3 minute read
FINANCIAL CHECKLIST HURRICANE
Online & Mobile Banking
Bank anytime, anywhere. Manage your account 24/7 with Mobile Deposit, Direct Deposit, Bill Pay, person-to-person and bank-to-bank transfers. Log in or enroll today on our KeysBank Mobile App or at KeysBank.com.
Debit Cards
Use your debit card for quick cash access when banks are closed or if you have to evacuate. FSB does not charge a fee for using your debit card at any ATM* or Publix Presto! ATMs. You can also get cash back with purchases at many businesses. Instant Issue debit cards are available at all Keyswide locations.
Emergency Cash & Checkbook
Electronic means of payments may not be available if there is a power failure. Be sure to have cash and your checkbook on hand for purchases.
Secure Important Documents
Make copies of your insurance papers, Social Security cards, birth certificates, mortgages, and other important documents. Originals can be stored in a First State Bank Safe Deposit Box.**
Hurricane Loans & Credit Cards
A Mortgage, Home Equity Line of Credit, or Personal Loan can provide money on hand to prepare and, if necessary, recover quickly from a hurricane. We also offer personal and business credit cards. Apply online at KeysBank.com.
Download the KeysBank Mobile App for access to your account 24/7
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p.8 Here’s the plan
All the info you’ll need before, during & after a storm p. 12 Know when to leave Keyswide evacuation zones p. 16 Get ready Prep for pregnant women, babies and pets p.18 Reentry Get your stickers now at these locations p.20 Need a ride? Evacuation resources p. 22 Give me shelter Locations and rules p. 26 Check it twice Hurricane supply checklist p.30 Let’s get digital Track the storm with weather apps p. 32 What’s in a name? List of 2023 storm names p.34 It’s electric Tips from the power pros p.36 Storm surge Look out and stay alert p.38 Trash it But do it correctly p.46 Listen to locals
They’ve seen it all before
Publisher Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com
Managing Partner Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com
Creative Director Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com
Editor Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com
Art/Design Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com
Sta Writers Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com
Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com
Copy Editor Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com
Director of Sales
Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com
Account Executives
Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com
Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com
Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com
Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com
Art/Design
Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com
Web Master Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com
Executive Administrator Char Hruska char@keysweekly.com
Contributors
Kellie Butler Farrell
Brad Bertelli Mark Hedden
Digital Support Overseas Media Group
Middle Keys office 9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL. 33050 P. 305.743.0844
Lower Keys office 5450 MacDonald Ave. No. 5 Key West, FL. 33040 P. 305.453.6928
Upper Keys office 91760 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070 P. 305.363.2957
As we start another hurricane season, it is tough to forget the long-lasting impacts hurricanes can cause in the Florida Keys. We’ve experienced them far too many times, with the last being Hurricane Irma in 2017. However, the connection that we all share here in the Middle Keys shows a strong commitment to helping everyone get back to some type of normal living when these unfortunate disasters strike in our beautiful city known as Marathon. As we continue to work towards a stronger, more protected and more prepared community for any future storms, it is important to use our lessons from all previous hurricanes to ensure our way of life here in Marathon.
The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season will officially begin on June 1, 2023 and end on November 30, 2023. These dates are historically adopted by convention and describe the period each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. However, tropical cyclogenesis is possible at any time of the year. The city of Marathon will be watching all threats to our jurisdiction and will keep every resident and visitor up-to-date with the most current forecast so that everyone can make an educated decision to keep their family and property safe.
Every year, the National Weather Service improves their ability to forecast the weather, which will ensure you have plenty of time to prepare. Monroe County Emergency Management manages re-entry back into the Keys. Please follow their requirements to be able to receive your re-entry identification. We all want our residents to return as soon as possible and be safe when they arrive. There have been several areas of improvement to ensure that the next time we have to evacuate the Keys, a more organized process will be in place to make it a smooth operation.
The city council wants everyone to be smart, prepare and follow the suggestions outlined in this Hurricane Guide to keep your families safe. Water, food, phone chargers, fuel and possible evacuation plans are minimum precautions. We all hope and pray for the safety of our city residents and visitors during this hurricane season. The city council and city staff are here for you and we wish everyone a safe hurricane season.
City of Marathon
9805 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050 T. 305.743.0033
By Jim McCarthy
Every storm brings lessons for the areas in the bullseye to the places less devastated but noticeably affected by the outer bands. Hurricane Ian was no different, as the Category 4 storm brought unimaginable storm surge and destruction to Florida’s southwestern coast last September.
Ian rolled over the southwestern coast of Cuba on Sept. 27, 2022 as a Category 3 storm. Skirting up the Gulf of Mexico, Ian gained steam over the warm waters as maximum sustained winds reached 150 mph — just shy of a Category 5 storm.
