Florida’s beautiful climate and natural attractions make it a popular destination. However, it’s essential to remember that the state is prone to severe weather events, including hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, and tornadoes.
Understanding Hurricane Threats:
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Storm Surge: Florida’s coastline is particularly vulnerable. A storm surge is a dangerous rise in seawater that floods coastal areas. Storm surge can be even more destructive than the powerful winds of a hurricane. Knowing your evacuation zone is crucial. Pay close attention to instructions from local officials and emergency management agencies. They will order evacuations based on the predicted storm surge height and the at-risk areas.
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Damaging Winds: Hurricanes bring powerful winds that can cause widespread damage. Hurricanes are categorized by their wind speed, with Category 1 being the least destructive and Category 5 the most. Even weaker hurricanes can cause significant damage to roofs, trees, power lines, and buildings. Secure your home with hurricane shutters or plywood to protect windows and doors from windborne debris. Trim trees and shrubs around your property to minimize the risk of falling branches damaging your home or injuring people.
Understanding Alerts:
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Tropical Storm Watch/Warning: These indicate potential or expected tropical storm conditions (winds 39-73 mph) within 48 or 36 hours, respectively. A watch means there’s a chance the storm could bring tropical storm conditions to your area. A warning means tropical storm conditions are expected within the next 36 hours. Prepare your hurricane kit and evacuation plan during a watch or warning.
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Hurricane Watch/Warning: Similar to tropical storms, but for hurricane conditions (winds 74 mph or greater). A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible within your area in the next 48 hours. A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected within the next 36 hours. Evacuate if instructed by officials during a hurricane watch or warning. Don’t wait until the last minute to leave.
Stay Informed:
- National Hurricane Center (NHC): Your trusted source for the latest forecasts and advisories: Bookmark the NHC website and check it frequently for updates on the storm’s track, intensity, and potential impacts to Florida.
- Local News and Emergency Management: Monitor local news stations, websites, and social media for updates specific to your area, including evacuation zones, shelter locations, and road closures. Local news outlets will have reporters providing real-time information about the storm’s impact on your community.
Florida Hurricane Kit Essentials:
- Non-perishable food and water (3+ days): Plan for power outages and potential disruptions to supply chains. Stock your hurricane kit with enough non-perishable food and bottled water to last at least three days for everyone in your household. Don’t forget about any dietary restrictions or pet food.
- First-aid kit and medications: Ensure you have enough for everyone in your household, including any prescription medications.
- Flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio: Stay informed and prepared for power outages. Include extra batteries in your hurricane kit.
- Cash and important documents: ATMs may not be accessible during or after the storm, and you may need identification for shelters. Keep important documents like passports, insurance papers, and shot records in a waterproof container.
- Hurricane shutters or plywood: Protect your windows from wind and projectiles. If you don’t have hurricane shutters, boarding up your windows with plywood is an alternative.
Securing Your Home:
- Cover windows with shutters or plywood.
- Trim trees and shrubs around your property. Loose branches can become dangerous projectiles in high winds.
- Reinforce garage doors.
- Bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, and anything loose. Patio furniture, grills, trash cans, and other loose objects can become dangerous projectiles in hurricane winds. Bring them inside your garage or shed, or secure them to the ground.
Power Outages:
- Fill your car’s gas tank early. Gas stations may run out of fuel during a hurricane as people rush to fill up. Having a full tank of gas will ensure you can evacuate if necessary or run a generator for power.
- Have extra cash on hand. ATMs may not be accessible after the storm due to power outages or damage.
- Charge your cell phone and use it sparingly during a power outage. Communication is critical during and after a hurricane. Reserve your phone battery for essential calls and texts.
- Prepare for the heat: Fill bathtubs and large containers with water for non-drinking purposes such as flushing toilets or washing. Consider having a cooler with ice packs ready to keep medications cold and food chilled.
Remember:
Follow official evacuation orders. Don’t wait until the last minute to evacuate. If you are ordered to