SAFETY CORNER
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Hurricane Safety
he 2022 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1st and ends November 30th. As we have seen in years past, early tropical storms are common; therefore, it is important for south Florida residents to always be prepared for a storm. The AccuWeather 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season storm prediction forecasts 16-20 named storms, 6-8 hurricanes, 3-5 major hurricanes (category 3+), and 4-6 storms having a direct impact on the United States. As we enter this season together, preparation is one of our best opportunities to ensure we have the resources we need to help keep our families safe during a storm. Preparation in advance of any storm is always a good idea. Follow some basic guidelines to ensure your disaster supply kit is fully stocked with the supplies you and your family may need. Your kit should include at least a 7 day supply of medication and medical supplies, flashlight(s) and extra batteries, a radio, cash, a first aid kit, copies of important documents, enough nonperishable food, water, and clothing per person to last seven days, and special needs items for infants, small children, the elderly, or other family members with special considerations. Consider documenting pertinent information about your current medications or medical
By Weston District Fire Chief Todd Draizin
considerations for emergency healthcare, and the name of an emergency contact on a File of Life card. This card is meant to be kept in your home, visible to first responders in the event you are unable to communicate with them during an emergency. To obtain a File of Life card, please call the BSO Weston Fire Department at 954-991-3501. Stock up on necessary supplies such as, flashlights, radios, batteries, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, generators, etc. by taking advantage of the 2022 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, May 28-June 10. Be sure to check online at flsenate.gov for specific details on included supplies and cost limits. To help protect your home in advance of any storm, keep trees, shrubs, and bushes well-trimmed and be sure to remove debris. Clean out rain gutters, and if necessary, check hurricane shutters to ensure they are working properly or purchase plywood to cover windows and doors in advance. Be sure to gather all homeowner insurance policy documents and take photos and inventory of personal property. Be sure to designate a safe room in your home away from doors and windows and have a family evacuation plan in place. If a storm is approaching, be sure to follow all local guidelines for evacuation and safety. All
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outdoor furniture should be brought indoors, tie down any remaining outdoor items that could become missiles during a storm, and be sure to have enough properly stored fuel for BBQ grills and generators. As south Florida residents, preparation in advance of any storm is our best defense to minimize stress and anxiety as a storm approaches. Ensuring we have the supplies we need for our families in advance can also minimize issues with potential supply shortages. Be sure your family has an evacuation plan in place in the event that evacuations are necessary or required. For more information about hurricane preparedness, please join us on June 2, 2022, at 6:00pm at the Weston Community Center to hear directly from the Broward County Emergency Management Department and Weston Emergency Management Officials on the most up to date hurricane preparedness information and resources. A limited number of hurricane preparedness kits will be available to all families that register. Registration is available at https:// BSOFireRescuePublicEducation.as.me/ Hurricane2022. ⊲ For more information, please contact District Chief Todd Draizin at Weston Fire Station #81 at 954-389-2015 or by email at Todd_Draizin@Sheriff.org.
