Preparing for a hurricane

Hurricane Terminology

Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings

Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings means precaution needs to be taken as serious flooding and dangerous winds might take place.

Hurricane Watch

Hurricane Watch means hurricane conditions are possible within specified area. Hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

Hurricane Warning

Hurricane Warning means hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning. Hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

What to do when a tropical storm or hurricane is approaching?

In case of a Tropical Storm Watch or Warning in your area

Listen frequently to radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio for storm’s progress.
Fuel and service your vehicles.
Stock up on batteries, food that will keep without refrigerator, first aid supplies, drinking water and medications.
Have cash on hand in case power goes out and ATMs don’t work.
Magical Stays staff may be over to secure all lawn furniture and other loose, light-weight objects, even garbage cans inside the garage or other safe area of the property.

In case of a Hurricane Watch in your area

Listen frequently to radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio for storm’s progress.
Fuel and service your vehicles.
Stock up on batteries, food that will keep without refrigerator, first aid supplies, drinking water and medications.
Have cash on hand in case power goes out and ATMs don’t work.
Magical Stays staff may be over to secure all lawn furniture and other loose, light-weight objects, even garbage cans inside the garage or other safe area of the property.

In case of a Hurricane Warning in your area

Closely monitor radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for official bulletins.
Make sure all the windows and doors are closed.
Follow instructions issued by local officials.
Evacuate immediately if ordered!
If evacuating, leave as soon as possible.
Magical Stays staff WILL BE over to secure all lawn furniture and other loose, light-weight objects, even garbage cans inside the garage or other safe area of the property.

In case you are staying at the house during Hurricane

Fill bathtub and large containers with water in case tap water is unavailable. Use water in bathtubs for cleaning and flushing only. Do NOT drink it.
If winds become strong stay away from windows and doors.
Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway.
Close all interior doors.
If you are a two-story house, go to an interior 1st floor room.
If you are in a multi-story building and away from water, go to the 1st or 2nd floor and stay in the halls or other interior rooms away from windows.
Be on alert for Tornadoes: they are often spawned by hurricanes.
Be aware of the calm “eye” of the storm. It may seem like the storm is over but after the eye passes, the winds will change direction and quickly return to hurricane force winds.

After the Storm

Keep listening to radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio.
Watch for curfews and closed roads.
Stay on firm dry ground and beware of downed power lines.
Please contact Magical Stays immediately if you notice any damage to your rental home either during or after the storm.
When the roads are safe Magical Stays staff WILL BE over carry out all lawn furniture and other objects that were put away for the hurricane.

Resources

We encourage both our guests and our owners to refer to the resources below for the most up to date safety information and emergency directives for the storm:

Osceola County for the latest on Osceola County’s response actions
Polk County for the latest on Polk County’s response actions
FloridaDisaster.org for the latest on the state’s response actions
The National Hurricane Center for current weather alerts and forecast information
The Executive Office of the Governor for the latest state executive orders
Follow FLSERT on Twitter for real time updates from the State’s Emergency Response Team
Florida 511 for the latest on traffic conditions
Alert Florida to signup for emergency alerts and other public safety notifications in your community

Hurricane Preparation