It's Hurricane Season, Be Prepared

 

We are at the “peak” time for Hurricanes and although the tropics are quiet right now we must be on alert.  Storms can form overnight from the coast of Africa to the Caribbean to the Gulf of Mexico.  We must all be prepared to leave Aripeka West Mobile Home and RV Park if an evacuation order is issued by Pasco County Emergency Management.

It is not safe to remain in a Mobile Home during a hurricane under any circumstances.  Aripeka is especially vulnerable to hurricane damage due to its close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico.  If there is a storm surge, Aripeka will flood very quickly.  The winds from a hurricane will be fierce and Mobile Homes are just not designed to withstand them.

Please make your evacuation plans now, don’t wait till there is a storm approaching.  You must find a place to stay inland that is not a mobile home.  Pasco County will open shelters if they are needed, but they will fill fast once the evacuation order is given.

If you have pets, please make plans for them too; they can only be taken to a few shelters, so you will want to have a nice safe place for them to stay.  Do not leave them in your Mobile Home or RV during the storm; it is not any safer for them than it is for you.  Domestic animals are not like the wildlife, their instincts are not the same, they rely on YOU to keep them safe, so please do not let them down.  You will need their leashes, collars, crates, beds, medication, tags and vaccination records.  You will also need their food and water and the dishes for them to eat and drink from. 

Please help us to keep damage to the Mobile Homes and RV’s in Aripeka West to a minimum by putting outdoor furniture and any other items you normally keep outside in a place where they do not become “flying missiles” during the storm causing extra damage.  The best place to store these is inside your mobile home.

The only good thing about Hurricanes is that you will get an advanced warning so you can prepare in case the evacuation order does come.  This will give you the time to gather things that are important to you and things that cannot be replaced.   Remember to take medications for your entire family (including your pets) in their original containers, take foods that can be eaten without any cooking or refrigeration, water for the entire family for 3 days, toys and quiet games for children, blankets, sheets, towels and wash cloths and clothing for several days.  You will need your insurance policies, your banking information (including checks and bank cards), Birth Certificates, important medical records including vaccination records and other important papers. 

Even though the price of gas is very high right now, try to keep your cars gas tank full, gas quickly becomes unavailable in the days right before and after a storm.  Get cash, ATM’s may not be working for days after a storm and you will need the cash to purchase necessary supplies.                                            Always best to BE PREPARED!