Hurricane Dorian is approaching the East coast of Florida. You can get up to-date information at:
The Governor has just expanded the State of Emergency to 67 counties in Florida. This will open shelters and allow a safe place to go if you do not feel secure at home.
Local weather forecasts will give you the most relevant information regarding our area and the storm. Based on the current track decisions will need to be made in the next 24 – 36 hours.
If you plan to seek shelter in a local hotel, based on a worst-case forecast, you should make those arrangements in the next 24-36 hours.
Fill your automobile gas tank now, should power go down not all stations will be able to operate.
Shop for water, food supplies, and medication now.
Now is the time to prepare. You can get a handy Hurricane Preparedness Checklist here:
If you intend to stay in place, please prepare as follows.
- Check on your neighbor. Do they need help? If alone ask them to ride the storm out with you.
- Store all moveable items in a safe location. Even heavy plant pots and lawn decorations can become missiles (when wind exceeds 70 mph) that will damage your property or your neighbors. Secure all that you can to minimize damage.
- More than half of our community is not here at present. Please remove items that can break lose from their yards and store them to minimize damage.
Punta Gorda, at present has a 70% probability of Tropical Force Winds (39 to 73 mph) If the storm strengthens more than projected or hits us directly from the East coast, that can and will increase.
Remember if you are prepared and nothing happens good for you, if you do not prepare and a disaster takes place will be too late after the fact.
Good fortune favors the prepared.