Need hurricane/tornado advice

[Blackcat99]

I moved to Florida recently. My apt is not located in the safest area of town. I have no experience with hurricanes and tornadoes. I have stocked up on water, batteries and canned goods. I heard they are expecting a lot of hurricane activity for the US this year. Is it best to not answer the door during emergency weather? Do people try to rob your house and steal your water? Hide in the bathtub during the hurricane/tornado? Thanks for any advice.

[nursebethie]

I have lived in St. Augustine for the last 18 years and have never evacuated. If you're in alachua cty. you're in the middle of the state and should be fine. The worst would probably be losing power and dealing with lots of rain and possible flooding in certain areas. So you definitely need supplies, and being friendly with the neighbors certainly doesn't hurt! You have lots of warning with hurricanes, unlike earthquakes and tornadoes so you have plenty of time to take care of yourself. Just be smart and use common sense. And there will be tons of information on all the airwaves as to what to do. :chair:

[Blackcat99]

Thanks all for your expert advice;). I have now found an emergency weather preparation booklet at the library and will now be prepared.

[hawkfdc]

Alachua County? Really....I'm coming to your place. Besides, if you haven't already, your hospital will be having you sign up for the hurricane plan, basically you're stuck at the hospital in the even tof a hurricane. In the event of a cat 4 or 5 hurricane in Jacksonville, they might evacuate patients out to Shands in G-ville if they have the room. The nasty little secret here in cowtown is that there are 2 big hospitals right on the St. John's river. But I digress.....

Get some water, a flashlight, some batteries and you'll be fine.

[rjflyn, ASN, RN]

Like hawkfdc said you might want to find out your hospitals hurricane plan. I did a travel assignment at one facility that basically had two teams A&B. So for example the plan was activated and team A was advised to report this afternoon, you would report for the duration be it 24 hours to 2 weeks, with team B following up for an equal amount of time after to relieve them upon deactivation. Part of you agreement of employment was that you knew going in that this was a requirement of employment and if you failed to report it was immediate termination, no rehire and report to the BON.