Hurricane Season on the Florida Suncoast: Prepare Now!

May 7, 2024 | Suncoast Post Staff | SRQ Scoop

As hurricane season looms over the Florida Suncoast, residents must brace themselves for potential storms. With the unpredictable nature of hurricanes, preparation is key to ensuring safety and minimizing damage. Follow these essential steps to safeguard yourself and your property against the fury of nature:

Step 1: Stay Informed

Monitor weather updates from reliable sources such as the National Hurricane Center and local news stations.
Sign up for emergency alerts and notifications to receive timely information about approaching storms.
Familiarize yourself with hurricane terminology and understand the difference between watches and warnings.

Step 2: Develop a Family Emergency Plan

Create a comprehensive evacuation plan with designated meeting points and routes.
Assign responsibilities to family members to ensure everyone knows their role during an emergency.
Prepare an emergency kit containing essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, medications, first-aid supplies, flashlights, and batteries.

Step 3: Secure Your Property

Trim trees and bushes to minimize potential hazards from flying debris.
Reinforce windows and doors with storm shutters or plywood to protect against strong winds.
Anchor outdoor furniture, potted plants, and other loose items to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
Clear gutters and drains to prevent water buildup and potential flooding.

Step 4: Safeguard Important Documents

Make digital copies of important documents such as insurance policies, identification cards, and medical records.
Store physical copies in waterproof containers or safety deposit boxes.
Keep emergency contact information readily accessible for quick reference.

Step 5: Prepare Your Home

Turn off utilities such as gas, electricity, and water if instructed to do so by authorities.
Elevate valuable items and electronics to higher ground to minimize water damage.
Secure important documents, photos, and sentimental items in waterproof containers.
Have a generator on hand for backup power in case of outages.

Step 6: Plan for Pets and Livestock

Ensure pets have identification tags and microchips with updated contact information.
Prepare a pet emergency kit with food, water, medications, and comfort items.
Make arrangements for the care of livestock and larger animals if evacuation is necessary.

Step 7: Evacuation Preparation

Fuel up vehicles and have extra gasoline on hand in case of long evacuation routes.
Pack essential items including clothing, bedding, toiletries, and important documents.
Follow evacuation orders issued by local authorities promptly and without hesitation.

Step 8: Stay Connected

Maintain communication with family members, friends, and neighbors throughout the storm.
Check in with elderly or vulnerable individuals to ensure their safety and well-being.
Use social media and community forums to share updates and offer support to others in need.

By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can mitigate the risks associated with hurricanes and protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property. Remember, preparation is the key to weathering the storm and emerging safely on the other side.

Here is a partial list of media outlets to get updated hurricane information-

Local News Stations:

WWSB – ABC 7 Sarasota:
- Website: https://www.mysuncoast.com/weather/
- ABC 7 Sarasota provides local weather updates, including information on hurricanes and tropical storms affecting the Florida Suncoast.
WTSP 10 News Tampa Bay:
- Website: https://www.wtsp.com/
- WTSP 10 News offers coverage of hurricanes impacting the Tampa Bay area and the Florida Suncoast, including forecasts and emergency information.
Bay News 9:
- Website: https://www.baynews9.com/
- Bay News 9 serves the Tampa Bay area and provides up-to-date hurricane coverage, forecasts, and advisories specific to the Florida Suncoast region.
WFLA News Channel 8:
- Website: https://www.wfla.com/
- WFLA News Channel 8 offers comprehensive coverage of hurricanes impacting the Florida Suncoast, including forecasts and emergency information.

National News Sources:

CNN:
- Website: https://www.cnn.com/weather
- CNN’s weather section offers national and international coverage of hurricanes and tropical storms, including updates relevant to the Florida Suncoast.
The Weather Channel:
- Website: https://weather.com/
- The Weather Channel provides comprehensive coverage of hurricanes and tropical storms, including forecasts, tracking maps, and news updates relevant to the Florida Suncoast.
AccuWeather:
- Website: https://www.accuweather.com/
- AccuWeather offers comprehensive coverage of hurricanes, including forecasts, tracking maps, and news updates, both locally and nationally.
Weather Underground:
- Website: https://www.wunderground.com/
- Weather Underground provides detailed hurricane tracking maps, forecasts, and analysis from meteorologists.

Local Radio Stations:

WFLA Newsradio 970 AM / 93.3 FM:
- Website: https://www.wflanews.com/
- WFLA Newsradio 970 AM / 93.3 FM provides news updates, including weather alerts and hurricane information, for the Tampa Bay area and the Florida Suncoast.
WUSF 89.7 FM:
- Website: https://wusfnews.org/
- WUSF 89.7 FM is a National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate serving the Tampa Bay area and the Florida Suncoast. They offer news updates, including weather reports during hurricane events.
WSLR 96.5 FM:
- Website: https://www.wslr.org/
- WSLR 96.5 FM is a community radio station based in Sarasota, Florida. They may provide local weather updates during hurricanes.
WKZM 104.3 FM:
- WKZM 104.3 FM is a radio station serving the Sarasota area. They may provide emergency alerts and weather updates during hurricane events.