Hurricane Preparedness: Essential Tips & Guidelines for The Grand Venezia Residents

Hurricanes and tropical storms can develop quickly and unexpectedly, so it’s important to always be prepared for severe weather. We want to ensure that every resident has the latest guidelines and tips to safeguard your family and property, and to understand how our community will respond during an emergency.

Stay Informed

• Weather Alerts:
  Stay tuned to local weather updates by signing up for email or text notifications from trusted services such as The National Hurricane Center and Weather.com.
• Key Terms:
  • Hurricane Watch: A hurricane may impact our area within 48 hours.
  • Hurricane Warning: A hurricane is expected within 36 hours.

Personal Preparedness

• Develop a Disaster Plan:
  Create a personal emergency plan that includes evacuation routes, designated meeting points, and contact information for family members.
• Emergency Supply Kit:
  Prepare a kit with essentials such as:
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Battery-operated radio
  • Water and non-perishable food
  • Medications and first aid supplies
  • Copies of important documents
    For a full checklist, visit Florida Disaster.
• Insurance & Documentation:
  Review your insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage. Document your belongings with photos and store important documents in a waterproof container.
• Clear Your Balcony:
  Remove or secure all outdoor furniture, plants, and loose objects that could become hazardous in high winds.

Community Preparedness & Procedures

• Property Preparations:
  At the time a Hurricane Watch is issued, our management team will secure common areas and essential equipment—such as elevators, HVAC systems, and water pumps—to minimize damage and ensure a quicker return to normal operations.
• Communication:
  We will send out mass emails with updates regarding current conditions and restoration of services. Please ensure that your contact information is up to date.
• Evacuation Planning:
  • Plan Your Route: Have a transportation plan and a pre-designated place to stay during an evacuation.
  • For Special Needs Residents: If you or someone in your household requires special assistance, please register with local emergency programs (such as the Pinellas County Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program) as soon as possible.
  • Pet Considerations: Remember that many evacuation shelters do not allow pets. Make arrangements in advance if necessary.

Important Reminders

• Do Not Rely on Community Staff for Personal Preparations:
  While our management team will secure the building and common areas, each resident is responsible for preparing their own home.
• Evacuation Orders:
  When an evacuation order is issued, please leave promptly. Avoid making calls during the storm to allow emergency personnel to focus on restoring safety and services.
• Post-Storm Recovery:
  Even after the storm has passed, it may take several days for services to be fully restored. Please await official communication before returning if evacuated.

Your safety is a priority. By taking these precautions and staying informed, you can help protect yourself, your loved ones, and our community. Please review this guide regularly during hurricane season, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Stay safe and be prepared!