The Florida Chapter ISA has created a system for our members and arborists to help with the needs of those with major hurricane or storm damage. This online platform will connect your resources of equipment loans, materials or labor with those who can greatly use your help. Your generosity will be appreciated by those who are trying to get their feet back on the ground.

Click here to access a spreadsheet where you can post the resources you are offering along with your contact information. You will also be able to see what types of resources the arborists from the affected area post that they need the most.

 

General Hurricane Information…

Use your judgement on the need to evacuate depending on proximity to the coastline and low-lying areas. DO NOT take a hurricane lightly as these storms kill and destroy lives and businesses. Do your storm preparations early to allow time to get everything done.

Hurricanes can be large, powerful rotating storm systems which spin in a counter-clockwise direction. Hurricanes have feeder bands of rain storms which sweep through the area. Storm damage is often most severe on the northeast side of storms. The center of any hurricane is called the eye. Don’t be misled by the calmness of the eye; after the eye passes, the storm will resume. It is possible to have wind forces of 80+ MPH sustained for hours. Remember that predictions more than a day off are subject to dramatic changes. Stay tuned to reliable weather sources for progress reports.

Hurricane Preparedness

One of the most important parts of storm preparation is planning. The suggestions below may help our Florida ISA members develop a plan that is specific to their family and business. These are some tips you should consider in dealing with a hurricane. This list is only a beginning. Make your own decisions as to the appropriate actions to take.

Early planning…

  • Review your storm prep plan and check the links below for more details. Print out details you may need following a storm and know where to locate those print-outs.
  • Make sure all structures are sound and in good repair.
  • Make sure all roofing, windows, doors, and siding are secured according to building codes.
  • Consider having basic building materials on hand to repair structures.
  • If you have portable sheds and trailers, tie them down securely.
  • Make sure all your equipment is serviced and adequate supplies are on hand. Make sure you have fuel that you may need.
  • Make arrangements for temporary power. Power lines may be disabled for days or weeks.
  • Develop a plan for running office functions and communications systems.

 

Immediately before the storm…

  • Secure all loose items; if possible, tie items down.
  • Secure equipment in an area not likely to be damaged.
  • Make sure you have fuel that you may need, for a generator or for tools/equipment.
  • Have emergency numbers on hand, such as the phone numbers of insurance agents, local police, fire and other emergency contacts.
  • Take a quick inventory your property and equipment; consider taking photos. Record the serial numbers on your equipment. This will help should you need to file a claim.
  • Establish a way to communicate with your employees. Your employees will need to know what you expect of them after the storm. Do you want them to come to work, to call you, or stay with their families? Provide time for your employees to secure their own homes prior to a storm.
  • Prep early; give yourself plenty of time in order to get everything done.

After the storm…

  • Inspect your structures. Make any basic repairs to your structures so they are secure from more bad weather.
  • Inspect your property closely and pay particular attention to downed power lines, broken water lines, etc.
  • Contact proper insurance agents in the event of storm damage.
  • Contact the local police or sheriff’s department if there are any road obstructions or hazardous situations.
  • Notify your electric company of any power outages so they can get your request logged into the repair schedule. Report downed lines but DO NOT approach downed power lines – assume that all downed wires are energized.
  • Report water, sewer or gas line breaches to the appropriate authority. If in doubt, call the police or sheriff’s department.
  • If necessary, notify disaster assistance agencies of your needs, Contact the appropriate agency as soon as possible for instruction.
  • Photograph and document damage before you start clean-up.
  • As quickly as possible, let your customers know how well you survived the storm and when you anticipate servicing their accounts.

Additional Resources