Merrill Pines Condominium Association

Be Prepared for a Hurricane

Sep 16, 2008

As a Florida resident, we have two seasons: Hurricane Season and not Hurricane Season.

Are you as prepared as you should be? The National Hurricane Center (www.nhc.noaa.gov) recommends the following as a complete plan:
1)DEVELOP A FAMILY PLAN - Your family's plan should be based on your vulnerability to the Hurricane Hazards. You should keep a written plan and share your plan with other friends or family. Make sure you have a place to go and don?’t forget to include your pets.
2)CREATE A DISASTER SUPPLY KIT - There are certain items you need to have regardless of where you ride out a hurricane. The disaster supply kit is a useful tool when you evacuate as well as making you as safe as possible in your home.
3)SECURE YOUR HOME - Be sure to follow the Merrill Pines Rules and Regulations for Hurricanes (see below).

Merrill Pines Rules and Regulations
Hurricane or other protective devices visible from outside a Unit shall be of a type approved by the Association. Panel, accordion and roll-up style hurricane shutters, if approved, may not be left closed during hurricane season. Any such approved hurricane shutters may be installed or closed up to seventy-two (72) hours prior to the expected arrival of a hurricane and must be removed or opened within seventy-two (72) hours after the cessation of a hurricane watch or warning or as the Association may determine.

Each Home Owner who plans to be absent from his/her home during hurricane season must prepare his/her home prior to departure by:
a) Removing all furniture, potted plants and other movable objects from his or her Lanai or entranceway, if any

b) Designating a responsible firm or individual satisfactory to the Association to care for his or her Unit if the Unit suffers hurricane damage. Such firm or individual shall contact the Association for clearance to install or remove hurricane shutters.

c) Satellite dishes must be removed.