Hurricane Season on the Suncoast – the Calm Before the Storm?
While the heat is sweltering, the hurricane season in Florida is unseasonably calm. Hurricane season traditionally runs from June 1 to November 30, with September 10 being the middle/peak point in the season. Just because there has not been a ton of activity this year, that doesn’t mean that the Suncoast can sit back in the air conditioning and not prepare. Currently, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is currently predicting (as of August 10, 2023) 14 to 21 named storms this year with winds exceeding 39 mph, and 6 to 11 of those becoming major hurricanes. As we don’t know where storms will hit, being always prepared is vital.
Checklist for the basics when preparing for a hurricane season (NOTE: not intended to be exhaustive, but rather a good starting point for your preparation):
- A minimum three-day supply of medications and supplies is necessary to administer.
- Contact lens solution, glasses and/or hearing aids, and extra batteries.
- A clear identification band, necklace, or item on your person with allergies and family-member contact numbers.
- All important documents (birth certificates, social security cards, insurance cards, and such) are in a plastic sealable bag.
- Cash-tellers, electricity, and even banks might be shut down just prior to and after a hurricane, so cash should be kept on hand to get critical needs met after a hurricane.
- A fully stocked first-aid kit.
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables.
- Canned juices
- Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
- High energy foods
- Vitamins
- Food for infants
- Comfort/stress foods
- Store one gallon of water per person per day in a nonbreakable container such as plastic. Stay away from glass that is easy to break.
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfectant wipes
- Cloth face masks (two per person)
- Toilet paper, towelettes
- Soap, liquid detergent
- Feminine supplies
- Personal hygiene items
- Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
- Plastic bucket with a tight lid
- Disinfectant or bleach
- Sturdy shoes or work boots
- Rain gear
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Hat and gloves
- Games and items to keep everyone occupied if electricity is out for extended periods of time.
HERE is a complete list of checklists to help you stay organized and prepared.
Are you ready should you be in the path of a hurricane this year? Despite the calm thus far this 2023 hurricane season, being prepared is vital. When news of a hurricane does hit shortages of vital supplies such as water, building supplies can force panic. Not having an evacuation plan in place or other preparation can force decisions at game time and maybe put lives in danger. Hopefully, this list can help you be prepared before the first major storm of the season forms.
Photos Courtesy of Deposit Photos & Unsplash