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storm guide
weve got you
covered

2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE

When storms threaten, were in the


community, getting the latest local
information you need. Be the first to know
and get Southwest Floridas breaking news
and top stories faster and easier than
ever before by
downloading our
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Hurricanefree
streak at 10 years
Ten years and counting. That is how long it has been since a hurricane
has touched land in the Sunshine State. In fact, this is now the longest
stretch of consecutive years since 1851 that no hurricanes have hit
Florida. The longest hurricane-free streak prior to this one was five
consecutive seasons from 1980 to 1984. Such long gaps in hurricane
activity can lead to complacency. Residents of Southwest Florida should
take steps to be ready every year and this guide is designed to help you
be prepared.

staff
THE NEWS-PRESS MEDIA GROUP
President & Publisher Mei-Mei Chan
Executive Editor Cindy McCurry-Ross
Hurricane Guide editor Mark H. Bickel
Designer Lindi DaywaltFeazel
Contributing reporters
Michael Braun, Jennifer Ogles
Copy editor Dave Holmes
Graphics
Mike Donlan, Dennis Wright
Photos News-Press archives
Niche Publications General Manager
Kathryn Kinsey
Customer Service 1 (800) 468-0233
Call 239-335-0350 x3 to reach the newsroom

contents
6 Season overview

21 Window prep

Hurricane Guide is a

6 2015 storm names

22-23 Storm surge maps

publication of The News-

8 Important phone numbers

24 Pool prep

10 Supplies checklist

25 Avoid gouging

12 Generator tips

26-27 Florida shelters

12 Electricity dangers

28 Smallbusiness recovery

Luther King Jr. Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901-

14 Boat prep

28 Important websites

3987. No portion of this magazine may be

16-17 Atlantic tracking map

28 Insurance advice

18 Kids and pets prep

33 Storm cleanup

20 Roof prep

34 Dealing with mold

4 HURRICANE GUIDE 2015

Press Media Group of


Gannett Company Inc.
and copyrighted by The
News-Press, 2442 Martin

reproduced in any form without written


permission from the editor. Photos/graphics
by News-Press staff and Gannett Florida.
Cover Illustration: Thinkstock images

HURRICANE GUIDE 2015 5

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key numbers
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE

Emergency
Operations
Centers

Lee: 533-0622
Collier: 252-3600
Charlotte: 941-833-4000
DeSoto: 863-993-4831
Glades: 863-946-6020
Hendry: 863-674-5400

Hotlines

FEMA Disaster Assistance/


Registration: 800-621-3362
TTY: 800-462-7585
U.S. Small Business
Administration:
800-659-2955
TTY: 800-877-8339
FEMA Fraud Hotline:
800-323-8603

8 HURRICANE GUIDE 2015

State of Florida
Emergency Info 24-hour
hotline: 800-342-3557
Disaster Unemployment
Services: 877-872-5627
Florida Dept. of Financial
Services Hurricane Help line:
800-227-8676
DCF Information:
866-762-2237 or call
a local office
Elder Helpline:
800-955-8770
Attorney Generals
Price Gouging Hotline:
866-966-7226
To report unlicensed
activity: 866-532-1440
To verify contractor
licenses:
850-487-1395
Agricultural and Consumer
Services: 800-435-7352

Contractor
information

Division of Workers
Compensation:
800-742-2214
Florida Association of
Electrical Contractors:
407-260-1511
Florida Wall and Ceiling
Contractors Association:
407-260-1313
Associated Builders and
Contractors of Florida:
813-879-8064

American Red
Cross offices

Lee, Collier, Hendry and


Glades: 278-3401
Collier: 596-6868

Charlotte: 941-629-4345
DeSoto: 863-494-2348

To volunteer
and donate

State Volunteers and


Donations Hotline:
800-354-3571
Salvation Army Donation
Hotline: 800-725-2769
American Red Cross:
800-733-2767

Power
companies

Florida Power
& Light: 800-468-8243
LCEC: 800-599-2356
Glades Electric
Co-Op: 800-226-4024

HURRICANE GUIDE 2015 9

HURRICANE GUIDE 2015 11

generators
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE

What kind to buy,


how to use them

irst-time buyers should find out which appliances they want to run and the wattage they need.
Most generators can power between 2,500 and
5,000 watts enough for your refrigerator and
maybe a few lights, but not your entire home.
Make sure your appliance plugs match
the generators socket.

capacity.
NEVER try to power

Refrigerators and stoves


often have larger and specialized plugs that might
require a special connector
that you should buy before
a storm hits.
Use heavy, thick
extension cords. Smaller
cords should not be used.
Start the generator

the house by plugging


the generator into a
wall outlet, a practice
known as back feeding. This is extremely

dangerous and is an electrocution risk to utility


workers and neighbors
served by the same utility
transformer.
Keep the generator

before plugging in appliances one at a time.

dry and do not use in


rainy or wet conditions.

Dont overload your


generator. Add up the
wattage of the appliances
you plug in and make
sure it is less than the
generators maximum

To protect from moisture, operate it on a dry


surface under an open,
canopy-like structure.
Dry your hands before
touching the generator.

Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide from portable generators can kill you
in minutes.
Carbon monoxideWhen the power is out after a hurricane,
operating your generator safely can mean the difference
between life and death.
The exhaust from generators contains poisonous carbon
monoxide, an odorless, invisible killer. The amount of carbon
monoxide from one generator is equivalent to hundreds of
idling cars. Carbon monoxide from a portable generator can kill
you and your family in minutes.

Whos at risk?
All people and animals are
at risk for carbon monoxide
poisoning; however, certain
groups pregnant women,
infants and people with
chronic heart disease, anemia
or respiratory problems are
more susceptible.

Symptoms of poisoning
Headaches Dizziness
Tightness of chest
Fluttering of heart

Redness of the skin


Loss of muscle control

Safety tips
Never use a portable
generator indoors, including
in your home, garage,
basement, crawl space, shed
or partially enclosed area,
even with ventilation.
Use a portable generator
in a dry area far away from
doors, windows and vents
that can allow carbon
monoxide indoors.
Install battery-operated
carbon monoxide alarms or
plug-in alarms with battery
backup in your home.
Get to fresh air right away
if you start to feel dizzy or
weak.

USE WITH CAUTION

electrical safet y

Report
lines down

Avoid the risks of downed lines

trong winds
from hurricanes and
severe storms
can rip power lines
down, creating
dangerous hazards for
residents and public
safety workers.

12 HURRICANE GUIDE 2015

Regional power companies tips:


Stay away from

standing water or debris


where live power lines
could be concealed.

Do not touch any

electrical lines. Assume


that every power line is
energized.

Turn off circuit

breakers if you suspect


rain or water has gotten
into the walls of a
home. Water inside a
wall or ceiling can come
in contact with electrical
wiring, creating a
potential hazard.

Before the storm,

turn off pool pumps,


note the location of all
power lines around your
house and have trees
trimmed.

Report outages and


downlines

Numbers to know
Call 9-1-1
FPL at
800-4OUTAGE
(800-468-8243)
LCEC at 656-2300
or 800-599-2356
Glades Electric CoOp at 863-946-6200

HURRICANE GUIDE 2015 13

propert y
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE

THE NEWSPRESS FILE PHOTO

Preparing your boat

Securing on land
Avoid exposure to the wind
and park away from trees.
Lash the boat to the trailer
and secure the boat with
heavy lines to a fixed object,
preferably from four directions.
Block the tires to prevent
rolling.
Seal doors and secure
windows.
Remove sails, rigging and
other loose objects.

Hauling
Be sure the marina can
haul your boat and store and
secure it quickly. Check into

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prearranged contracts for


hauling and have an alternate
plan in case the marina cannot
meet the sudden demand that
would be generated by an approaching hurricane.

except bilge pumps for the duration of the storm. Remove


all loose items (canvas, sails,
dinghies, radios, cushions, etc.)
and lash down everything you
cannot remove. Seal doors and
secure windows.

At the dock
Double all lines and protect
them from chafing. Make
sure boats will not strike a
roof as water levels rise. Make
sure that cleats and winches
are well secured to the boat.
Adjust lines to accommodate
unusually high or low water.
Install fenders to protect the
boat from rubbing against a
pier, pilings and other boats.
Shut off all electrical devices

Anchoring
in open water
Select a location that offers
the best protection from wind
and storm surge.
Before leaving the dock, remove sails, riggings and other
loose articles.
Seal doors and other openings.

Avoid channels and tidal


currents.
Leave early for your site
because of the danger of high
winds and strong currents.
Bridges may be locked
down many hours prior to accommodate land evacuation.
Do not tie up to other boats.
Practice runs should be
made to determine accessibility, depth of water, location of
bridges, and to locate obstructions and objects on which to
secure lines.
Make sure cleats and
winches are well secured to
the boat.
Cut off all electrical devices
except bilge pumps for the
duration of the storm.

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HURRICANE GUIDE 2015 17

family plan
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE

Kid tips: Details are critical

hen getting ready for a


hurricane, it is important
to explain to your children what is happening:
Tell your children what can happen
during a storm.
Make certain your children know you
might have to change plans and prepare
them to move quickly.
Explain to children their life is likely
to be disrupted for a few days.
Ask your children what their fears
are, and if they have any, ask them what
they believe the family should do.
Watch weather forecasts and listen to
reports with kids and ask them if they
have questions about the storm.
Dont exaggerate how bad it might
be, but on the other hand, show respect
for an approaching storm.

Practice makes perfect


Make a family plan
that addresses disaster
scenarios and practice it,
says the American Red
Cross of Lee County:
Pick two places to
meet one near your
home and one remote.
Write down contact
info for an out-of-town
relative or friend who
can act as a touch base

if everyone is separated.

you.

Remind your child of


names, locations and
telephone numbers of
the emergency contacts
and locations on a
regular basis.

Locate evacuation
routes and shelter
locations.

Share copies of your


emergency plan with
your childs caregivers,
teachers and contacts so
they know how to reach

Know how to
accommodate persons
with disabilities.
Speak with your child
about emergency exits,
sirens, flashing lights and
alarms.

FEMA recommends putting together an activity kit


Put together a selection of favorites.
Books Crafts Assemble crayons, pencils, paper, scissors and glue. Toys
Pack a couple of board games as well as a favorite toy or two. Puzzles
They keep a childs mind occupied.

Have a plan
for your pets
If you cant take your
pet to a temporary shelter,
contact friends, relatives,
veterinarians or boarding
kennels in advance to make
arrangements to keep your
pet.
Some hotels will let you
bring your pets.
Watch animals closely.
Normally quiet and friendly
pets may become aggressive

18 HURRICANE GUIDE 2015

after a storm.
Make sure ID tags are up
to date and securely fastened
to your pets collar.
Pack a pet survival kit,
which might include food,
water, medications, veterinary records, cat litter,
manual can opener, first-aid
kit and food dishes.
Carry a photo of your pet
for identification.

THE NEWSPRESS FILE PHOTO

f you have pets, you must include them in your disaster


plan. Keep in mind most pets cannot survive alone. Because of public health reasons, few evacuation shelters
allow you to bring pets.

HURRICANE GUIDE 2015 19

propert y
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE

Home roof care


The force of the wind
pushes against the outside
of your house, and that
force is passed from your
roof to the exterior walls
and finally to the foundation.

Before a storm
Look for curled, torn or
loose shingles. If possible,
replace with new shingles.
If possible, drive new nails
through the original holes.
After replacing the nails,

20 HURRICANE GUIDE 2015

coat the nail heads with


roofing cement. Press the
shingle overlaying it down
firmly.
Have a roofing contractor lined up who will give
you priority after a hurricane hits.
Check with a building
professional about having
your home fitted with
hurricane straps, designed
to help hold your roof to
the walls.
Fix little leaks.
Be mindful of areas
around roof vents. Seal
with a commercially available sealant.

Dont expect blue


roofs from FEMA after a
storm.

Clean gutters
Normal Florida rains will
tax your gutters if they
dont allow a free flow
of water. Also, make sure
downspouts direct water
away from your homes
foundation.

Tile roofs
Replace loose tiles, which
can become airborne with
heavy winds.

THE NEWSPRESS FILE PHOTO

During a
hurricane

propert y
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE

Window
covers

hen you are planning to cover the


windows and doors
in your home there
are several options.
Brian Rist, president of Storm
Smart and head of the Cape Coral
Construction Industry Association,
cautioned homeowners when making any such purchase.
Make sure its Florida Building
Code approved for hurricane wind
resistance, he said. Thats the measuring point. Is it approved?

Plywood

Pro: One of the least


expensive impact-resistant
measures.
Con: Time-consuming.
Must be installed before and
removed after each storm.
Can leave your home full of
screw holes.
Cost: $21 to $28 for a
4-by-8 sheet, which covers
most windows. Cost varies
depending on thickness
(5/8inch is the minimum you
should be using).

Impact-resistant
windows

Pro: No last-minute
preparation. New windows
have a National Fenestration
Rating Council sticker that
provides an impact rating
specific to the windows size
and model.

Con: A little costly. And


some models often have to
be replaced after a storm.
Cost: $55 to $75 per
square foot.

Panel shutters

Pro: Less expensive


than other shutters. Low
maintenance and upkeep
cost.
Con: Can be difficult and
time consuming to install
and take down. Additional
storage space is required.
Aluminum versions allow
little light into home.
Cost: $4 to $6 per square
foot ($10-18 installed).

Roll-down
shutters

Pro: Ease of use. Simply


roll out of a permanently
installed box above each

window.
Con: Expensive; electric
versions wont operate in
a power failure unless you
have a battery-powered
backup (solar-powered
versions are available);
require occasional
maintenance.
Cost: $60 to $80 per
square foot.

Accordion
shutters

Pro: Ease of use; not as


expensive as roll-downs;
suited to large openings;
do not require electricity to
operate.
Con: Requires some
maintenance; permanently
installed.
Cost: $25 to $40 per
square foot.

Colonial or
Bahamian
shutters

Pro: Easy to use; do not


require electricity to operate.
Con: Permanently
installed; must conform
to home architecture.
Cost: $40 to $50 per
square foot.

Fabric or
soft-panel
options

Pro: Easier to install than


metal panels.
Con: Might not stop flying
debris from breaking glass,
but can protect from debris
and water penetration.
Cost: $6 to $8 per square
foot, depending on material
and size.

Note: Prices subject to the size of the opening being covered

HURRICANE GUIDE 2015 21

storm surge
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE

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HURRICANE GUIDE 2015 23

Southwest Florida
evacuation zones

propert y
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE

Pools
THE NEWSPRESS FILE PHOTO

ackyard pools are a


source of relaxation,
but they also need
attention before and
after a storm.

Some suggested steps


from the Associated
Swimming Pool Industries:
Turn off all electrical power
to the swimming pool (pump,
motor, lighting, chlorinators,
etc.).
Do not drain the pool. If
you do lower the water level,
be sure to close your skimmer
valve to prevent damage to
the pump when the power is

24 HURRICANE GUIDE 2015

restored.
Wrap the pump motor with

a waterproof membrane or
plastic bag, and tie it securely
in place to prevent sand and
driving water from entering
the motor. Tie down the pump
box lid, if present.
Remove all loose items from
the pool area. Dont sink patio

furniture or accessories in the


pool. Heavy furniture may
chip and damage the pool
finish, and the chemicals in
the water will have an adverse
effect on the furniture.
Add extra chlorine to prevent contamination.
If your pool is screened,
remove one or two mid-level

panels of screen on each side


to allow wind to blow through
and prevent costly damage. Do
not remove lower or overhead
panels. Slip the pins out of
the door hinges and place the
doors in a protected area.
When the storm clears:
Super-chlorinate the pool.

When the chlorine level


returns to normal, test the
water for proper balance.
Remove any wrapping
around the pump motor. If the
motor has been submerged, it
should be removed for professional cleaning and be dried
out. If the pump has remained
dry, turn on the electricity.
Run the filter until water
is crystal-clear and resume
normal pool operation.

aftermath
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE

Avoid being taken after the storm


Connect
with Tell Mel
After a hurricane,
price gouging,
unlicensed
contracting and
home repair rip-offs
are as common as
power outages.
The News-Press
Consumer columnist
Melanie Payne
will give you the
tips and resources
you need to avoid
financial disaster
after a natural
disaster. Follow her
on twitter @tellmel
and read her column
at news-press.com/
tellmel

urricanes and tropical


storms often cause
physical damage to
personal or private
property. It is important to prepare for and assess the financial
cost of these damages.
In recent years, thousands of
consumers have filed complaints
with the state Attorney Generals Office about price gouging
before and after storms.
Florida law prohibits extreme
increases in the price of such
commodities as food, water,
hotels, ice, gasoline, lumber and
equipment needed as a direct
result of an officially declared
emergency. The Florida Attorney
Generals Office and the Florida
Department of Agriculture and

Report price gouging

Florida Attorney Generals


Office: (866) 966-7226
Florida Department of
Agriculture and Consumer
Services: 1-800-HELP-FLA
(435-7352)

Consumer Services investigate


any complaints.
Consumers are urged to call
the price-gouging hotline if they
feel theyve been gouged.
Under Florida law, price
gouging occurs if a commoditys price increases by a gross
disparity from the average price
of that commodity during the
30 days immediately before the
emergency.
A law enacted in 2005 criminalizes price gouging and pro-

vides that during a declared state


of emergency, any person who
offers goods and services for sale
to the public without possessing
an occupational license commits
a second-degree misdemeanor.
Price gouging applies unless
a price increase is attributable to
additional costs incurred by the
seller or to national or international market trends.
Retailers must show a corresponding increase in their price
of goods that is being passed to
customers.
State officials urge consumers
to be wary of business scams that
might arise in the wake of a hurricane, including building-repair
and tree-removal companies that
come into storm-affected areas.

HURRICANE GUIDE 2015 25

shelters
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE

26 HURRICANE GUIDE 2015

A man reads a newspaper


in Germain Arena, a sports
stadium being used as a
hurricane shelter, October
23, 2005 near Ft. Myers
in Estero, Florida during
Hurricane Wilma.

HURRICANE GUIDE 2015 27

aftermath
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE

Insurance policy details are critical

s hurricane season
approaches, it is
important to review your policy.
Remember: If Florida is
under a hurricane watch or
warning, it is likely too late
to purchase insurance.
Here are some details to review about your insurance:
Windstorm insurance
typically carries a much
higher deductible than other
coverage.
Take your insurance
documents with you if you
leave the area because of the
storm.
Scan your insurance documents into your computer
and then mail those files to
an email account.
New or increased coverage cannot be issued when a
tropical storm or hurricane

watch or warning is in place


for any part of Florida.
Consider purchasing flood
insurance, which is usually written separately from
homeowners insurance.
Make certain the amount
of your coverage matches the
value of your home.
Check your policy to make
sure it lists any steps you
have taken to protect your
home, such as installing
storm shutters.
Understand in the event of
a loss, you would receive the
cash value of your belongings or whether your policy
specifies replacement.

Understand what
is covered ... or not
When hurricane warnings are issued, the Florida

Department of Financial
Services is mobilized to assist
with insurance and banking
questions.
The toll-free hot line is
800-22-STORM.
Everyone lives in a flood
zone in Southwest Florida.
And you dont simply need
to live near the water to be
flooded. Many flooded areas
are caused by overloaded
drainage systems.
Flood damage is not covered by your homeowners
policy.
You can purchase flood insurance no matter what your
flood risk is, as long as your
community participates in
the National Flood Insurance
Program.
A maximum of $250,000
of building coverage is
available for single-family

Online help Resources for you


nhc.noaa.gov:
The National Oceanic
and Atmospheric
Administration experts at
the National Hurricane
Center are leading
authorities on Atlantic
Basin hurricanes and
tropical storms.
leeeoc.com: The
official website of the
Lee County Emergency
Operations Center.
floridadisaster.
org: This is the states
Emergency Operations
Centers website for
up-to-date statewide
information, news alerts
and contact information
about storms,

28 HURRICANE GUIDE 2015

evacuations, storm surge


and shelter information.
colliergov.net/em:
The official website
of the Collier County
Emergency Operations
Center.
charlottecountyfl.
com/emergency:
The official website of
the Charlotte County
Emergency Operations
Center.
hendryclerk.org/
weather.php: This is the
Hendry County storm
information
website.
desotobocc.com: This
is the DeSoto County
website in Arcadia.

capecoral.net: The
official website of Lee
Countys largest city.

Where to find
agency help

fema.gov: This is
the Federal Emergency
Management Agency
website. It offers
detailed instructions
for natural disasters,
including action plans,
safe rooms and the
National Flood Insurance
Program.
redcross.org: The
American Red Cross
keeps residents informed
about response and
recovery operations.

residential buildings and per


unit in a condominium.
Commercial structures
can be insured to a limit of
$500,000.
Call your insurance agent
for details about how to get
flood insurance.
Plan ahead because there is
usually at least a 30-day waiting period before any flood
insurance goes into effect.
Content coverage is separate. Up to $100,000 contents coverage is available.
Federal disaster assistance is only available if the
president declares a disaster.
A rule of thumb: About 90
percent of all disasters in
the United States are not
declared disasters by the
president.
National Flood Insurance
Program: floodsmart.gov

Insurance help
The Small Business Administration
provides low-interest disaster loans
to homeowners, renters, businesses
of all sizes and private, nonprofit
organizations to repair or replace
real estate, personal property,
machinery and equipment, inventory
and business assets that have been
damaged or destroyed in a declared
disaster.
Any business that is located in
a declared disaster area and has
incurred damage during the disaster
may apply for a loan to help repair or
replace damaged property to its predisaster condition.

To learn more

To obtain program information or to


receive a status update on your loan
request, call 800-659-2955 or email
to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

aftermath
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE

Situations to be
mindful of:
In the yard: Dont trim trees

Cleanup

he hurricane has passed, the skies have cleared


and its time to clean up and get back into a semblance of a routine. But remember post-storm
hazards can be more dangerous than the storm.

or remove debris located near


power lines.
Electrical: Use a licensed electrician to repair damage to your
homes electrical system.
Building damage: If your home
or any other building has been
damaged, inspect it to make
certain it is safe to enter.
Stay alert: Heed all orders
about not re-entering a neighborhood after evacuation until
authorities OK it.
Water: Do not attempt to drive
through high water, and avoid
moving water regardless of
speed or depth.

Food: Do not eat any food that


may have come in contact with
floodwater. Discard perishable
food that has been at more than 40
degrees for two or more hours.
Contamination: Discard any
wood-cutting boards, plastic
utensils, baby bottles, nipples
and pacifiers that have come
in contact with contaminated
floodwater.
Drinking water: If drinking
water is contaminated, health
officials may issue a boil water notice and urge the use of
bottled water.Residents should
deal whenever possible with
established local companies
when they contract for repairs or
arrange financing to pay for any
repairs that might not be covered
by insurance.

HURRICANE GUIDE 2015 29

aftermath
2015 HUR R ICANE GUIDE

Mold
How to start
the cleanup

Start cleanup as soon as possible.


The longer you wait, the more
likely the mold will grow.

If the molded area is less than 10


square feet, you likely can clean it
yourself. If not, consult a specialist
for proper cleanup.
Dry all items completely. Dehumidifiers can help.
Scrub mold off hard surfaces
with detergent and water. A mild
bleach solution also may help
with some surfaces. Afterward,
dry completely. Appliances, such
as washers and dryers, should be
cleaned with hot water or a mild
bleach solution, not detergent.
Absorbent materials, such as
ceiling tiles, upholstery, clothing
and carpet, may have to be thrown
away. Mold can grow on or fill in
the empty spaces and crevices of
these materials, meaning the mold
may be difficult or impossible to
remove completely.
Avoid exposing yourself or
others to mold. Buy a respirator,
or mask, which costs about $15,
to avoid breathing in mold. Also,
wear gloves and goggles.
Do not paint or caulk moldy
surfaces before cleaning the mold.
You should be able to reoccupy
the area without health complaints
or physical symptoms.
If you have concerns or questions, call the Environmental
Protection Agency Indoor Air
Quality Information Hotline at
800-241-1754.

30 HURRICANE GUIDE 2015

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Assess the
damage

Molds effect on health


Molds can cause allergic reactions, fungal infections and other health problems.
Most people will have no reaction when exposed to molds. Some people have underlying health conditions that make them more sensitive to mold exposure. Health
effects can include:
Allergic rhinitis or
sinusitis (Eyes, nose,
throat) Similar to hay
fever or the common
cold, but over an
extended period of time.
Symptoms include a
runny nose, nasal or
sinus congestion, irritated

or red eyes, irritated


or scratchy throat,
and cough. Reactions
occur quickly after
exposure to molds.
Dermatitis (skin)
Symptoms include red,
itchy skin and/or rash.

Asthma (lungs)
Symptoms include acute
attacks of coughing,
wheezing, and shortness
of breath. Reactions
usually occur within
minutes. May repeat
6-10 hours later.
duration of the storm.

HURRICANE GUIDE 2015 31

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