While Floridians are now in the “full swing” of hurricane season, it has been a slow start. September tends to be the peak of the season and with a possible hurricane making landfall in Florida this week, let’s look at how best to prepare and protect your family.
Hurricane Ian
According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Ian has now formed with its cone of uncertainty covering much of Central Florida. A hurricane watch has now been issued from Englewood to the Anclote River, including Tampa Bay. While subject to change as the storm makes its way closer to the state, the latest track forecasts Hurricane Ian to make landfall between Tampa Bay and Cape Coral late Wednesday or early Thursday as a Category 3 hurricane. The National Hurricane Center, however, has said “[i]t should be again stressed that there is still significant uncertainty in the track of Ian, especially in the 3-5 day time frame, and users should not focus on the details of the track forecast at longer time ranges.”
Hurricane Ian cone of uncertainty as of 8am Tuesday, September 27, 2022 (National Hurricane Center)
Preparing for a Hurricane or Tropical Storm
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has outlined how to adequately prepare for a hurricane:
Make a Plan.
In making your plan, prepare an emergency supply kit. You should also identify where the nearest shelters are located and the different routes you can take to get there from your home.
Gather Emergency Supplies.
Make sure you have a food and water supply for your family, and your pets. In addition, you should also have an emergency medicine supply, in the event you can not get to a pharmacy or they are closed. Make sure to also have emergency power sources and safety/first aid items. Lastly, put all important documents in a safe place where they cannot become damaged.
Know the Difference between a Hurricane “Watch” and “Warning”.
According to the CDC, “[a] hurricane watch means hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible in a stated area. Experts announce hurricane watches 48 hours before they expect tropical-storm-force winds 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 n the area to give people enough time to prepare for the storm.”
Get Your Car Ready.
Make sure your gas tank is full and move all vehicles to your garage or under cover. Also consider keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle in case of an evacuation.
Get Your Family and Pets Ready.
Your family should know and be familiar with your emergency plan. Keep checking for updates about the storm and make sure all pets or farm animals are in a safe place.
Get Your Home Ready.
Clear your yard and move all large items inside or under shelter. Cover all windows and doors.
Be Ready to Evacuate.
Sources:
– The Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Authored by Hali Marsocci, Esq.
