One Dozen Hurricane Season Tips

1.                  Following a power outage, unplug all your large appliances and electronics to prevent power surges when electricity is restored, which can often damage equipment and create fire hazards.

2.                  Remember the “three don’ts” when using generators:  DON’T run a generator in the house; DON’T run a generator in the garage; and, DON’T plug the generator directly into your home’s main electrical system. The first two can lead to asphyxiation and the third can send an electrical charge back into the power grid, posing an electrocution hazard to utility workers. DO run the generator outside in a well-ventilated area and DO plug individual appliances directly into the generator.

3.                  If your home is flooded, turn off your electrical power until a professional inspects it thoroughly.

4.                  If you smell gas evacuate immediately and contact your gas company’s emergency phone number.

5.                  Make sure you have current identification. You might have to pass through identification check points before being allowed access to your home or neighborhood.

6.                  After the storm, check to see if your home’s weatherhead is damaged – it is located above the electric meter where the wires come out of the pipe. Utility workers cannot reconnect service if this piece of equipment – which is the homeowner’s responsibility – is damaged. If your weatherhead needs repair, please contact a licensed electrician.

7.                  Utilities often cannot respond to individual customers with special needs during or immediately after a storm. When warned of an incoming storm, have a plan in place for evacuating people with special needs. Know the location of special needs shelters in case you are unable to evacuate. If you or someone in your family has special electrical medical equipment needs, notify your electric utility prior to a storm’s arrival.

8.                  Visit www.FloridaDisaster.org to determine your hurricane evacuation route.

9.                  Capture water in your water heater by turning off power to the unit and closing the water valves. If you lose water pressure, you will have about 40 gallons of fresh water stored in the tank. Store additional water in your bathtub and fill the washing machine with water. This water supply can be used for cleaning or to operate your toilets.

10.              Clear your patio and yard of lawn furniture, toys, potted plants, and other debris that can blow around in high winds, causing damage or injury. Bring these items indoors or place them in a garage.

11.              Prior to the storm, identify the places around your home where you can shut off your gas, water and electricity. In an emergency, you might need to turn them off quickly.

SUBJECT: MODIFIED PHASE III WATER SHORTAGE ORDER NUMBER 12-0005
(Effective June 13, 2012)

As you are aware, rainfall, lake levels, groundwater levels, spring flows, and stream flows are
extremely low. The US Drought Monitor classifies the vast majority of the District as being in
an exceptional drought.

Please be advised that the Suwannee River Water Management District has issued a Modified
Phase I II Water Shortage Order to reduce demands on available supplies. Water shortage
restrictions are a demand management tool that is used to address short term hydrological
conditions.

Please view the Modified Phase III Water Shortage Order to determine the conservation effects
on your water use permit on our website at www.mysuwanneeriver.comlWaterShortage.or call
the District at 1.800.226.1066 during normal business hours or 386.362.0452 (24-hour water
shortage information line).