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Gulf Coast Bracing for Hurricane Sally
Over
the weekend, a tropical system formed in the Gulf of Mexico. We are anticipating landfall of Hurricane Sally along the Gulf of Mexico near the MS/ AL border. The main threat to our
area is flash flooding. As rain, flash flooding, and coastal flooding are the main threats with this storm, we are not recommending installation of hurricane shutters at this time. Rain is expected
today through Wednesday as this storm slowly approaches the coast. We will continue to monitor progress and update you as possible.
Below, you will find a copy of the information that
was sent out to your tenants this morning in preparation for the storm. Email is the best way to reach us at this time as we may not be able to make it in the office due to the weather.
Check
our website and our facebook for future updates.
www.PensacolaRealtyMasters.com
www.Facebook.com/RealtyMastersofFL
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Closely Monitoring Hurricane Sally
We are closely monitoring Hurricane
Sally. Pensacola is now in
the forecast cone, and we are currently in a Tropical Storm Warning. Wind, rain and flooding will occur in our area through Wednesday of this week. You
should make preparations
now for a potential flash flooding event in our area.
Please begin preparations now and continue to monitor the
following weather sites for
updates:
National Hurricane Center,
The Weather Channel, and
National
Weather Service. Also, monitor
our website for updates.
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Hurricane Sally Information
We are currently under a Tropical
Storm Warning, Flash Flood Watch, River Flood Warning, and a Coastal
Flood Advisory until
mid-week. Please monitor the local weather forecasts for updates.
Given the slow moving nature of this
storm, this will be a long-lasting rain event which has the potential
to cause significant
flooding even here in the Pensacola area. We are mainly concerned about flash flooding as we are anticipating
as much as 15 inches of rain.
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At this time, we are advising the following preparations:
- Bring outside items inside that can become a projectile.
We could experience wind gusts in excess of 35 miles per hour and these items can break a window or
damage a neighboring property.
- At
this time, we are not advising storm shutters as we are not worried about high impact from
winds.
- Make sure gutter
downspouts are not clogged to allow for proper water flow.
- Park your vehicles away from trees and low lying areas.
- Make a plan with your family
as to what you will do should your home begin to flood.
Flooding Information
If
you live in a low lying area, near any body of water, or in an area prone to flooding, please stay
up to date with any evacuation orders from local authorities. Follow Escambia County Emergency
Management for updates on
Facebook
and on
their website.
We expect the flooding to get severe on Tuesday and carry into Wednesday.
If you start to experience flooding in your
home, the professionals advise the following:
- Shut off electrical
power and natural gas or propane tanks in your home to avoid fire, electrocution, or explosions. Unplug
appliances.
- Wear
rubber soled boots so you can reduce your risk of electrocution. Wear water proof jackets. Make sure you
have enough protective gear for your family.
- Move valuable items and papers/documents to higher grounds.
- Be ready to evacuate if needed.
Remember,
it is not safe to drive through flooded areas. Stay out of floodwater as hidden hazards are often present. Here
is some additional information from the CDC in regards to
protecting
yourself in floodwaters.
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Renter's Insurance
If you do have renters insurance, you should have an inventory of items that you own in the home
including a list
with serial and model numbers as well as photos or a video to document. Insurance experts recommend routinely taking a detailed inventory of your possessions. Take some time to complete
this over the
weekend if you have renter's insurance.
In the event of a storm, your personal property and possessions are not covered by the homeowner's insurance. You
must have a renters
insurance policy for your contents. Unfortunately, most renter's insurance policies do not cover flood damages unless you purchased an extra flood insurance policy.
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Prepping
Your Pool
Do you have a pool at
your property? Please continue to monitor your pool water level and
contact us should you have any concerns about the water level in your pool.
Here's a video from our friends at Pinch-a-Penny
discussing how to prepare your pool for severe weather.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N0fVCHAbwE&feature=youtu.be
We may have special instructions for
the pool company servicing your pool regarding the
level of water in your pool as a preventative measure.
Please
reach out to us or the pool company with questions.
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Check
flood
zones and evacuation
zones now. Do not wait.
Search
Evacuation Zones
Do you know if you
live in
an evacuation zone? Use
this link to search for your property or check the maps below.
If you Choose
to Evacuate
- Before evacuating, you
must turn
off the power and water
supply to the home. Shut off your breakers (except to the fridge unless it
is emptied) and turn off all water valves at sinks, the water heater, and
behind your toilet.
Please call your utility
company or our office with questions.
- Be sure to throw away any perishable
items prior to evacuating.
- Never leave any type of pets behind
if you evacuate.
- Should
you evacuate for a storm, we ask you to email our office to notify us.
This will help our team complete disaster assessments more efficiently.
You
can notify us here:
http://pensacolarealtymasters.com/hurricane-evacuation-report
Search
Local Shelters
Be prepared in
case you or a loved one needs to relocate to a shelter.
Search Flood Zones
Do you live in
a flood zone? Search
FEMA's
site and type in your address. Zone X is most desirable
and while it denotes
a minimal flood risk, the
risk of flooding is always possible.
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Personal
Preparations Before a Hurricane
- Plan ahead. If
you don't already have a plan, make one right now.
It's not too late.
- Listen to the news! Stay informed
at all times. Have a battery-operated radio and batteries.
- Know your evacuation
routes. Determine where you would go and how
you would get there.
- Make sure to include your pets in
your evacuation plans as most shelters and many hotels do not allow for pets. You cannot
leave any pets (including kenneled or caged animals)
in your home when you evacuate!
- If you plan on staying
in your home, make sure you are prepared with supplies to last 3-14 days. Learn
the location of nearby shelters in case you need
to leave your home after a storm
- Fill all vehicles with
gas and get cash from the ATM
- Locate and secure all important papers,
including insurance policies, wills, license, etc.
- Talk
to your children about how and when to call 911.
- Make
sure you have an operable fire extinguisher and everyone knows how to
use it.
- Establish an emergency meeting place in
case your family gets separated.
- Be aware of and abide by
all evacuation orders, especially in low lying areas and coastal areas prone
to flooding.
- Park your vehicles somewhere safe,
never under or near trees or in low lying areas prone to flooding.
Hurricane Preparedness
Resources
Here's some additional resources
for Hurricane Preparedness.
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Report
Property Condition
to Management
We will dispatch contractors on a triage system as soon as
conditions and roads allow.
We
ask that ALL residents
make
a condition report after a storm passes. You can make this report on our website
here:
http://pensacolarealtymasters.com/report-hurricane-damages
It is important that we have these reports
in writing and with photos to document damages so that we may safely, quickly,
and efficiently compile
and prioritize damages. As our phones will likely be down in the case of a storm, this is the
BEST way to report your damages.
- Make sure to listen to officials
for instructions. Typically,
roads are not passable and curfews are imposed. For your safety, do not leave your home
(unless necessary for your safety) until officials say it's okay to do so. For
questions, call Emergency
Management.
- If damage to our area is severe, we will be inspecting properties as soon
as possible after the storm. If your home appears to have damage and you are
not home, we will enter
the
premises to document the damages.
- Written authorization by the homeowner or landlord
must be obtained prior to FEMA or any other person or agency installing a tarp
on the roof! The
tenant
is not authorized to do any repairs without written authorization.
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Safety
After the Hurricane
Many of the injuries that occur
because of tropical systems occur after the storm because of dangerous
conditions. Here's a few tips to keep safe.
- Stay
away from downed power lines. Do not attempt to walk or drive
through flooded areas. Hidden debris can be very dangerous and depth
levels deceiving.
- Do not use generators
inside
the home or in an enclosed room. Carbon monoxide poisoning is deadly.
Do not wire generators to the breaker box.
- Do not attempt to climb
on the roof or enter any other hazardous situation.
- Without
power, you will find yourself more exposed to insects.
Protect yourself and family from bugs by wearing insect repellent.
- Additionally,
without power, you may find yourself
subject to heat exhaustion. Be sure to stay hydrated and evacuate
the property if it gets too hot.
- Be aware of rivers, creeks, retention
ponds, and other water around you. Do not drive
through or walk through flood waters. A mere 6 inches of water
can cause a dangerous current. Should you find yourself in flood waters, be cautious
of electrical wires or power lines and seek higher
ground.
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Important
Contact Information
Save this important
contact information.
Realty
Masters Emergency Contact Information
Remember we do have
an emergency line that can be reached by texting
or calling (850)
512-6019. Please call 9-1-1
should you experience a life threatening emergency.
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Questions
or Concerns about
your
Property?
If
you have
any questions or concerns about your
rental property, please respond to this email to reach a supervisor or reach
out to your
contact. We look forward
to hearing from you.
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