Hurricane Season

It's not always a case of sunny skies over the Sunshine State. Annually the official dates of hurricane season run from June 1 through November 30. However, it's important to note that hurricanes and tropical storms can form outside of the typical season; for instance, in 2016 the first hurricane formed in January. This highlights the need for Orchid residents to be ready with proper storm preparation year round.

Stay Informed with Indian River County's Emergency Notification System

The Indian River County Emergency Management team will endeavor to keep you informed before, during and after a storm event. Staying abreast of storm activity ensures you are in the best position to be prepared to implement your storm plan. If an event appears to impact Indian River County or our surrounding counties, an alert is sent to subscribers of the County's Emergency Notification System. You are urged to sign up for emergency alerts. Once you have a profile, be sure to check it annually to update any changed contact information. 

Preparing for Hurricane Season and Storm Impacts

Following are three important steps pertaining to the preparation for hurricane season and response to anticipated storm impacts in a manner to ensure you and your family's safety. 

Step 1. Make a plan: Make a list of all the things you need to take or check in case of evacuation; such as unplugging appliances, stowing outdoor furniture, putting up shutters, fueling the car, obtaining supplies, etc. Include a list of emergency phone numbers; these can also be useful to keep on the refrigerator, in case power is lost. Familiarize yourself with different evacuation routes and options for sheltering. Check that your fire extinguisher is current and that everyone in your home knows how to use it. Freeze a container of water, then place a penny on it in the freezer; this will indicate to you upon your return if the power was off for a long enough time to thaw your frozen items while you were away from home during a storm. 

Step 2. Have a kit: This is a “go kit” that consists of a container that is ready to grab and go should the need suddenly arise. This kit should include medical and first aid supplies, non-perishable food and water, power sources (such as a charged power bank for your cell phone with a charger cable and batteries for flashlights), and any other supplies you may need on the road. Evacuation orders can lead to long periods of slow-moving traffic and it's important to stay hydrated and have access to food and medicine while away from home. If you have pets, remember to include supplies for them in your kit as well. 

Step 3. Stay informed: Sign up for Indian River County's Emergency Management Alert System to receive alerts about dangerous impacts anticipated in the local area. One of the best ways to stay informed is with a NOAA weather radio. These can be set up so only a small area of the county, the entire county or a portion of the state will set off an alarm when imminent severe weather occurs. This alert service is an excellent way to get timely relevant information from the Emergency Management office regarding local impacts. The Town of Orchid is sensitively located on the barrier island and evacuation orders for the area are not uncommon due to the heightened danger of high winds on bridge crossings. Keep informed regarding evacuation orders as these are issued.

To contact Indian River County's Emergency Management for more information, call: (772) 567-2154.

Make Sure You Have The Right Insurance Coverage

Long before alerts may be sent out regarding tropical storm activity, it's important to check that your insurance policies include exactly the coverage you need. Hurricanes bring a variety of hazards, such as wind damage, flooding, storm surge, etc. However, specific "hurricane coverage" does not exist. A standard policy often doesn't include coverage for damage from wind-driven waters, storm surge, or flooding. A combination of different policies, such as homeowners, flood, and windstorm insurance, may be necessary to achieve sufficient coverage for your barrier island property in Orchid. Your insurance agent will be able to assist you in double-checking your current coverage. 

For flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program it is important to be aware that there is a waiting period. By the time it is known that an area is at risk of flooding by an identified tropical storm or hurricane, it is likely too late to gain timely coverage through the program. 

It's prudent to double-check that your auto insurance policy includes coverage for damage that may be incurred during a storm, such as due to flooding, tree fall or flying debris. 

Keep all insurance paperwork with other important documents in a location where it is easily taken with you in the case of evacuation. You should also keep documentation of your possessions, such as an inventory with receipts and photographs. Taking video of every room prior to evacuation is helpful in making a post-storm insurance claim. 

The Difference between a Hurricane Watch and Warning

There are two kinds of alerts and it's important to understand the difference:

• A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher) are possible in a stated area. Experts announce hurricane watches 48 hours before they expect tropical-storm-force winds (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) to start.
• A hurricane warning is more serious. It means hurricane-force winds are expected in a stated area. Experts issue these warnings 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected in the area to give people enough time to prepare for the storm.

Summer Construction Work in Orchid

Though many residents are not local in the summer months, much activity takes place in the Town from June to September as this is often the busiest time of year for construction projects. It's important that residents and construction companies are aware of the following safety tips pertaining to tropical storms and hurricanes. ​The building department urges everyone to think ahead and be ready to prepare for the worst. 

Safety advice:

• Clear job sites of trash and debris
• Empty dumpsters
• Remove portable toilets and trailers
• Remove construction materials off-site
• Don't schedule materials for delivery during storm warning periods
• Secure the job site; brace any unstable construction
• Ensure Town Staff has up-to-date contact information for all contractors and sub-contractors

There will be no inspections, construction, or delivery of materials during storm warning periods. Please contact the Building Department at (772) 581-2770 with any questions or if you observe an unsecured job-site in advance of a storm.​

What's in a Name? Naming Hurricanes

Tropical storms and hurricanes are named annually in alphabetical order. The names are always chosen in advance and include both traditionally male and female names. These can be helpful from a communication standpoint, especially when there is more than on disturbance in the Atlantic basin. Tropical depressions aren't named, but do receive numbers.