Hurricane Preparation Message: Florida Keys in Elsa’s 5-Day Cone

Monroe County Emergency Management is coordinating preparedness efforts with local, state, and federal partners due to the potential threats of Hurricane Elsa. Monroe County will be updating www.monroecountyem.com/elsa with additional updates.

To receive Monroe County Emergency Management news and informational updates by text message or email, go to www.monroecountyem.com/alertmonroe.

Now is also the time for you to prepare for any possible impacts due to possible heavy rain, high winds, and possible localized flooding or storm surge.

• Have an evacuation plan in place. It is best to have a friend or family member to stay with, but shelters will be available in-county for a category 1 or 2 and out of county for a 3 or higher. Hurricane shelter information can be found at www.monroecountyem.com/shelters. Monroe County shelters are pet-friendly. Learn more about pet sheltering at www.monroecountyem.com/petsheltering.
• Bring inside all outdoor furniture if high winds are expected. Secure anything else that is not tied down. Secure trashcans and any items that were not picked up.
• Make sure you have materials and tools to put up your storm shutters if high winds are expected. Windows also can be protected with plywood. While tape can help with shattering, it is not a suggested protective measure.
• Boat owners should make sure their boats are secure, whether in the water or on a trailer. More information on boat preparation can be found at www.monroecountyem.com/boatprep.

Hurricane Kit: Put together a hurricane preparedness kit in case you lose power and/or water for several days and are not able to leave your home due to flooding or blocked roads. The kit should include nonperishable food, water, batteries, candles, flashlight, battery-powered radio, and a supply of medications. It also should have plastic, duct tape, and a utility knife to cover broken windows. Fix-A-Flat is also a good hurricane kit staple. Don’t forget your pets, stock up on their food and medications, too.

Have identification and copies of your important documents, including updated health and property insurance policies, in case you need to make a claim.