If you’re in Florida, here’s what you need to do now – FOX13 News Memphis

The National Hurricane Center warns Florida residents that Hurricane Ian is likely to be a major hurricane as it approaches the state this week.

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Ian, the NHC said, is likely to become a major hurricane, a Category 3, 4 or 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, as it moves through the very warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

State and federal emergency management agencies are advising people in coastal areas finalize preparations for a probable landing in Florida.

If you are in Florida, here are some preparations you should make as soon as possible before Ian.

Basic Preparation Tips (Complete them by Monday)

1. Know how to go out. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to use. Use this link for evacuation route information for your county and state: Know your area.

2. Know where to go. You may want to book a hotel inland. This is tricky because a hurricane’s path can change quickly. To find a hotel room, you can use a travel website or app, like Hotels.com, Expedia, Booking.com, Travelocity, Kayaketc

3. Plan your pets. Here is a link to a list of hotels that accept pets. Here is a link to pet-friendly emergency shelters. Use this link to a Emergency route planner to find pet-friendly hotels and shelters along the route you enter. The American Humane Society offers advice on how to prepare your pet for hurricanes on its website. Here is a basic pet emergency kit checklist: Preparing Makes Sense for Pet Owners – List of Pet Emergency Preparedness Kits.

4. Prepare a “go-bag”. Get a disaster supplies kit together. It should include a flashlight, batteries, money, first aid supplies, medication, and copies of your essential information if you need to evacuate. Use this checklist from the Red Cross. Look under the category “Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit”.

5. Get your supplies now. If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and decide to stay home, have adequate supplies in case you lose electricity and water for several days. You may be unable to leave your home due to flooding or blocked roads. Here is a checklist to use.

6. Get Gasoline. Refuel your vehicles now. Gas lines will get long and some places will run out of supply. Use this link to find gas.

7. Make a plan. Use this list to make a family emergency communication plan.

8. Get money. In the event of a power cut, it will be impossible to use the ATMs. Businesses that may open after a storm may not be able to accept debit or credit cards.

9. Get the information. Many communities have text or email alert systems for emergency notifications. To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the Internet using the name of your city or county and the word “alerts”.

Preparing your home (Finish this by Tuesday)

1. Prepare the yard. Hurricane winds will knock down trees and branches. If you can, cut or remove damaged trees and branches to ensure your safety and that of your property.

Secure loose gutters and downspouts and clean up clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property. Clear your yard of unsecured items such as lawn chairs.

2. Get a generator (maybe). Consider buying a portable generator. Remember that generators can be deadly if misused. Keep generators and other alternative power sources outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows and doors, and away from moisture. This means you cannot use a generator during a storm.

In the coming days

1. Pay attention. Keep up to date with information from the national hurricane center. Listen to local television and radio stations.

2. Stay charged. Keep your phone and computers charged. Consider a backup battery for your phone or laptop.

Terms to listen to

1. What does “hurricane watch” mean and what should I do if a watch is issued? A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions (high winds, storm surge) are possible within the next 48 hours.

Steps to follow

· Review your evacuation route(s) and listen to local officials.

· Review the items in your disaster supply kit; and add items to meet household needs for children, parents, people with disabilities or other access and functional needs, and pets.

2. What does ‘hurricane warning’ mean and what should I do if there is one?

A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.

Steps to follow

· Follow evacuation orders from local authorities, if any.

· Communicate with family and friends by calling or using social media.

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