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October 2, 2019
H & H Design and Construction
4th annual national event urging everyone to
“Save Money. Cut Carbon. Breathe Easier.”
Weston— In recognition of the 4th annual national Energy Efficiency Day (EE Day) on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, H & H Design and Construction is joining regional and national organizations, businesses, utilities, universities, and individuals in promoting energy efficiency – the cheapest, quickest way to meet our energy needs, cut utility bills, and reduce pollution.
Energy efficiency is also an economic engine, with a U.S. workforce of more than 2.3 million. Ranging from professional services to manufacturing and construction, these good jobs are local and cannot be outsourced.
“We believe our mission is to build a sustainable future for generations to come by promoting and implementing energy efficiency, water conservation, Carbon emissions reduction and Climate change mitigation strategies to protect the people, the planet and its natural resources“. Said, Maria M. Hernandez, President of H & H Design and Construction.
Smarter energy use means we don’t have to generate as much power to meet our needs. Many people don’t realize that H & H Design and Construction has already made significant, reduction in energy savings, by implementing buildings retrofit in South Florida benefiting people’s health, local economy and the environment.
Reducing the energy used by manufacturers, homes, and businesses benefits everyone – especially energy bill-payers. The average household saves almost $500 yearly thanks to efficiency standards that apply to new appliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators.
“We believe we can transform the built environment: improving health, safety and quality of life, one person, one building, one family at a time“. Maria M. Hernandez
To learn more about H & H Design and Construction ’s energy efficiency efforts, visit HHDCgreen.com, or join the Twitter conversation using #EEDay2019
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GOING BEYOND BUILDING STANDARDS FOR PEOPLE AND PLANET!
About #EEDay2019: On Wednesday, October 2, 2019, a growing network of advocates, companies, government agencies, utilities, and others will showcase the benefits of energy efficiency during the 4th annual nationwide Energy Efficiency Day. Learn more at www.energyefficiencyday.org
Every year, thousands of senior citizens suffer falls at home. Many are seriously injured and some are disabled. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in recent years, approximately 27,000 people over 65 died due to falls; 2.8 million were treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to the fall, such as fractures, and head injuries, and approximately 800,000 of these patients were subsequently hospitalized. Frequently, these falls are caused by risks that can easily be corrected.
Certain modifications in the home will allow them to be more accessible, safe and healthy for all ages and especially for the elderly.
This list will help you identify and correct some of the risks that may be present in your home & help prevent critical elements that can cause falls at home:
- Make sure floors are level and do not have detached transition moldings.
- Remove area rugs or use a tape with adhesive on both sides or with Non-slip reverse to prevent slipping.
- Roll up or glue the cords and cables to the base of the wall so you don’t trip over them.
- Move furniture from the circulation (walking) area.
- Remove everything that is lying on the floor leaving it clear.
- Repair loose or uneven steps.
- Install a light on the stairs to have enough lighting.
- Make sure the carpet is firmly attached to each step or remove the carpet and stick non-slip rubber strips on the steps.
- Secure loose handrails or install new handrails on both sides of the stairs and make sure they extend all along them.
- Place a non-slip rubber mat or self-adhesive strips in the bathtub or shower floor.
- Install enough clear lighting throughout the house, especially at the entrance.
- Change all round door handles to the style of lever handles.
- Install sensor light in the room and bathroom areas.
- Consider a universal design. Universal design has been defined as building environments that are accessible by anyone regardless of their physical limitations or disabilities.
- Replace the bathtub with a walk-in shower, which provides much easier (and safer) entry and exit than a bathtub.
- Install bars to stand in the shower and near the toilet.
- Replace standard toilet for a raised toilet seat to make it easier for aging adults to go to the bathroom independently.
- Incorporate shower chairs. Using a shower chair or bath chair helps to increase safety by decreasing the chance of you falling by providing a secure area in a slippery shower or bath.
During this month of September, dedicated to healthy aging, we must raise awareness of the importance of creating healthy and safe environments not only for our elderly family, but also for all occupants.
For more information or adaptation of your property with a Universal design, please send an email to info@HHDCgreen.com.
By: Maria M Hernandez
Specialist in Eco-friendly, universal, efficient and healthy buildings
New industry research shows green building’s rapid rise in 19 countries, underscoring value for certification systems like LEED
WASHINGTON, D.C. – (Nov. 13, 2018) – The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced the results of the Dodge Data & Analytics World Green Building Trends 2018 SmartMarket Report, to which USGBC is a contributing partner. Overall, global green building activity continues to rise, with significant increases expected in 19 countries over the next three years. Importantly, nearly half of survey respondents expect that the majority of their projects in the next three years will be green buildings.
“With more and more people demanding and expecting healthier places to live and work, more and more leaders around the globe are committing to green building, which is now a trillion-dollar industry,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of USGBC. “For the last 25 years, LEED has helped transform building practices. It continues to push the top performers, but we know that we can’t leave the other 80-90 percent of buildings behind. We need to get all buildings on a path to sustainability in order to raise the standard of living for all people around the world, regardless of their circumstances. And the results of this study show we are on the right path.”
Two-thirds of the survey participants report that using a rating system like LEED allows them to create a better performing building, and more than half of respondents believe that rating systems provide third party verification that ensures buildings are running in a sustainable manner.
As green building becomes more common, certification becomes more of an expectation in many markets. While client demands and environmental regulations remain top motivators, creating healthier buildings emerged as an important trigger for green building globally. According to the study, improving occupant health ranks first among social drivers for green building, followed by encouraging sustainable business practices and improved worker productivity. The growing importance of occupant health reinforces a recent USGBC survey that found employees working in LEED-certified green buildings were happier, healthier and more productive than those in non-certified or conventional office buildings.
When it comes to benefits, most participants cite occupant health and wellbeing in addition to lower operating costs. As the green building movement has grown, the savings associated with lowering operating costs continues to be a top benefit for owners. Nearly two-thirds of respondents expect to see building operating costs decrease by at least 6 percent within the next 12 months, while more than 80 percent expect this same rate of return in the next five years. As lowering operating costs and occupant health become more widely known and accepted, the value of green buildings increases as well. The percentage of owners reporting that new green buildings have an asset value of more than 10 percent greater than traditional buildings has nearly doubled since 2012. In addition, most architects and contractors recognize that building green creates a higher asset value.
New commercial construction remains the biggest driver of global green building by far, notably in markets like China and the UAE. However, more than 50 percent of respondents from five countries (including the U.S.) say green retrofits are in the pipeline, compared to a 37 percent global average – suggesting that existing buildings and operational benchmarking will provide significant opportunities for growth.
“The future of green building is focused on performance, but as the study shows, most of the time this practice can be limited in scope,” says Ramanujam. “There has been no increase in the use of metrics to track performance in the last three years, and now there is no excuse for it. It is not enough to demonstrate leadership at a point in time. We want all green buildings to continue to demonstrate leadership long after they are constructed and occupied. That is why USGBC has been laser-focused on bringing building performance benchmarking tools like Arc and LEED v4.1 to market: to make it easier for all projects to take strides toward improving the health and well-being of the people who occupy them every day.”
In 2016, Green Business Certification, Inc. (GBCI), the certifying body for LEED projects globally, created Arc, a digital performance platform that benchmarks, tracks and measures building activity across energy, waste, water, transportation and the human experience. Currently, Arc is tracking performance for 1.5 billion square feet of space across 80 countries. The emergence of tools like Arc underscores the growing importance technology is playing in green building, particularly when it comes to understanding energy performance and occupant impact.
Additionally, the recent launch of LEED v4.1 offers projects yet another way to continue to drive performance on the path toward LEED certification. Today, there are more than 94,000 commercial projects participating in LEED across the globe, with 2.2 million square feet of building space becoming LEED-certified every day.
The study was conducted in 86 countries and surveyed 2,000 building professionals including architects, contractors, consultants, developers, engineering firms and investors. Adjustments to the methodology for respondent recruitment resulted in a more balanced share of participants who belong to Green Building Councils, compared to previous years.
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About the U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, an international network of local community leaders, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Contact: Marisa Long, USGBC 202-552-1500 mlong@usgbc.org
Nearly Half of Survey Respondents Expect to Make 60% of their Projects Green in Next 3 Years.
2,000 building professionals participated from 86 countries.
NEW YORK – November 13, 2018 – The findings from the preeminent study on green buildings have been released and the results are both surprising and encouraging. Forty-seven percent of those participating in the World Green Building Trends 2018 SmartMarket Report expect to do the majority of their projects (more than 60%) green by 2021. Published today by Dodge Data & Analytics, the new industry report indicates that the international market for green construction projects has grown significantly in the last 10 years and demand for green building activity is poised to grow – to even double in some regions. In fact, the report found a 20 point projected jump from those who currently report a majority of green projects.
“As the world’s largest provider of building technologies, we’ve seen the shift toward more efficient, sustainable buildings,” says Chris Nelson, President, Commercial HVAC for Carrier, premier sponsor of the study. “The fact is, green buildings provide a triple win – delivering measurable benefits for building owners, occupants and the public from reduced operating costs, improved indoor air quality and reduced energy consumption. The trends uncovered in this report reflect what we’re seeing in our business – building green is good for the public health, the environment, and the bottom line.”
Nineteen countries are featured in the report, spanning six continents, and substantial growth in the percentage doing the majority of their projects green is expected in each. “Enthusiasm for green building is clear in all major markets measured, and that is driven by the business benefits they receive, which have stayed consistent since 2012,” says Donna Laquidara-Carr, Ph.D., LEED AP, Industry Insights Research Director with Dodge Data & Analytics. “These benefits include eight percent operating cost savings in the first year and increased building asset values of seven percent for new green buildings, which are clearly influencing all those who do green building to deepen their engagement with green.”
Similar benefits were reported for green building retrofits and renovations. “Retrofitting buildings is critical to meeting our carbon-neutral goals,” said American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2018 President Carl Elefante. “This data shows that not only is it good for our planet, but it can also mean an operating cost savings of almost ten percent in the first few years. While that may serve some motivational value, greater incentives and improved policies are necessary in the United States and beyond to make the meaningful building retrofits that we need a reality.”
The report also found that the biggest challenge to increased green building – the perception that it costs more than traditional construction – declined dramatically from over three-quarters in 2012 to under half today.
Another noteworthy highlight is that many respondents plan to build green in the next three years without seeking certification. However, over two thirds of study participants using certification find that doing so allows them to create better performing buildings; a finding echoed by other studies.
Healthier buildings also emerged as a top green priority in the study. For example, the top social drivers for green buildings included improved occupant health and well-being and increased worker productivity. Other social impacts becoming increasingly important include creating a sense of community and supporting the domestic economy. “The study, supported by our Green Building Councils in five regions, demonstrates that green building is seen by the industry as a key business benefit. Additionally, around the world, green building is considered to have an impact beyond significant environmental benefits, such as increased employee productivity and satisfaction,” says Terri Wills, CEO of the World Green Building Council.
The report also features a special section on green technology, including the insights of nine subject matter experts on the technologies currently improving building performance and what they believe will be most influential in the near future. “As the industry continues to embrace technology, our customers are taking advantage of automated workflows that put real-time data at the center of each project and allow teams to collaborate during all stages.” said Lynelle Cameron, VP, Sustainability, Autodesk & CEO Autodesk Foundation. “Energy analysis tools and generative design also allow designers to use data to create better options.”
Participants included over 2,000 architects, engineers, contractors, owners, specialists/consultants and investors from 86 countries. The report aims to analyze the level of green activity, the impact of green building practices on business operations, the triggers most likely to spur further green market growth and the challenges that may impede it. Dodge Data & Analytics produced the study in partnership with Carrier, with major support by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Autodesk*, additional support from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and participation as a premier research partner by the World Green Building Council.
For more information on the overall findings, or the specific findings in Australia, China, Europe, India, Middle East/North Africa, North America, South Africa, South America/Central America/Caribbean and Southeast Asia, download the free report at https://www.construction.com/toolkit/reports/world-green-building-trends-2018.
About Dodge Data & Analytics: Dodge Data & Analytics is North America’s leading provider of analytics and software-based workflow integration solutions for the construction industry. Building product manufacturers, architects, engineers, contractors, and service providers leverage Dodge to identify and pursue unseen growth opportunities and execute on those opportunities for enhanced business performance. Whether it’s on a local, regional or national level, Dodge makes the hidden obvious, empowering its clients to better understand their markets, uncover key relationships, size growth opportunities, and pursue those opportunities with success. The company’s construction project information is the most comprehensive and verified in the industry. Dodge is leveraging its 100-year-old legacy of continuous innovation to help the industry meet the building challenges of the future. To learn more, visit www.construction.com.
Media Contact Nicole Sullivan | AFFECT Public Relations & Social Media |
+1-212-3989680, nsullivan@affectstrategies.com
Groundbreaking model for building codes helps municipalities save money, protect resources and increase the resilience, safety, and standards of living for communities across the globe
WASHINGTON, D.C. – (Nov. 8, 2018) – The 2018 International Green Construction Code (2018-IgCC) was released today by the U.S. Green Building Council(USGBC), International Code Council, ASHRAE and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). The IgCC is a model code that has wide applicability for incorporating resilient, high-performance green building strategies into building codes to improve the standards of living for people in communities across the globe.
“Our hope is that building professionals and policymakers alike adopt better, greener building strategies that help them better implement LEED and achieve higher performance in sustainability,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president, and CEO, USGBC.
“Over the last several decades, market leaders have adopted LEED and achieved higher levels of building performance and sustainability in the face of increasing global challenges,” added Ramanujam. “USGBC has led the development of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system, an unrivaled standard of living critical to providing a better quality of life for millions of people around the world. And with the 2018-IgCC, we are helping people build upon that work, as well as on the universal truth that every human being deserves to live in spaces that foster longer, healthier lives.”
When pursuing LEED certification in jurisdictions that adopt the IgCC green code, USGBC will allow project teams to be recognized in LEED for their compliance to select IgCC measures.
The 2018-IgCC update accomplishes two important tasks: 1. It will help governments streamline code development and adoption; and 2. It will improve building industry standardization by integrating two previously separate guidance documents: ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES 189.1 – Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low Rise Residential Buildings, and the Code Council’s multi-stakeholder International Green Construction Code.
The 2018-IgCC combines the technical requirements developed by the ASHRAE Standard 189.1 with the model code administrative provisions by the Code Council. As a result, the 2018-IgCC is now a unified code that emphasizes adoption, ease of use and enforcement for building projects.
“The 2018-IgCC leverages ASHRAE’s technical expertise to offer a comprehensive tool that has a direct effect on how green building strategies are implemented,” said Sheila J. Hayter, 2018-2019 ASHRAE President. “Improving energy efficiency, building performance and indoor air quality are at the core of ASHRAE’s mission and we are encouraged by the impact of this landmark model towards realizing more a sustainable future for us all.”
“Building safety codes help our communities prepare for the future,” said Dominic Sims, CEO, International Code Council. “Taking into account the latest technologies and cost-effective strategies for dealing with resource scarcity, the IgCC helps cities, states and countries build stronger, smarter, sustainably and more resiliently.”
The IgCC is a part of the Code Council’s suite of comprehensive, coordinated and contemporary model codes – including the International Building Code, International Existing Building Code, International Energy Conservation Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, and International Fire Code – and is suitable for use in building codes around the world. Many jurisdictions in the U.S. and abroad incorporate the International Codes in their building design and compliance processes to construct safe, sustainable and affordable structures.
Visit the new green building codes web page for all the latest information.
Contact:
Amanda Sawit, USGBC
202-609-7155
asawit@usgbc.org
Most of the 130 million households in this country were built before modern energy codes were established and implemented. This results in these homes suffering from problems of energy efficiency ranging from energy-intensive to a low level in the indoor thermal comfort and indoor air quality.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy launched a national program: “Home Performance with ENERGY STAR” to provide a comprehensive solution to all residents to retrofit their homes improving energy efficiency and comfort, while helping to protect the environment and enabling huge savings..
IMPORTANCE OF HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The buildings in the U.S. represent 40% of the budget of the nation’s energy and provide energy conservation will represent a huge saving. The benefits of implementing these new energy codes, is reflected in the significant reduction in consumption, cost and CO2 emissions reduction. Studies by Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) show that the current efforts of the program will result in 1.7 trillion Btu saved annually by 2030.
ENERGY AUDIT
Conducting an energy audit on your property is of great importance since it evaluates the performance of its structure and equipment as a whole-house. This assessment analyzes the flow of energy, determining leaks location, the efficiency of electrical appliances as well as indoor air quality and the possible presence of CO2 levels. This analysis will determine areas that require insulation and ductwork sealing, as well as techniques that can be implemented to improve heating and cooling systems, identifies appliances and lighting that can be replace by high-efficiency appliances such as ENERGY STAR or LED lamps.
Professional energy auditors use blower door tests to help determine a home’s air tightness. During a professional energy audit, an energy auditor analyzes your energy bills, completes visual, health and safety inspections, and may use special equipment — such as a blower door and an infrared camera — to detect sources of energy loss.
Based on the data collected, an energy audit will provide you with a comprehensive home energy report that shows which energy efficiency upgrades are best for your home and your potential energy savings. With this report you will learn how you use energy, determine where it’s being wasted and prioritize your efficiency upgrades. Making energy efficiency upgrades identified in a home energy audit can save 5-30 percent on your monthly energy bill while also ensuring the health and safety of your house.
IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING TIGHTNESS:
Airtightness is the control of airflow in a building. When a building is properly tighten leaks DO NOT occur at ceiling or wall junctions or cracks. These leaks create discomfort & energy loss. A building that solves for airtightness also protects the structure over its’ lifetime and will offer a better indoor quality.
These are some reasons for establishing the proper building tightness:
- Reducing energy consumption due to air leakage
- Avoiding moisture condensation problems reducing chance of mold formation.
- Avoiding uncomfortable drafts caused by cold air leaking in from the outdoors increasing thermal comfort.
- Determining how much mechanical ventilation might be needed to provide acceptable indoor air quality. Better performing ventilation system inside the house.
INCENTIVES AND PROGRAMS
There are numerous incentive and programs from local, state and federal agencies aiming to help residents to reduce the costs associated with energy audits, implementation of techniques. Also, financial programs that help to implement the upgrades on the property with 0 down payment and 100% financing.
By: Maria M Hernandez
Building Analyst, LEED AP, CGC
As we reflect on all the natural challenges we face as a Nation in 2017, especially the impact of Hurricane Irma in Florida, there are many questions we should ask ourselves at the beginning of this New Year:
1) Is my property fortify enough to face extreme weather events and ready to protect my loved ones?
2) What economic consequences will Irma bring to our 2018 budget?
3) What is the value of my property after Irma?
To answer these questions, it is important to highlight that 2017, will be remembered as the costliest and most destructive season in the history of the United States, leaving $ 368.66 billion (USD) in losses and 25.8 million people impacted and still recovering due to hurricanes Harvey, Maria and Irma. As a result of the damages caused by Irma in South Florida, homeowners will see a 10% increase in property insurance.
Fortifying your homes this year, will be your best resolution. After having inspected hundreds of houses impacted by Hurricane Irma in different counties of Florida, I was able to observed their deficiencies that compromised its integrity when facing extreme weather conditions. That is why I would like to share with you my experiences and lessons learned, with the purpose that you can identify the vulnerable areas in your properties and carry out the necessary transformations to make them stronger and safer to face future Natural disasters. These are the most important observations:
ROOF: All the roofs observed were old with missing shingles or cracked tiles, without roof straps or second water barriers. This caused structural damage, water intrusion, indoor damage, mold and mildew buildup poor indoor air quality compromising habitability conditions.
One of the best resolutions you can make in 2018 is to install a new roof. A new roof will bring you peace of mind knowing that your family will be safer and healthier. Also, you will save a lot of money in costly repairs, insurance payment and electrical bill adding value to the property,
WINDOWS: All the properties I inspected had single pane windows without any kind of protection. As consequence, some windows blew up during the hurricane exposing the property to a bigger damage. Also, I was able to see water infiltration through the windows and doors by the wind-driven rain causing a lot of water damage in the interior.
Installing high performance windows and doors would be a smart resolution for safety and also for savings. Windows and doors will protect your home during hurricane and will save you money by lowering your utility bill, and the insurance payment. Also that will improve the indoor air quality by eliminating condensation and humidity problems.
ELECTRICITY: Approximately 12 million of people in Florida were left in the dark in the aftermath of hurricane Irma. All the homes I went to, had power outages from 1 to 30 days. This interruption caused a lot of food and medicine to be damaged, air conditioning failures as well as indoor water damage in flooring and drywall as result of defrosted refrigerators.
To avoid this from happening in the future, consider buying a solar generator or even better, the installation of solar panels and a battery storage that will allow you to use power from the solar panels without being connected to the grid.
2018 will be, without a doubt, the year to build stronger properties and to fortify existing ones by implementing high-performance strategies that goes beyond the minimum codes required in construction. After all we learned from Irma, it is my hope that more people understand the importance of transforming their properties in 2018, not only to make them safer and healthier, but also to reduce the expenses associated with maintenance, insurance and electricity consumption, increasing as consequence its market value. The time to start, is now, many implementations take months to complete.
We are ready to help you from consultation to the complete transformation of your property including financing. For more information, please send me an email to info@HHDCgreen.com
By Maria Mercedes Hernandez
LEED AP ID +C / General Contractor/ Building Analyst
The Atlantic Hurricane season, officially begins (June 1st), and will end on November 30th, 2016. “The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting an above-normal 2017 Hurricane Season, with five to nine hurricanes — two to four of them Category 3 (winds at least 111 mph) or stronger. The forecast calls for 11 to 17 tropical systems (winds a least 39 mph).”
Nearly twelve years ago (2005), hurricane Wilma, was the last hurricane to strike South Florida making landfall near Naples. Wilma storm surge swept the coastal areas and high winds leashed Broward County for almost five hours leaving significant damage to residential and commercial buildings. Power outage was reported by Florida Power and Light (FPL) on more than 3,241,000 customers. Some areas in Weston were without power for 2–3 weeks after the storm hit. The damage in Florida totaled $20.6 billion. Wilma was the costliest hurricane in the state of Florida since Hurricane Andrew (1992) and is ranked as the fifth costliest storm in United States history.
Since then, more than three millions of people had moved to the Sunshine state, fortunately they had not gone troughs the experience of a major hurricane impact and its devastating consequences. But, their lack of awareness and knowledge of the risk and challenges associated to the hurricane season could represent a great burden if hurricane strikes and they don’t prepare.
Knowledge is power; by knowing your vulnerabilities, your property deficiencies, your community action plan, you can mitigate the effect of a hurricane disaster. Here, I share with you some vital information and tips on how to prepare:
COLLECT INFORMATION: Gather all the important documents store it on your computer or the clouds or thumb drive. Make sure to have original documentation stored in a waterproof container.
- Household information: summary of personal information for your household. In the event of an emergency or if you are incapacitated, this information will help others get in touch with your family
- Legal documents: Birth certificate, adoption papers, marriage license, divorce papers, social security, passports, green card, will, Power of attorney.
- Property documents: Mortgage or real estate deeds of trust, property tax, Flood Insurance, Homeowners insurance, content insurance, property appraisal, pictures of your house and content.
- Vehicle information: lease contract, car insurance, registration, ownership papers.
- Financial information: Investment accounts, bank statements, credit card statements, retirement accounts, etc.
- Tax statements: previous year information.
- Medical information: health insurance, list of necessary medications, disability documentation, living will, etc.
- Other important documents: Military ID, alimony, child support, government benefits etc.
MAKE A PLAN: Make sure your family has a plan before disaster strikes. It’s important that you write all the information on how to get in contact with each other, where will you go and what will you do in case of emergency. Include information about the different places you frequent and their emergency plans. Find out which are the emergency shelters open in your area and the evacuation routes. Contact a family or friend out of state and arrange your stay in case you have to be evacuated from the disaster zone. Very important to include in your plan the special attention to people with disabilities, Childbirth, Infant Feeding and don’t forget your pets!
PREPARE A KIT: Prepare two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and other one small on your vehicle. Just collect the basic items your household may need in case of a disaster.
- Documents: get all the documents previously collect, camera, local maps and cash.
- Food and water: One gallon of water per person per day, nonperishable food, three day supply, can opener.
- First Aid Kit: with all the basic and also include antibacterial, prescription medicine, hand wash.
- Emergency articles: battery or solar flashlight, radio and fan, waterproof matches, dust masks, zip-lock bags, batteries, emergency whistle, instant charger for cellphones and laptops.
- Personal articles: change of clothing, hygiene items, sleeping bags.
- Others: activities for children, infant formula, diapers.
PREPARE YOUR HOME: You can take some precautions to mitigate the impact of hurricane forces, but keep in mind that this won’t make it hurricane-proof, nor do these measures guarantee your safety.
- Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
- Trim trees and shrubs around your home. I recommend doing it with a professional.
- Clean rain gutters and downspouts.
- Turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
- Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water for sanitary purpose.
- Reinforce your garage doors and roof structure. I recommend doing it with a professional.
- Turn off propane tanks. Bring the furniture inside and garbage cans.
- Install generator or consider a solar generator.
- Retrofit your home to make it more climate change resilient.
PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT: One of the things we don’t consider before the hurricane strikes is the protection of the environment. Natural disasters generate tons of debris and produce hazard to the environment; we should not add an extra burden to these already extreme conditions. Check with your city to see if they have waste management options before the hurricane. You can implement practices to reduce the negative impact by paying attention to all the household hazardous waste in your home.
- Keep all the chemicals like paints, cleaning products, pesticides, and drain cleaner in a proper container. Start buying green products.
- Dispose paints, motor oil, and gasoline in a drop off locations.
- Never throw needles, batteries, light bulbs directly into the trash.
GET INFORM: Public safety officials use reliable systems to alert you and your family in the event of natural disasters. Many communities also offer emergency alert notifications through their own systems.
- Register on CODE RED: this Is a high speed telephone communication service for emergency notifications with instructions for action. For Weston residents go to westonfl.org
- Consider purchasing a NOAA weather radio receiver. Broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Go to FEMA web site: ready.gov
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BROWARD AND WESTON RESIDENTS:
- Special need shelter registration: (954)357-6385
- Elderly, disabled population registry: (954)831-4000
- Pet- friendly hurricane shelter: (954)989-3725
- Broward County Hurricane Hotline: 3-1-1
- Broward Household waste disposal: (954)765-4999
- FEMA: 1-800-342-3557 fema.gov www.ready.gov
- Power Outage Reporting: 1-800-468-8243
- Red Cross: Mass Care Shelters are operated by the American Red Cross. redcross.org
- Shelter for Weston: Falcon Cove Middle School, 4251 Bonaventure Blvd., Weston.
We have been fortunate that no hurricanes have come our way, but as a disaster Inspector and Weston CERT, I want to I encourage you to be ready. Florida is long overdue, don’t let hurricane season catch you off guard.
Also, the time is now to start planning to retrofit your property and make it more resilient to hurricanes and climate change. Prepare, be ready, Be safe! For information on how to retrofit your property or how to prepare for hurricane season, send an email to floridaleedap@gmail.com
THE TIME IS NOW, GET READY!
By: Maria M Hernandez, Disaster Inspector, CGC / LEED AP, Weston CERT
Ciudad Weston Newspaper
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