Featured Article: Florida Hurricane Preparedness week
Hurricane Season: June 1 to November 30
It's time to start getting hurricane ready here in Florida. I know, you're probably thinking but we're half way through hurricane season, Why get ready now? Well, you are correct you should have already been hurricane ready but if you are not, there is no better time than the present.
This Hurricane season has been fairly quiet in Florida to date. However, that is on schedule for a typical hurricane season. Pre August storms and hurricanes are not a predictor for the rest of the season.
As others are celebrating the return of Fall we Floridians are getting Hurricane ready.
Many of us native floridians are very familiar with Hurricanes and what we need to do to be prepared, as we have lived through a number of them. However, for those of you new to florida and hurricanes or anyone who needs a refresher here on some tips for staying prepared and up to date on Hurricanes affecting your area.
1. Make a Plan
Write down emergency phone numbers and keep them in a easy to locate place. Also, store them in your cell phone. Identify and locate the nearest shelters. If you are a pet owner make sure you have identified a pet friendly shelter, pet hotel or out of town relative that can care for your pet if you are asked to evactuate.
2. Emergency food and Water Supply
Make sure you have a supply of water and non perishable food items in case a hurricane hits. Even though there is some notice before the storm bottles water supplies at the stores run out fast. Once the storm hits it can take days or weeks to get enough water and food into affected cities. So go ahead and grab and extra couple items nect time you are at the grocery store.
3. Emergency Medical Supplies
Make sure you have an up to date first aid kits. If you have daily medications you take make sure you have refilled your presriptions if a hurricane is predicted to hit your area.
4. Emergency Power Supplies
Make sure you have flashlights and batteries available. If you have a generator that is operated by gasoline make sure you have enough before the storms gets too close. As storms get closer gasoline supplies get limited very quickly.
5. Importand documents
Locate important documents like personal identification, passports, wills, and medical document and keep them in a safe place.
6. Fire Extinguisher
Make sure your family knows where to find the fire extinguisher and how to use it!
Know the difference between a hurricane “watch” and “warning.”
- 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.
As Florida faces the annual threat of hurricanes, preparedness becomes a critical aspect of safeguarding lives and property. By creating a family emergency plan, assembling an emergency kit, securing your home, and staying informed, you can significantly reduce the impact of these powerful storms. Remember, proactive measures taken before the hurricane season begins can make all the difference in ensuring the safety and well-being of you and your loved ones.
Stay safe and stay informed with up to date information from the National Hurricane Center www.nhc.noaa.gov
National Preparedness Week and Florida Preparedness Week are observed every May to educate families and communities on the importance of disaster mitigation, preparedness and response. This year’s hurricane preparedness week falls on May 6-11 and the Division will be posting different vital preparedness information every day on social media.
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