09/27/2022
As Hurricane Ian approaches Florida, please be assured that your Condominium Association is watching closely, and is completely prepared to handle any needs that may arise in the coming days. ATTENTION CYPRESS COVE RESIDENTS
FLORIDA IS CURRENTLY THREATENED BY A HURRICANE SYSTEM. OUR AREA IS CURRENTLY UNDER A TROPICAL STORM WARNING AS DEFINED BELOW, WE COULD EXPERIENCE SOME STRONG WINDS WITHIN 36 HOURS, AND ARE THEREFORE ASKING THAT YOU TAKE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS. HURRICANE IAN IS PREDICTED TO PASS BY MELBOURNE. THE TIME TO PREPARE IS NOW.
• Please remove all personal property from the patios and balconies.This includes furniture, plants and any other items that could become flying debris during high wind events.
• Please remove ALL items from railings. Falling statues, flower pots, candles, ashtrays, etc. can cause major damage and/or injury. Railings should be kept clear at ALL times, but especially when a storm is in the area.
• Dispose of any excess rubbish in the compactor BEFORE the storm. If we lose power, the compactor will not work. Get rid of any excess while it IS working.
• Although you may want to protect your vehicle by bringing it in, no motor vehicles (including gas powered scooters and motor cycles) of any type may be stored inside the units. This is a violation of local fire codes and endangers residents in neighboring units. Any vehicles found inside units will be removed at the owner’s expense.
• Stay tuned to local weather and news for updates on our area. News channel 13 is a good source if you have Brighthouse cable. Tune to channel 13 at 21 and 51 minutes past any hour for their “tropical update”. For more hurricane news and updates go to the NOAA National Hurricane Center at hurricanes.gov
STORM WATCH/WARNING DEFINITIONS
• Tropical Storm Watch- An announcement that a tropical storm poses or tropical storm conditions pose a threat to coastal areas generally within 36 hours. A tropical storm watch should normally not be issued if the system is forecast to attain hurricane strength.
• Tropical Storm Warning- A warning for tropical storm conditions, including sustained winds within the range of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph or 63 to 118 kph), that are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours or less.
• Hurricane Watch- An announcement to specific coastal areas that a hurricane or an incipient hurricane condition poses a possible threat, generally within 36 hours.
• Hurricane Warning- A warning that sustained winds of 64 knots (74 mph or 119 kph) or higher associated with a hurricane are expected in a specified coastal area in 24 hours or less. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.
Basic Condo Safety Tips
As a Multi Family Unit dweller, the best thing you can do in any emergency situation is be prepared, which means planning carefully and knowing what to expect. All condo-dwellers should have a plan for every contingency, from emergencies to severe weather to natural disasters. Follow these guidelines so you are better prepared for condominium emergencies.
Basic Safety Tips
There are a few preliminary precautions that every resident should take when it comes to emergencies:
• Have an emergency kit on hand that is easily accessible at all times. This kit should include flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, and at least three days-worth of water and non-perishable food items. Consider also buying a wireless charger for your cell phone. For more information visit ready.gov/build-a-kit
• Establish a family emergency plan by identifying evacuation routes and the best shelter locations in and around the condo. Let everyone know where the emergency kit is kept as well.
• You should also consider buying renter’s insurance and, if applicable, flood insurance. An HO6 policy is ALWAYS recommended for all owners.
• Talk to your neighbors about what to do in the event of an emergency. Figure out who has the safest shelter locations, if anyone owns other supplies, and if neighbors have any medical expertise.
• Find out if your cell phone can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts, which are a nationwide text emergency alert system. WEA-capable phones in the vicinity of dangerous weather will receive alerts in the event of impending bad weather.
Hurricane Safety
If our area is put into an evacuation zone and you hear an evacuation order , it is in your best interest to follow it rather than waiting the storm out. Oftentimes, those who stay behind in a hurricane suffer much more serious consequences than those who evacuate. Remember, a “hurricane watch” means a storm is predicted to arrive within 36 hours. A “hurricane warning” is issued within 24 hours of a storm.
If you do get stuck in your condo unit during a hurricane, stay in a small central room like a bathroom, closet, or windowless hallway on the lowest level of your building possible. Keep your emergency kit with you and listen to the radio for news.
For more hurricane safety tips go to the NOAA National Hurricane Center at hurricanes.gov
