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Gator Pools
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Licensed & Insured
Serving Okeechobee Area Since 1997 Publisher Maureen Budjinski
Office Manager Patti Berglund
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Pennysaver Location
Bookkeeper Rose Brennan Account Manager Gail Lockwood Distribution Larry Sterling, Manager Jessica Smith
111 NE 2nd Street Okeechobee (In Cottage One-Eleventhe little yellow house) Phone
863-763-7283
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Pennysaver Cottage 111
NE 2nd Avenue
Art Director Stephanie Leal
The Area’s Premium Community Paper
State Road 441
Editor/Writer Raye Deusinger
NE 2nd Street
State Road 70-West
State Road 70-East
TABLE OF CONTENTS Hurricane Season 2013....................................................... 5 Hurricane Categories.......................................................... 5 Hurricane Names................................................................ 6 Raulerson Hospital............................................................. 8 American Red Cross............................................................ 8 Solid Waste Authority......................................................... 9 Hurricane Map.............................................................10,11 Okeechobee Emergency Management...............................12 WOKC Local Radio.............................................................12 Okeechobee County Animal Control..................................13 Okeechobee County School District...................................13 Hurricane Insurance Tips ..................................................15 Home Preparation.............................................................16 Personal Protection and Managing Your Health.................17 During/After the Hurricane................................................17 Waste Management..........................................................18 Mechanical Prep For Your Vehicle......................................19 Preparing Your Motorhome...............................................20 Preparing Your Pool...........................................................21 Pet Friendly Lodging..........................................................21 Pre-Post Storm Roadside Help...........................................21 Going To A Shelter.............................................................21 Okeechobee County Shelters.............................................22
Community preparedness and personal preparedness are equally essential. Pennysaver spoke to representatives from many venues affecting the community and its ability to withstand a hurricane. We thank them for their contributions. Neither the advertiser nor the publisher are responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, typographical errors, etc. herein contained. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, or by any means, without written permission from the publisher.
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2013 Okeechobee Pennysaver Hurricane Guide
2013 Okeechobee Pennysaver Hurricane Guide The 2013 Okeechobee PennySaver Hurricane Survival Guide is a comprehensive overview of what to do in the event a hurricane heads this way. 2012 marked the seventh consecutive year a hurricane did not make landfall in Florida. However every storm is dangerous, so the better you are prepared the safer you will be. Please use these guidelines which provide help and information and make a plan. OKEECHOBEE COUNTY FORECAST as of April, ‘13: Researchers Phil Klotzbach and William Gray have issued probability numbers for areas of Florida with the following forecasts for Okeechobee County and surrounding regions: • Probability of Hurricane Impact in Florida 51.3% • Probability of Major Hurricane Impact in Florida 21% • Probability of 1 or more named storms making landfall in Okeechobee region 2% • Probability of 1 or more hurricanes making landfall in Okeechobee region 0.6% • Probability of 1 or more named storms hitting Okeechobee County 1.4% • Probability of 1 or more Hurricanes making landfall in Okeechobee County 0.2%
Hurricane Categories Storm advisories are broadcast by four designations: • Tropical Disturbance — an area of storms which keeps its structure for at least 24 hours • Tropical Depression — an organized storm system with a defined circulation and maximum sustained surface winds up to 38 miles per hour • Tropical Storm — an organized storm system with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph • Hurricane — an intense organized storm with a well-defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or more
Strength of hurricanes is identified by categories. • Category 1 storms are 74 to 95 mph • Category 2 storms are 96 to 110 mph • Category 3 storms are 111 to 130 mph • Category 4 storms are 131 to 155 mph • Category 5 storms are winds greater than 155 mph.
Hurricane watches are issued when a storm may pose a threat to a designated area within 36 hours. Hurricane warnings are issued when a storm is expected to hit within 24 hours.
They reported that the 2012 Atlantic basin hurricane season will have enhanced activity compared with the 1981-2010 climatology. They anticipate an above-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the US coastline and in the Caribbean. However, coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them, and they need to prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted. Overall predictions are for 18 named storms, 9 hurricanes and 4 major hurricanes.
Hurricane Season Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. June/July and October/November hurricanes generally form in the Caribbean, with the August/September hurricanes usually originating off the west coast of Africa.
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Hurricane Names The use of short, distinctive names for hurricanes is quicker
and less subject to error than older latitude-longitude identification. This is especially important in exchanging detailed storm information between hundreds of widely scattered stations, coastal bases, and ships at sea. Having two or more tropical storms at the same time could cause confusion if they were not named. For several hundred years many hurricanes in the West Indies were named after the particular saint’s day on which the hurricane occurred. For example, there was “Hurricane Santa Ana” which struck Puerto Rico on July 26, 1825, and “San Felipe” (the first) and “San Felipe” (the second) which hit Puerto Rico on September 13 in both 1876 and 1928. It was Australian meteorologist Clement Wragge who began giving women’s names to tropical storms in the late 1800s. The United States began using female names for storms in 1953. In 1979 male and female names were included in lists for Atlantic storms.
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If more are needed, the Hurricane Center will use the Greek alphabet. The name Sandy is being retired from the list of tropical storm names because of the catastrophic damage its massive size and strength caused along the East Coast last year.
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2013 Okeechobee Pennysaver Hurricane Guide
www.okeechobeepennysaver.com
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Raulerson Hospital — A Message From Robert Lee, Chief Executive Officer Prior to any hurricane approaching the area, the staff at
Raulerson Hospital takes Emergency Disaster Planning very seriously. First of all and most importantly, please realize that the hospital is not a shelter. During a weather emergency or any other type of disaster, the Command Center at the Hospital is fully staffed to ensure safety for all of the patients, visitors and staff. At the present time, the hospital is preparing for the coming hurricane season by increasing its food, water, medication and other supplies necessary to continue independent operation. The hospital has a 750kw generator that can supply electricity to the entire facility, a backup water supply, and advanced communication equipment. The hospital is fully hurricaneshuttered, and hurricane-impact doors and windows are installed throughout the facility. The key to preparedness is planning ahead to cover all possible emergencies that may occur and Raulerson is prepared.
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American Red Cross
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Recreational Storage Hurricane Protection Wood Decks Concrete Aluminum Roofing Sheds Vinyl Siding
Okeechobee Service Center
.Hurricanes are strong storms that can be life-threatening
as well as cause serious property-threatening hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes. Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane. The American Red Cross staff and volunteers work continuously throughout the region to ensure that residents are prepared and communities are resilient. The Red Cross will provide relief to those who have been impacted by disasters and will help residents to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The Palm Beaches-Treasure Coast Region’s local Okeechobee Service Center is located at 323 N. Parrott Avenue. For information on shelters and volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross, please feel free to call 863-763-2488.
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Locally Owned and Operated Since 1987 Licensed and Insured
Willis, Sherry, and Chris Burton
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2013 Okeechobee Pennysaver Hurricane Guide
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Dee’s Minor Repair & Pressure Washing LIC#5698 LIC#1126 4533 SE 23 Court Okeechobee, FL 34974 FREE ESTIMATES 863-467-2917 Drive Ways Buildings Mobile Homes
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2013 Okeechobee Pennysaver Hurricane Guide
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Dee’s Minor Repair & Pressure Washing LIC#5698 LIC#1126 4533 SE 23 Court Okeechobee, FL 34974 FREE ESTIMATES 863-467-2917 Drive Ways Buildings Mobile Homes
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2013 Okeechobee Pennysaver Hurricane Guide
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Okeechobee Emergency Management — A Message From Director Mitch Smeykal If disaster strikes Okeechobee County we all need to be prepared. Disaster can strike at any time, with or without warning. The Okeechobee County Emergency Management Office encourages all residents to take the time now to prepare themselves and their families for the hazards we may face as a community and state. In preparation, have a 72-hour supply of food and water for family and pets, medications, important papers etc. A complete supply list as well as other items related to disasters and emergencies can be found at www.okeechobeeeoc.com, www.FloridaDisaster.org and www.ready.gov. There are tools on these websites to assist you in building your family disaster plan. There are several new shutter products like hurricane fabric instead of traditional shutters. Residents can check FEMA. gov or Fl.Disaster.org for the latest recommended equipment. Emergency information will also be broadcast on local radio and television stations across the region. For radio information alerts tune to; WOKC-AM 1570, WOKC-FM 100.9 and WWFRFM in Okeechobee, WQCS-FM in Fort Pierce, and WAFC-FM in
Clewiston. For television information alerts; WPTV News Ch. 5, WPBF Ch. 25 and WPEC News 12. Check with your local cable or satellite provider for channel location. We will also be tracking events and post updates on our Twitter feed and Facebook page. Updates will be posted to the website as time permits and conditions warrant. Each can be followed or viewed at @okeechobeeeoc on Twitter and Okeechobee Emergency Management on Facebook. New evacuation zones being discussed on area TV, so far, do not affect Okeechobee County. Any organization that would like to have a presentation by the Okeechobee County Emergency Management Office concerning hurricanes, tornados, flooding, terrorism, hazardous materials or disaster preparedness in general should call Mitch Smeykal at (863) 763-3212x5001. All-Hazards Guides in English and Spanish are available at the EOC office, 707 NW 6th St. and at businesses throughout the county.
Local Radio WOKC — en Español, WAFC — A Message From General Manager, Wayne Cunningham
In the event of a storm, WOKC FM 100.9, WOKC AM 1570
and (Spanish) WAFC FM 106.1, are in constant contact with Okeechobee’s Emergency Operations Center, the National Hurricane Center and state and local officials. We will work around the clock to provide local residents with the important information they need. As soon as a storm is forecast, WOKC and WAFC will go into Emergency Broadcast Mode. We have the ability to switch to emergency power and remain on the air 24/7. Unlike coastal media, we are Okeechobee’s only local voice; we know this area and care about our local residents. Before the storm both stations will broadcast shelter locations and evacuation routes and advise you on how to prepare your home and family, including pets. During the storm WOKC and WAFC will broadcast safety advice, continuous storm updates including force, wind speed and coordinates and news of what is happening in our community. When we are clear of danger we will tell you how our area has been affected, how to receive assistance and how people can volunteer to help others. Don’t wait for a storm before preparing. Now is the time to gather supplies, including a portable radio tuned to WOKC or WAFC.
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2013 Okeechobee Pennysaver Hurricane Guide
Okeechobee County School District — A Message From Superintendent of Schools, Ken Kenworthy Safety of our students is our number one priority any time during the year. Preparing for hurricane season is but one area in which Okeechobee County Schools stand ready to help not only our students but their families as well. The district Emergency Plan outlines preventative safety measures that school and district personnel follow on a day-to-day basis as well as when a storm is pending. In the event a storm is approaching, decisions for safe travel and school closings are made by the Superintendent of Schools after consultation with emergency management and law enforcement personnel. School buses must be pulled off the road when winds persist at 35 miles per hour. When a storm is imminent and schools must be closed, students and staff are notified via an automated calling system that reaches all telephone numbers in the school’s database. Getting students back in school after a storm is our main concern. The same automated calling system is used to notify students and staff when schools will reopen as well. It is very important that parents make sure the school has correct phone numbers so they can receive emergency messages. Once students are back to school, parents can return to work and our community regains a sense of normalcy and routine.
Okeechobee County Animal Control — A Message From Director, Gary Barber .Before the storm arrives have a plan of action in place. Be aware that city and county ordinances require all cats, dogs and ferrets, over four months of age, to have a rabies vaccine. If you evacuate in a hurricane, do not leave your animal alone, either inside or outside your home. If you cannot take them, leave your pets with a responsible person. If you take your animal with you, be sure to take a five-day food and water supply for each animal as well as utensils, bowls and litter bags, medications, a picture of your animal and a cage for each pet. Place your name and phone number on all belongings with permanent marker. Before the storm, have your pet micro-chipped; vets generally check for chips in lost animals. .Most shelters/motels will not accept a pet without proof of a current rabies vaccine. Take the time NOW to gather such proof and put it with your hurricane emergency kit should it be needed in the event of a storm. If your pet is not vaccinated, have it done as soon as possible. Advice about exotic pets is available from Sue Arnold at (863) 763-4630. For additional help and information, call Animal Control at (863) 357-3225 or visit www.hsus.org.
www.okeechobeepennysaver.com
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2013 Okeechobee Pennysaver Hurricane Guide
You could “Kick Yourself” if you fail to “Ask Yourself” these Hurricane Insurance Questions Now!! Contributed by Lowell Pritchard
Are my policy limits high enough to cover the replacement cost of rebuilding my home? If your policy property limits are too low, as compared to the replacement cost value of your home, you could be subject to a significant coinsurance penalty if a loss occurs. Make sure that any additions or improvements that you have made to your home are included in the value of your home as shown in the policy dollar limits for your home. In today’s economy, the cost to replace your home is very likely to exceed the market value of your home. Should I consider placing Flood Insurance on my home? Even if you are not in a Flood Zone, you could be subject to flooding. Often times, storm sewers will plug with debris; critical storm sewer pumps will fail; or, in Okeechobee, the dike could fail and lead to flooding in places that never flooded before. If you are not in a hazardous Flood Zone, the insurance is relatively inexpensive. Remember, your Homeowners Policy does not cover flood losses. Do I need to have Ordinance of Law Coverage? This coverage is often misunderstood and many times homeowners are not even aware of this endorsement. As building codes change over the years, it is common
for homes to be lacking in regards to the latest building codes. The last major building code changes were made in 2002 and if you have a home that is older than that, you will certainly do yourself a favor in checking out this coverage. What about my personal property? Remember that certain items such as guns, securities, money, antiques, jewelry, fine arts etc. have little or no coverage on a homeowner policy without a special endorsement covering their value. It is wise to inventory and video your personal belongings. Do not wait! Remember, once a hurricane enters a prescribed longitude and latitude specified by your insurance company, all binding (writing) of property insurance is on hold until after the threat passes. Sometimes that can be as much a week or more before the hurricane actually makes landfall. Flood insurance takes 30 days to bind coverage from the date the application is signed. It is critical to your financial well-being, as well as your physical well-being, that you plan ahead for the next hurricane. Wishing you and your family a safe and secure hurricane season, Lowell Pritchard, General Lines Agent – President, Pritchards and Associates, Inc., 863-763-7711.
www.okeechobeepennysaver.com
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Preparation Equals Safety What To Do As a Hurricane Nears Home Preparation Prepare for at least three days’ needs • Water — Sterilize your bathtub, pans, jugs and bottles with a 1:10 bleach solution, then fill them with water. Wait for official word before resuming use of your water system after the storm. If you must evacuate your home, turn off the water supply before leaving to avoid damage from burst pipes; unplug your water heater and turn off your automatic sprinkler system. • First Aid — Assemble bandages, adhesive tape, antiseptic, alcohol and other articles that might be needed in an emergency. Also include toilet paper and sanitary supplies. • Food Supply — Stock any canned foods that can be eaten without heating, non-refrigerated carton milk, cereals, energy bars, a manual can opener and canned heat or a propane stove for cooking. Prior to the storm’s arrival, turn freezer and refrigerator controls to the highest level. Have a cooler with ice packs for emergencies. Have food and supplies for infants. • Lighting — Stock candles, lamps, flashlights or lanterns and the batteries, propane, kerosene, matches or other means to power them. • Cleaning — Have a supply of cloths, towels and mops to absorb rain-driven water and to use at windows and doors. • Communication — Have a portable radio, a car charger for your cell phone or personal electronic device and, if you don’t have a cell phone, at least one corded phone as cordless phones won’t work if electricity is out. Have several flashlights. • Outdoor Prep — Take down antennas and awnings, take in garbage cans, portable outdoor storage units, potted plants, garden tools and lawn furniture. No tree trimming is allowed once an alert is issued. Put up shutters or other cover such as plywood, on windows and doors. Putting tape on windows serves no purpose.
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• Transportation — Be sure your car is fully operational. Check and fill tires, and keep the gas tank full as gas pumps won’t work without electricity. • Generators — Generators must never be used indoors, in attached garages or next to air-intake windows because they emit carbon monoxide, a deadly colorless, odorless and tasteless poison gas. Use only in a well-ventilated, dry area outside the home. Check instructions issued with your generator as to its capacity to power appliances. Do not store fuel indoors. Never refuel a generator while it is operating; allow it to cool down before refueling. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. When operating a fire extinguisher, always point it at the base of the flames, not at the flame itself.
Mobile Homes The main objective of mobile home residents is to seek shelter elsewhere if a hurricane or tornado warning has been given. Follow the preparation instructions for regular housing. Disconnect or close your electric, gas, sewer and water lines. Leave water faucets open so they can drain. Check your tie-downs. Mobile homes are extremely vulnerable to strong winds. If your mobile home does not have tie-downs, get them installed immediately. Assemble a list of important phone numbers, including an outof-town contact to which all family members can report; make sure everyone is aware of this contact number. Make a “survival box” with copies of important papers (auto registration, licenses, address book, credit cards, personal identification, insurance policies and the phone number of your agent), medicines and a seven-day supply of cash (ATM machines won’t work without electricity). Include spare phone, hearing aid and wheelchair batteries, eyeglasses and extra car keys. Don’t go outside until an all-clear is given. Have medical alert tags or bracelets to identify your disabled-related need. Do not sightsee as this can interfere with rescue services or medical emergencies. Downed power lines are common; high water can conceal potholes, lakes and canal edges. Stay indoors. Hurricanes are circular storms with a calm hole in the center, known as the eye. Winds in the approaching storm blow from one direction. As the eye passes over, the winds then blow from the opposite direction. Wind and rain may stop for as little as a few minutes or as long as a half hour or more as the eye passes over. The “backside” winds are frequently of greater force than before.
2013 Okeechobee Pennysaver Hurricane Guide
Personal Protection If the electricity goes off, use flashlights instead of candles or kerosene lamps when possible. Never use a barbecue grill indoors, and be careful with cooking flames. Use your telephone for emergencies only. Continue to conserve refrigeration; open the refrigerator/freezer door as little as possible. Listen to television or local radio for updates. Be aware that information about Okeechobee is infrequent on coastal stations. Local information is best found on 100.9 WOKC FM or 1570 WOKC AM. Locate and mark these on your radio dial for quick reference. Remain indoors until the official all-clear is given. After the hurricane has passed and it’s safe to go outside, don’t touch loose or dangling wires. Don’t step in pools of water where such wires may be grounded. Don’t touch trees in contact with downed power lines. Stay away from areas that have been hit hard by the storm; sightseers are an interference for rescue workers. Inventory damage to your own property. Report fallen wires and broken water and gas lines to the proper authorities, as well as to your insurance company. For water, call the Okeechobee Utility Authority at (863) 763-9460; for electric, call FPL at (800) 226-354; for gas, call Central Gas at (863) 763-3915, Ferrellgas at (863) 763-7557 or Glades Gas at (863) 763-2114.
During the Hurricane Stay indoors. Hurricanes are circular storms with a calm hole in the center, known as the eye. Winds in the approaching storm blow from one direction. As the eye passes over, the winds then blow from the opposite direction. Wind and rain may stop for as little as a few minutes or as long as a half hour or more as the eye passes over. The “backside” winds are frequently of greater force than before. If the electricity goes off, use flashlights instead of candles or kerosene lamps when possible. Never use a barbecue grill indoors, and be careful with cooking flames. Use your telephone for emergencies only. Continue to conserve refrigeration; open the refrigerator/freezer door as little as possible. Listen to television or local radio for updates. Be aware that information about Okeechobee is infrequent on coastal stations. Local information is best found on 100.9 WOKC FM or 1570 WOKC AM. Locate and mark these on your radio dial for quick reference. Remain indoors until the official all-clear is given.
Managing Your Health During A Hurricane — Contributed by Okeechobee Discount Drugs Before a hurricane strikes, PREPARE. When putting together
an emergency kit for hurricane season do not overlook your health care needs, especially if you rely on daily medications, medical equipment or supplies. According to the American Red Cross, this kit should include a seven-day supply of medication. This is especially true for those with heart conditions or diabetes. If you wear a hearing aid make sure to have extra batteries. It is also a good idea to have a spare pair of eyeglasses and additional supplies such as catheters or syringes. Include in your kit rubbing alcohol, antacid, aspirin, non-aspirin pain reliever and everyday-needs such as band aids and disinfectants. Gather a copy of your medical prescriptions, doctor’s orders and the style and serial number of support devices. A medical alert bracelet or a written description of your medical needs, are must haves if you are unable to communicate. Include a list of phone numbers for insurance and medical contacts, a health history and a list of allergies to medications. If you need any assistance ensuring your health before or after a storm, Okeechobee Discount Drugs will be glad to help. Visit us at 203 S.W. Park Street or on the web at www.okeedrug.com.
After The Hurricane After the hurricane has passed and it’s safe to go outside, don’t touch loose or dangling wires. Don’t step in pools of water where such wires may be grounded. Don’t touch trees in contact with downed power lines. Stay away from areas that have been hit hard by the storm; sightseers are an interference for rescue workers. Inventory damage to your own property. Report fallen wires and broken water and gas lines to the proper authorities, as well as to your insurance company. For water, call the Okeechobee Utility Authority at (863) 763-9460; for electric, call FPL at (800) 226-354; for gas, call Central Gas at (863) 763-3915, Ferrellgas at (863) 763-7557 or Glades Gas at (863) 763-2114.
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WASTE MANAGEMENT Before the storm: Do yard trimming before the storm season; none will be collected once there is a named storm with a predicted Florida landfall.
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After the storm: The Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners will select a storm debris collection contractor. Okeechobee County and Okeechobee County Emergency Management will provide regular updates on storm-related matters and debris collection in the local newspapers and other media outlets. Waste Management will resume regular household garbage collection services as soon as it is deemed safe to do so. Do not mix waste types. Keep the following separate: yard trash, household trash, furniture, appliances and construction and demolition debris. Do not place any debris on or near fences, mailboxes, power lines, power poles, water meters, phone boxes or under lowhanging trees. All debris must be placed on the nearest county maintained right-of-way (in front of a home) for collection. The Okeechobee Landfill will also be open as soon as it is safe to operate. Residents can always bring their waste to the landfill if they wish to dispose of it immediately. Normal gate rates apply.
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MECHANICAL PREP FOR YOUR VEHICLE —Contributed by Hi-Tek Automotive Your vehicle is an important part of hurricane preparedness, not just a “last-minute escape”. Having a trusted service center is an important consideration. Decide before a storm, on the provider you believe will best care for your vehicle and place his/her business card or phone number in your glove box. BEFORE THE STORM Today’s vehicles have many electrical as well as mechanical components. Be sure these are working properly with a prestorm check up. Check fluid levels and tires and be sure these are maintained throughout the storm season. Make sure your spare tire and jack is iMaintain a half tank of gas at all times during the storm season so you are ready for emergency evacuation Take time now to stock your car with an emergency kit containing basic first-aid supplies, water, raingear, gloves, a tire inflation kit and snacks.
DURING AND AFTER THE STORM Watch for downed power lines and tree debris as both can conceal dangers when entering and exiting a vehicle. Do not drive through any standing water. There are many canals and roadside ditches in the Okeechobee area which border our roads. Road edges may not be well defined. Stay tuned to local radio for evacuation directions as some roads may be closed.
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Preparing Your Motorhome Contributed by Jeff Sirum of Alex Sirum GMC Motorhomes Local residents of Okeechobee know we have been hurricane free for eight years. For many of us the scars and memories of Francis, Jean and others still remain yet we often do not take our hurricane season seriously. If you are fortunate enough to own a motorhome you can enjoy a greater level of preparedness than other residents IF you take steps now. Preparing for a storm is not difficult and will greatly add to your comfort and safety if a storm does come. Whether you decide to evacuate or stay in the area, having a motorhome will allow you and your family many options including a dry roof over your head. In the current economic environment many motor homes see little or no use. Therefore: 1. Fill up with fresh gas and an additive, like Stabil, to reduce the chance of a fuel- related problem. 2. Check and top off all fluids: oil, transmission and brake fluid, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, etc. 3. Check or fill the propane tank. 4. Examine and properly inflate all tires including the spare. 5. Flush and refill the fresh water tank. Verify that the water pump works without being hooked to the city water pressure hose. 6. Drain holding tanks. 7. Test run all interior appliances, especially the roof AC, stove and refrigerator. If the power is out, these will become your best friend. 8. Test run the electric generator. Having the power generator in good condition will mean electricity when needed. 9. Check all batteries. The coach (house) batteries become very important if you must become self-contained for an extended period. 10 Test drive the Motorhome for at least 20-25 miles (sometimes problems don’t show themselves until the unit is well warmed up). 11. A well stocked Motorhome should include all the items recommended by the local Emergency Operations Center as well as any personal items to keep you comfortable before, during and after a storm. If you prefer, bring your Motorhome to Alex Sirum GMC Motorhomes and let us assure its safety and reliability. 863-763-1121
Gayle Molyneaux
Independent Beauty Consultant www.marykay.com/gaylemolyneaux 561-801-1336
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2013 Okeechobee Pennysaver Hurricane Guide
Preparing Your Pool —Contributed by Gator Pools Of Okeechobee, Inc. Your pool is a big investment, protect it: • .Do not drain or lower the water level. If the ground around the pool gets saturated, the shell could pop up out of the ground (even concrete pools). The water provides the weight to keep it in place.
• If they are not secure in high winds, have a professional remove diving boards or slides
• .If the motor is exposed and you live in a flood zone, re move and store it; if not, wrap with a waterproof cover.
• .Remove and store automatic pool cleaners, blankets and covers.
• .Super chlorinate or double chemicals normally used to reduce contamination and insect infestation.
• .Stock up on chemicals to ‘shock’ pool after the storm; .stores may not be open after the storm.
• Do not use the pool to store yard articles as they may harm the finish
• .Call Gator Pools for further storm advice and help. 863-634-7883
Pet--Friendly Lodging If you cannot remain in your home during a storm, several local motels accept animals. Due to limited availability, it is necessary to call ahead and reserve space. Don’t wait until the last minute. Some may have a pet charge or deposit. The following are pet-friendly: Budget Inn,($15) 201 S. Parrott Ave., (863) 763-3185 Economy Inn, ($10) 507 N. Parrott Ave., (863) 763-1148 Flamingo Motel, (dogs only) ($10) 4101 Hwy. 441 S, (863) 763-6100 Lakeport Motel, ($10) 11700 Hwy. 78W, (863) 946-2020 Lakeview Inn & Suites, ($5) 3225 Hwy. 441 SE, (863) 763-1020 PIER II, ($5) 2200 Hwy 441 SE, 863-623-4704 Rimcanal Motel, 1422 Hwy. 441 SE, (863) 467-2737 Travelodge Suites, ($10)1527 Hwy. 441 SE, (863) 824-3431
Pre and Post Storm Roadside Help Contributed by Total Roadside Service As you ready your house, yard and supplies for a hurricane, don’t forget to ‘ready’ your transportation, whether it is a car, truck, RV, motor home or even farm vehicle. As seen with the recent tornados in Oklahoma, preparation is the key to survival. We urge you to have the mechanical condition of these vehicles ready for you and your family. Have a pre-storm checkup at a full-service facility like Total Roadside Service, which has technicians to not only work on any vehicle, but carry every kind of tire they use. Tires are our specialty. We will check and evaluate your spare as well as make sure all tires have enough tread and are properly inflated. Once hurricane-ready, be sure to maintain checkups throughout the hurricane season. Keep the gas tank half full at all times. Stock your car with emergency supplies such as safety flashers, jumper cables, tire inflation kits and an assortment of snacks in the event of a roadside emergency. Check your vehicle’s radio and your communication devices so if you have to call for help, you will be able to do so. For safety sake, once a storm reaches 75 mph, we will not be able to get on the road. But at any time before that level, we are available to help you prepare as we are on call 24/7. Stop by and see how we can help you. We are located at 3176 Hwy 710 E, 357-8772.
Going to a Shelter
If you choose to go to a shelter or must evacuate, take with you identification and insurance papers, chairs, blankets, food, snacks and water, medical supplies, games for the children, change of clothes, flashlight, infant needs and your “survival kit” (see “personal protection,” page 17 ). Do not bring pets, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, weapons or valuables to a shelter. Decide on and drive by a shelter well in advance of a storm so you will be familiar with its location. Shelter space is often limited, so have a second site in mind in case the one you plan to use fills. Only two shelters will be opened with an announced storm; others will be opened on an as-needed basis. If you are disabled or have a serious medical condition, you are eligible for special help, including transportation to a shelter. However, prior to the storm you must make arrangements with the Okeechobee County Health Department by calling (863) 462-5819. Let a friend or relative know which shelter you will be using. Pets will not be allowed in the shelter. Many of the school district facilities are used as shelters. It is expected that those going to a shelter bring enough food and water for three days along with appropriate bedding. Depending on the duration of the storm and availability of food, snacks may be provided by the school food service only while supplies last. The shelter is not a motel or a restaurant; the shelter is a lifeboat.
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Okeechobee County Shelters Osceola Middle School 825 SW 28th St. capacity 650 WILL OPEN FIRST
South Elementary School 2468 SW Seventh Ave. capacity 500 WILL OPEN SECOND
The following shelters will open only as needed: All residents should check the Okeechobee County
Emergency Management website to ensure a shelter is open BEFORE they proceed to a shelter.
North County
Fort Drum Community Church 32415 Hwy. 441 N., capacity 80 Okeechobee High School 2800 Hwy. 441 N., capacity 2,000 Seminole Elementary School 2690 NW 42nd Ave., capacity 700 Yearling Middle School 925 NW 23rd Lane, capacity 700 North Elementary School 3000 NW Tenth Terr., capacity 500 Okeechobee Health Department 1728 NW Ninth Ave., capacity 50 (medical needs shelter) Prior registration is suggested
SE Section
American Legion Post 64 501 SE Second St., capacity 200 Everglades Elementary School 3725 SE Eighth St., capacity 700
SW Section
First Baptist Church 401 SW Fourth St., capacity 65 Freshman Center auditorium 610 SW Second Ave., capacity 660 Sacred Heart Catholic Church 701 SW Sixth St., capacity 500 New Endeavor High School 575 SW 29th St., capacity 500
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2013 Okeechobee Pennysaver Hurricane Guide
Alex Sirum GMC Motorhomes, Inc. www.gmcmh.com
service most brands of motorhomes, For Your Motorhome Needs We or help redirect you to someone who can. 863-763-1121 1800 HWY 70 East Okeechobee, Fl 34972
Full service motorhome shop.
Family owned and operated.
Extensive fully stocked RV parts and accessories store.
Serving Okeechobee over 30 years.
With nearly 20,000 sq. ft. under roof service facility.
We service most brands of RV’s motorhomes and pull trailers. We ship daily domestic and internationally. We have several employees well trained at locating hard to find parts. We ship: UPS, Fedex, USPS, Roadways, RL Gator, Yellow and others. We install and sell tow car hook ups and brake systems. We service and repair most horse trailer including w/living quarters. We are a repair shop for Onan, Honda and Generac generators. We are a Zip-Dee awning, Stowmaster, Firestone and GMC Motorhome dealer. We have been dedicated to Sales service and repair of RV’S for almost 30 years. We manufacture dozens of critical parts utilizing local machine shops and factories. Striving to sell as many as possible “Made in America” parts. By supporting the RV industry you are preserving an industry built by American workers for American families now and in the future.
OKEECHOBEE
LAY-A-WAY AVAILABLE Little Down - Little Each Month!
How Safe is Your Rubber? Tires, Wheels & All Types of Mechanical Repairs
24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE!
863-634-6859
863-357-8772 Tires • Shocks Brakes • A /C Repairs Alignments Welding • Trailer Repair Diesel & Gasoline Engine Repair Mobile Oil & Lube PM Service Annual D.O.T. Inspections
In House Financing!
Come In and apply for your Total Roadside Card. 6 Months/Same as Cash
Insured Licensed
$49.95 Alignment Covers Light Duty Vehicles Only
3176 Hwy 710 East - Okeechobee
ALWAYS THE BEST PRICES ON TIRES & WHEELS SUMITOMO
www.totalroadsideservices.com