Most Floridians do all they can to prepare for hurricane activity each August through November. My neighbors in Brevard County were a mixed crowd of the daunting weather pattern -- some were experienced, and some were brand new to hurricane conditions.
A few of us gave our helpful hints to the new residents in addition to the standard, well-known FEMA, minimal must-do tasks:
Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
Flashlights.
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible).
Extra batteries.
First aid kit.
Medications (7-day supply) and medical items.
Multi-purpose tool, like a Swiss Army knife.
Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies).
Cell phone with charger.
Family and emergency contact information.
Extra cash (ATMs might be inoperable).
Extra fuel for generator and car.
The one thing we all omitted from our recommendations was to prepare for tornado activity that may precede or accompany a hurricane.
My alert notifications from The Weather Channel app were going crazy well before Milton made landfall with tornado warnings in Brevard County.
A nearly hourly tornado watch was issued for virtually all of South Florida starting early Wednesday morning.
Somewhere in my focus on Milton, I missed the warnings from meteorologists that twisters aren't uncommon with tropical systems and Milton would likely produce them.
"Tornadoes often occur with hurricanes approaching landfall, especially in rain bands on the right side, or in this case east side, of where the circulation center is tracking." -- Senior Meteorologist Chris Dolce.
Tornado Safety
Tornadoes strike quickly. During a tornado, people risk being struck by flying and falling objects during the high winds. Signs that a tornado may be approaching include:
Rotating funnel-shaped cloud
Approaching cloud of debris
Dark or green-colored sky
Large, dark, low-lying cloud
Large hail
Loud roar that sounds like a freight train
The CDC advises that you seek shelter immediately and if the tornado is far away, alert others and report it to the newsroom of a local radio or TV station.
Stay in the lowest part of your home without windows like a center hallway, bathroom, or closet
For your added safety and protection, get under something sturdy such as a heavy table or workbench. Cover yourself with a blanket, sleeping bag, or mattress, and protect your head with anything available—even your hands.
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