Firewise by Ed Brown

TGO FIREWISE INFORMATION

RESIDENTS REDUCING WILDFIRE RISKS Visit tgocsa.org to view Firewise video and brochure or TGO Firewise on Facebook

Remember, you must have written permission to remove any living shrubs or trees beyond your property line. Contact CSA if you have questions about removal and consult the Architectural Review Board before making landscape changes.

The Hurricane At TGO

by Ed Brown

This is a storm that you have been preparing for (RIGHT)? If your answer is “no,” “not yet,” or “what storm?” I am deeply concerned for you! We are in “Hurricane Season.” We have been for weeks! Perhaps you are a new resident and haven’t had time to research “Hurricane!” For you and the rest of us who may need a reminder, a hurricane is a storm called a TROPICAL CYCLONE that forms over warm ocean waters. It is a low pressure system that has a counter-clockwise circulation, thunder storms and maximum sustained winds of less than 39 mph. It is best referred to as a “TROPICAL STORM.” When the maximum sustained, swirling winds reach 74 mph, it is called a HURRICANE. Fueled by the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, straight-line winds can reach over 160 mph! If a Hurricane strikes land, it pushes a wall of water ashore. This wall of water is called Storm Surge. It can combine with the storm’s rainfall to produce flooding. There are fi ve types, or categories of hurricanes, based on the storm’s wind speed: Category 1: Winds 74-95 mph Category 2: Winds 96-110 mph Category 3: Winds 111-129 mph Category 4: Winds 130-156 mph Category 5: Winds 157 mph or more What ingredients are needed for a hurricane to form? 1. Warm surface waters: 79F or more. 2. Winds that don’t change much (speed or direction) as altitude increases. Now that we have HURRICANE defi ned, let us review your preparations for SURVIVAL: Option #1: Get out of Titusville and go where the hurricane is not going! Make a list (or lists) of what you and your family need to take, including pets and their food. Also, important papers and medical info. How do you determine the storm track? From the TV news, weather radio; crystal ball! Make sure fuel tanks are full! If you are fi lling spare fuel tanks, make sure they are grounded (on the ground) to avoid static electric sparks (be Firewise) and have a safe fuel transfer system (check Amazon for pumps. Have spare food (canned is quick and simple and edible cold.) Have a manual can opener and eating utensils. Out of the storm target area services should be good, but take water for drinking and cleaning (one gallon per day, per person). Plastic gallon jugs of water from Publix are good. Keep in contact with family and friends via cell phone. Keep it charged. Turn off home electricity when you lock up. On the road, expect delays. Be patient, courteous and safe. GOOD LUCK! Evacuation and Shelter-In-Place articles have appeared in THE HAPPENINGS earlier this year. Check back issues of FIREWISE in The Happenings and in the TGO Conference Room or On Line.

Firewise Committee - Contact Information

Tim Graham Chairman 561-262-8833 Donald Payne 407-222-0583 Ed Brown 321-383-8253 Mike Lavery 585-472-1538 Ron Peoples 407-509-0486 Betty Salter 321-223-8073 Ed Olefi rowicz 919-360-3174 Karri Olefi rowicz 919-265-4315 Christopher Miller 407-375-8310 O.M. Butch Jones 804-514-4458 Albert McGuire 810 338 5646 Sharon Maloney 770-294-6362