In an effort to advise everyone of the Board of Directors and ALCOR
management planned actions during an approaching hurricane, we have
prepared the following overview for review by all. In the days leading
up to a hurricane expected to approach the New Orleans Metro area,
ALCOR management will be using
the Internet as its main means of communications with all Owners,
so please, please, please monitor your e-mail for important notices
and information. If you are not sure that we have your e-mail, please
send us an e-mail at info@pier8condos.com
asking to be added to the database and we will respond, acknowledging
receipt of your request.
The following overview is intended as an outline of actions that
may be taken by the Board of Directs and/or ALCOR
management. It should be noted that these actions may be modified
to meet developing conditions of a specific hurricane.
Once a Hurricane "Watch" is issued, we suggest the
following actions
In a hurricane watch area, hurricane storm conditions are possible
within 36 hours. Now is the time to prepare your home and review your
evacuation plan.
1. Gas up family vehicles and ensure they are in good working order.
2. Have extra cash on hand as ATMs and credit cards my not work during
a power outage.
3. Stock up on canned food and water.
4. Check your evacuation supplies for prescription medications, baby
food and diapers, toiletries, a battery powered radio, flashlight,
extra batteries, blankets or sleeping bags, identification, valuable
papers and a credit card or cash.
5. Plan on leaving the area. Decide where you will be going and the
route you will take to get there.
Once a Hurricane "Warning" has been issued for New
Orleans - Securing the buildings
In a hurricane warning area, hurricane storm conditions are possible
within 24 hours. Once a hurricane "warning" (Category 3
or stronger) is in effect for the New Orleans Metro area, the following
steps will be taken by the Board of Directors and/or ALCOR
management:
1. A mass e-mail will be sent to all e-mail's within management's
database advising all that hurricane preparedness measures will be
implemented to prepare the exterior and common areas of the development
for the approaching storm.
2. Listen to the radio or watch the television for updates and important
information.
3. The exterior of the building, including roof and parking areas,
will be surveyed and any items that could become projectiles will
be either removed from the property or placed inside the recreations
rooms, laundry rooms or other secure rooms.
4. Owners will be required to remove all furnishings, plants and other
items from any exterior areas immediately adjacent their individual
units. These items should be stored within the individual unit.
Once again, the Board of Directors and ALCOR
encourage everyone to evacuate with the approach of a Category 3 or
stronger hurricane.
Within 48 hours of approaching Category 3 or greater hurricane
If local or national forecasters indicate that Category 3 or stronger
hurricane is expected to strike in or near the New Orleans Metro area,
the Board of Directors and/or ALCOR
personnel will prepare to close the buildings and secure the perimeter
of the property. If the decision is made to take such action, a mass
e-mail will be sent to all e-mail's in our database to advise of the
intent to close/secure the building stating the day and time the building
will be secured. If the decision is made to close/secure the perimeter
of the building, all Owners should plan to evacuate prior to the stated
date and time of the building closing. The following Owner actions
are suggested prior to leaving the building:
1. It is STRONGLY recommended that all Owners plan
to evacuate the building and city with the approach of a Category
3 or stronger hurricane.
2. Individual Owners should take actions to secure their individual
units. ALCOR MANAGEMENT WILL NOT BE
ABLE TO ASSIST IN THIS EFFORT AS WE WILL BE TAKING ACTIONS TO SECURE
THE EXTERIOR OF THIS AND OTHER PROPERTIES MANAGED BY ALCOR.
INDIVIDUAL OWNERS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES WITHIN
THEIR INDIVIDUAL UNITS.
3. Valuables such as paintings and furniture should be moved away
from the exterior windows and/or doors.
4. Owners may want to consider covering valuables with plastic in
case roof leaks develop during the storm. Remember, roof leaks can
effect not only those on the top floor but units on the lower floors
can be effected as well if roof leaks continue for hours.
5. Given the loss of power often associated with these storms, you
may want to consider taking freezer or refrigerated items with you
in an ice chest. Having to deal with a refrigerator full of spoiled
food items that have sat for days without refrigeration is the last
thing you will want to deal with when you return a few days later.
6. Also, you may want to "unplug" televisions, computers
and similar items to avoid possible damage from lighting strikes or
sudden surges in voltage.
7. Owners should have a plan for evacuating the city. We recommend
that you watch your local news channels for the current evacuation
times and routes from the CBD.
While not recommended, if you plan to remain during lesser
category hurricanes….
If you plan on staying in your unit during any hurricane, do so only
if you have not been ordered to leave. Here are some suggestions you
may want to consider.
1. Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting and keep it closed.
2. Unplug small appliances. Turn off utilities and propane tanks.
3. Fill a bathtub and containers with water for drinking and sanitation.
4. Stay away from windows and doors.
5. Close all interior doors and stay in an interior room.
After the storm has passed…..
Many hazards remain following a major storm. Continue to listen to
the radio for road conditions and other information. Do not attempt
to drive across flooded roads as only 2 feet of water is enough to
carry a vehicle away. Stay away from standing water as it may be electrically
charged by downed power lines or underground cable. Have professionals
check gas, water and electrical lines. Do not drink tap water until
officials say it is safe. Never use candles for lighting as an open
flame may cause a fire due to leaking natural gas lines.
Following these guidelines will help keep your family safe during
a hurricane. Ensure you go over your hurricane plan with your family.
For more hurricane information, log on to the National Weather Service
at www.nws.noaa.gov or the
National Hurricane Center at www.nhc.noaa.gov.
Some of the information for this article was taken from the U.S. Department
of Commerce, NOAA and the National Weather Service Hurricane Preparedness
Guide.
For those who really really want to review the "tech" side
of hurricane tracking and related information, check this site out
http://web.tampabay.rr.com/wolfy/;
if you can "digest" all this information charts etc. consider
yourself a Meteorologist!
We hope you find these thoughts helpful.