you have to find them in the dark.

Evacuation area
Determine if you are in an evacuation area and, if you are, leave the property and secure it. If you have residents who are going to ride out the storm encourage them to remove loose items from porches, patios or decks. Close and lock windows, sliding glass doors and shutters. Wedge patio doors. Put towels along door tracks and window sills. Also make sure you have a list of who is staying behind. In many of the buildings along the ocean and bay fronts all of the utilities may be turned off prior to the storm’s arrival.

Contact Information
Compile a list of contact information for unit owners, vendors and professionals (including CPAs, attorneys, management personnel) as well as copies of insurance policies, records of units/unit owners, personnel records and financial records (including bank account numbers, insurance policies and authorized signatures) and store it off the premises.

Photographs
Photograph premises as well as 'as-built' drawings will greatly facilitate the resolution if any insurance claim and assist in any reconstruction effort. Keep building plans, and contact information for the architects, engineers, contractors and sub-contractors who designed and built the structures.

What to do, “before”, “during” and “after a hurricane?

Before a Hurricane
To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:

1.	Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
2.	Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
3.	Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
4.	Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
5.	Determine how and where to secure your boat.
6.	Consider building a safe room

During a Hurricane

1.	Listen to the radio or TV for information.
2.	Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors
3.	Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
4.	Turn off propane tanks. Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
5.	Moor your boat if time permits.
6.	Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
7.	You should evacuate under the following conditions:
8.	You should evacuate under the following conditions:
9.	If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
10	If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure—such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground.
11.	If you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
12.	If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.

If you feel you are in danger:
If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

1.	Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
2.	Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.
3.	Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds will pick up again.
4.	Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
5.	Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

After a Hurricane

Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical well-being. If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes the process faster and less stressful. This section offers some general advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in order to begin getting your home, your community, and your life back to normal.

What to do in case there is an earthquake?

One of the most frightening and destructive phenomena of nature is a severe earthquake and its terrible aftereffects.

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently, and without warning at any time of the day or night. If an earthquake occurs in a populated area, it may cause many deaths and injuries and extensive property damage. Although there are no guarantees of safety during an earthquake, identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can save lives and significantly reduce injuries and property damage.

Helpful Links