Preparing for Bad Weather: Hurricane Matthew

For anyone that lives along the coastline, the threat of hurricanes and tropical storms is very real and a continued cause of concern. Even with the advancements of science and detection tools, we can only give estimates of a storm’s arrival and ferocity.

Hurricane Matthew was the strongest hurricane to hit Haiti in 50 years and is expected to land on Florida’s shores Late Thursday. Florida Governor Rick Scott wants people to leave while they can. He has already declared a state of emergency in every Florida county. In an interview Monday morning, he was quoted to say, "Right now, the projected path is a little off the coast, but it can change at a moment's notice. When that happens, we're not going to have a lot of time to get ready."

Below are some tips to prepare for Hurricane Matthew:

Before the Storm Arrives

It seems likely that many Florida (as well as other states) will be asked to leave their homes. As Bill Karins, meteorologist for NBC News Tweeted Monday that Hurricane Floyd evacuated millions, but remained 100 miles offshore. Matthew is expected to be around 50 miles offshore, so evacuations are sure to follow. You can find updated evacuation zones here. Before you leave:

• Fill your car’s gas tank
• Protect windows with plywood boards or storm shutters
• Secure outdoor objects like grills or furniture—anything that can be moved by high winds
• Learn the evacuation routes—where will you be going and how will you get there. If you  find yourself in an evacuation zone, don’t wait, evacuate immediately!
• Plan for your cash needs. Access to cash could be limited in the period leading up to and after a storm.
• Check local weather reports often; either on radio, television, or the internet. If possible, download an app for your smartphone or device.

If You Get Caught in the Storm

If you have nowhere else to go, cannot evacuate in time, or for any reason find yourself within the storm, follow the following precautions where possible:

• Stay in a secure room away from windows
• Don’t use a landline phone, candles, or electronics that need to be plugged in
• Remain indoors, even when the eye passes over—the storm isn’t over, and you don’t want to be caught outside.
• Prepare the proper supplies such as:
• Fresh water and nonperishable food for three days
• A first aid kit
• A flashlight and spare batteries
• A battery powered TV or Radio and spare batteries
• Any needed medications, as well as pain relievers  and personal hygiene products
• A fully-charged cell phone with extra battery or external charger

After the Storm has Passed

• Report any downed power lines in your area and stay away from them
• Use stored food and water
• Be patient - it may take awhile for things to go back to normal
• Help your friends and neighbors where possible. Not everyone may have had time to prepare

It is not yet determined when and where Matthew will strike. At First Choice Credit Union, we encourage our Members to prepare early. If necessary, we will make every attempt to provide emergency announcements regarding our hours through following TV and radio stations as well as our Facebook Page:

• WPTV Channel 5
• WPBF 25
• WPEC 12
• La Ley and Fiesta
• WRMF
• WIRK

We wish everyone safety during the storm.