John Knox Village

With the beginning of Hurricane Season (officially on June 1), John Knox Village has plans in place for residents and employees just in case of a tropical storm or hurricane. One of the benefits our residents enjoy is knowing that they will not have to face a potential natural disaster alone.

The Village’s disaster plan has received applause from the Broward County Emergency Management Program. To begin, specific employees have volunteered to serve as Hurricane Coordinators and Building Supervisors. Each coordinator is assigned to a designated area within The Village and will work with Resident Senators to maintain lines of communication.

If there happens to be a tropical disturbance that may be heading toward South Florida, JKV President and CEO Robert Scharmann and Senior Management will host resident meetings to keep everyone informed of necessary precautions and preparations.

However, it is never too late to stock up on emergency items. Here is a list of suggested items to have available:

• Two flashlights and/or battery operated hurricane lanterns with extra batteries. Candles, oil lamps and sterno should NOT be used, due to the risk of fire
• Battery power radio and/or TV with extra batteries
• At least a 10-day supply of water (three gallons per day) for drinking, personal hygiene and possibly cooking
• Store at least a 10-day supply of non-perishable food that can be eaten without heating or cooking. Examples include: broth; cans of soup, fruit or vegetables; cereal, whole grain bread or breadsticks; rice and popcorn cakes; crackers; canned meat, such as tuna, chicken, turkey, salmon, sardines or chili with meat or beans; and even dried fruits. Also, fruit juice, fruit cups, sports drinks and any other bottled beverages are recommended.
• High energy foods, such as peanut butter, nuts, jelly and low sodium crackers
• Quick energy snacks/comfort foods – trail mix, granola, fruit bars, energy bars and cookies
• No frozen or refrigerated food or raw meat – remember there may be no refrigeration due to lack of power.
• Special dietary needs – nutritional supplement drinks and low sodium food
• Make sure your prescriptions are filled so you will have them available – pharmacy may not have power after a storm.

There is more helpful information located on the National Hurricane Center’s Website (www.nhc.noaa.gov).

Each one of our residents should have completed and submitted their 2012 Hurricane Relocation Survey. If a hurricane is projected to be a Category 2 or above, our villa residents are required to evacuate to a safe location. Your survey will ask where you will be staying in case this occurs.

If you have not yet submitted your form or need a blank one, please contact our Director of Human Resources, Francine Priddy, at (954) 783-4071.

“Protecting the lives of approximately 950 residents and 650 employees during a hurricane emergency and its aftermath is an enormous task that only can be carried out with your participation. Thank you in advance for your cooperation,” Francine said.

External Website Links

The following website links are made available for your information. When you click the links below a new window or tab will open in your web browser.

NOAA.GOV

Hurricane - Atlantic Satellite

Satellite - Visible