There isn't much I can do from behind a screen to help you all during Hurricane Irma. Yes, I can pray, and pray I will! Since this is completely out of the control of our hands, we should all pray! But we all need tangible help, and here are a few local resources that can help us during this time:
Track Hurricane Irma in Real Time Here: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Evacuation Zones in Brevard County: http://floridadisaster.org/publicmapping/Evac/EVAC_BREVARD.pdf
Printable Hurricane Guide and Checklist: http://www.baynews9.com/content/dam/news/images/2017/05/02/BN9_HURRICANE_GUIDE_2017_WEB_001.pdf
USPS Service Alerts: http://about.usps.com/news/service-alerts/welcome.htm
HOW HURRICANES ARE RANKED:
Category 1 is wind between 74-95 mph
Category 2 is wind between 96-110 mph
Category 3 is wind between 111-130 mph
Category 4 is wind between 131-155 mph
Category 5 is wind at 156 mph or higher
Categories 3, 4 and 5 are identified as major hurricanes
PREPARE YOUR HOUSE:
Trim dead branches on your trees
Board up windows
Fill gas tanks and containers
Get extra cash and store it safely
Move furniture from windows
Store important documents in a waterproof container and/or ziplock bag
CREATE A HURRICANE KIT:
Candles and matches
Flashlights
Batteries of all sizes
First Aid Kit
Rain gear
Duct tape
Clean clothes and blankets
Plastic trash bags
Fire extinguisher
Scissors
Can Opener
Heavy Gloves
FOOD AND WATER:
Bottled Water - enough for one gallon per person each day
Bottled Juice
Two coolers - one for food, one for drinks
Manual Can Opener
Dry dog food
BREVARD COUNTY HURRICANE SHELTERS:
***Never go to a shelter unless officials have announced that it is open - you can find updates and announcements on radio, television and Brevard County Emergency Management Website***
***There may be other shelters, this is just a list of ones that have been open in the past to get you started***
South Mainland Community Center - 3700 Allen Ave, Micco
Meadowlane Intermediate Elementary School - 2700 Wingate Blvd, West Melbourne
Sherwood Elementary School - 2541 Post Road Melbourne
Manatee Elementary School - 3425 Viera Blvd, Melbourne
Walter Butler Community Center - 4201 N Cocoa Blvd, Cocoa
Imperial Estates Elementary School - 900 Imperial Estates Lane, Titusville
PET FRIENDLY: Port St John Community Center - 6650 Corto Road, Cocoa
PET FRIENDLY: Viera Regional Park Community Center - 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera
PET FRIENDLY: Ted Whitlock Community Center - 370 Championship Circle NW, Palm Bay
PET FRIENDLY: Bayside High School - 1901 DeGroodt Road SW, Palm Bay
TIPS FOR STAYING IN HURRICANE SHELTERS:
***Never go to a shelter unless officials have announced that it is open - you can find updates and announcements on radio, television and Brevard County Emergency Management Website***
***Keep in mind not all shelters will have electricity throughout the hurricane***
Be prepared - bring your own pillows, sheets, cots, air mattress, sleeping bags, chairs, etc...as cots are not provided
If you are on a specific diet, bring enough non perishable food for 3 days for each person in your party
Bring all medication and special equipment (wheelchairs, oxygen tank, diapers, etc..)
Bring personal hygiene items - deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, towels, brushes, eye drops, etc...
Bring items to entertain yourself or your group - games, books, magazines, cards, etc...
TIPS FOR PET FRIENDLY SHELTERS:
You will need these items at most pet-friendly shelters:
Rabies vaccination certificate and shot records
Leash and collar
Medications needed and food
Crate or cage
County animal license tags
Cleaning supplies, newspaper and comfort items
FIND SHELTERS THAT ARE PET FRIENDLY IN OUR AREA:
Pets Welcome
Dogs Welcome
Pet Friendly Hotels
More info and specifics for Pet Tips and Shelters During a Hurricane
We used Bay News 9 and Brevard County Emergency Management Website for this helpful information
