It’s easy to forget things when a hurricane is coming. Here are some reminders:
- Plan where you will evacuate in advance, and tell friends or family in other states.
- Register special needs residents in advance for county transportation to evacuation shelters.
- Check your insurance policies – wind, flood and liability – to make sure they are in effect.
- Find the elevation of your home at www.my.manatee.org.
- Anna Maria Island residents and business owners should obtain or locate their re-entry tags from their city before evacuating. They are available at Anna Maria City Hall, Bradenton Beach City Hall and the Holmes Beach Police Department. One tag per residence or business is issued.
- Consider buying a generator; ethanol-free gas to power generators is available at marinas.
- Find out where sandbags will be provided and stock up.
- Vacation rental agents should provide a hurricane guide in each rental unit during hurricane season.
- Bridges to Anna Maria Island may be closed as a hurricane approaches and water and electricity may be shut off, so evacuate when ordered.
- Turn off water, electric and gas mains when you leave to avoid broken pipes.
- Bring medicines, cash – both paper and coins for vending machines – and disaster kits to shelters.
- Research how to turn your cell phone into a wi-fi hotspot before you lose cell service.
- Research how to extend battery life on your cell phone before the battery goes dead or buy a spare battery pack for your phone; remember, you can also charge your phone in your car.
