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Storm Preparedness

June 1 marks the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season. While Sea Colony has never experienced a direct hurricane hit, its coastal location makes it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of tropical systems, such as flooding and strong winds.

Strong Winds/Rain

Please be advised that in strong winds/rain conditions all balcony and deck furniture must be secured, patio umbrellas taken down, stack tables and chairs, and flip glass table tops over if possible. If you are parked in spaces near the tennis courts/pond areas closest to Annapolis, Brandywine, Chesapeake and Dover Houses, please monitor for possible flooding. Cars may be relocated to the overflow lot on the west side of Coastal Highway. Please take caution while walking on the walkways as they may be slippery when wet.

In the event of strong winds, a rip current warning may be issued. Use caution when

Tropical Storm/Hurricane

If a tropical storm or hurricane develops, we will begin a system of email, Facebook, and app notifications to all owners of the potential threat. As the system moves and progresses, we will continue with such notifications regularly.
 

  • If a storm may threaten our immediate area – based on Federal, State, and Local Emergency Management officials and directives - we will begin preparing the property for the potential threat. This will include securing all common area property and equipment.

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  • If an imminent strike is forecasted for our area, we will begin further preparations to secure the entire property.

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  • If an imminent strike is forecasted and local officials issue evacuation orders, please know that the following applies:

    • ​Voluntary Evacuation – this order is given when ALL NON-PERMANENT RESIDENTS are asked to leave the area, and permanent residents may choose to leave at this time. All short-term rental guests would be asked to leave if this order is given. The timetable to vacate the property may be a short window of time to leave, so guests should be prepared to gather all of their belongings and vacate the property.

    • Mandatory Evacuation – this order is given when EVERYONE is ordered to leave the area, and no one is allowed to come into the area. Once a mandatory evacuation is issued, staff will begin to lock down the property, shut off elevators, shut off utilities, and then vacate the property.

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  • If direct landfall hits or there is significant property damage, please know that there will be restrictions in place by Emergency Management officials as to when re-entry to the area can occur and for who may re-enter the area. Once personnel can gain entry to the areas, information will be provided as soon as possible. We will make our best attempts to notify owners of the current status of the property and units; however, please keep in mind that if
    there are significant damages, our first priority will be to secure the property and minimize the potential of any further damages, so we may not be able to provide individual owners with information on their specific unit for several days.

 

Now is also an excellent time to review your insurance policies and coverages to ensure that you have the proper coverages needed in the event of storm or water damage to the inside of your unit or your contents.

Preparing for a Hurricane or Other Tropical Storm

Tips provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  1. Make a Plan.

    • Write down emergency phone numbers and keep them on the refrigerator or near every phone in your house. Program them into your cell phone too.

    • Prepare an emergency supply kit.

    • Locate the nearest shelter and different routes you can take to get there from your home. If shelter locations in your area have not been identified, learn how to find them in the event of a storm.

    • Pet owners: Pre-identify shelters, a pet-friendly hotel, or an out-of-town friend or relative where you can take your pets in an evacuation. Local animal shelters may be able to offer advice on what to do with your pets if you are asked to evacuate your home.

  2. Gather Emergency Supplies.

    • During and after a hurricane, you may need supplies to keep your family safe and healthy. Remember that a hurricane could cut off your power and water supply. You also may not be able to drive because of damage to your car. Roads may be flooded or blocked.

    • That’s why it’s best to be prepared—stock up on everything you might need now. Be sure to prepare the following:

    • An emergency food and water supply.

    • An emergency medicine supply.

    • Emergency power sources such as flashlights (don’t forget extra batteries).

    • Safety and personal items.

    • Important documents, including medical documents, wills, passports, and personal identification.

    • A fire extinguisher. Make sure your family knows where to find it and how to use it! Read the National Fire Protection Association’s tips for using fire extinguishers.

  3. Know the difference between a hurricane “watch” and “warning.”

    • ​Listen for National Weather Service alerts on TV or radio or check for them online. There are two kinds of alerts:

      • A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 miles per hour [mph] 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.

    • For more information about hurricane watches and warnings, check out the National Weather Service’s Hurricane Center. If you hear that there is a hurricane watch or warning in your area, you can take steps to get ready.

  4. Get your car ready.

    • Make sure your car is ready before the storm hits.

    • Fill your car’s gas tank.

    • Move vehicles into a garage or under cover if possible.

    • Always keep an emergency kit in your car.

    • Visit Ready.gov for information on how to prepare your car and what to include in your kit.

    • If you don’t own a car, consider making plans with friends or family or call authorities to get a ride if you need to evacuate.

  5. Get your family and pets ready.

    • Go over your emergency plan with your family.

    • Keep checking for updates about the storm. Watch TV, listen to the radio, or check online.

    • Call the hospital, public health department, or the police about special needs. If you or a loved one is older or disabled and won’t be able to leave quickly, get advice on what to do.

    • Put pets in a safe place. Read more about pet safety during an emergency.

  6. Get your home ready.

    • Clear your area. Make sure there’s nothing that could blow around during the storm and damage your unit. Move bikes, lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks inside or under shelter.

    • Be ready to turn off your power. If you see flooding, downed power lines, or you have to leave your home, switch your power off.

    • Fill clean water containers with drinking water. You’ll want to do this in case you lose your water supply during the storm. You can also fill up your sinks and bathtubs with water for washing.

    • Check your carbon monoxide (CO) detector’s battery to prevent CO poisoning

  7. Be ready to evacuate or stay at home.

    • ​Always listen to authorities regarding whether you should evacuate or stay at home.

    • If a hurricane is coming, you may hear an order from authorities to evacuate (leave your home). Never ignore an order to evacuate. Even sturdy, well-built houses may not hold up against a hurricane. Staying home to protect your property is not worth risking your health and safety.

    • You may hear an order to stay at home. If driving conditions are dangerous, staying at home might be safer than leaving.

  8. If you need to evacuate:

    • Grab your emergency supply kit and only take what you really need with you (cell phone, chargers, medicines, identification like a passport or license, and cash).

    • Unplug your appliances. If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water.

    • Follow the roads that emergency workers recommend even if there’s traffic. Other routes might be blocked or flooded. Never drive through flooded areas—cars and other vehicles can be swept away or may stall in just 6 inches of moving water.

    • Contact your local emergency management office and ask if they offer accommodations for owners and their pets. Learn more about evacuating with your pet.

  9. If you need to stay home:

    • Keep your emergency supply kit in a place you can easily access.

    • Listen to the radio or TV for updates on the hurricane.

    • Stay inside. Even if it looks calm, don’t go outside. Wait until you hear or see an official message that the hurricane is over. Sometimes, weather gets calm in the middle of a storm but then quickly gets bad again.

    • Stay away from windows—you could get hurt by pieces of broken glass or flying debris during a storm. Stay in a room with no windows, or go inside a closet.

    • Be ready to leave. If emergency authorities order you to leave or if your home is damaged, you may need to go to a shelter or a neighbor’s house.

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