The 2011 hurricane season began today June 1st 2011 and after six years without a direct hit to Florida we need to remember back and not get too comfortable with our recent fortunes. Here are some things to know about this year's hurricane season, which ends Nov. 30.
Another busy hurricane season is predicted for 2011. All the major hurricane prediction organizations forecast a busy 2011 hurricane season. NOAA's latest forecast predicts 12-18 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes, and 3-6 major hurricanes (111 mph or higher). Forecasters predicted an active season last year, and it was - 19 named storms and 12 hurricanes. Fortunately we were spared last year but let's not take it for granted, pull those old hurricane plan books off the shelf and brush the dust off. Make sure they are still accurate and viable for you, your family and/or business.
If you don't have a storm plan ready, now's a great time to put one together. Here are some Tips to help get you started with your planning.
- Review your storm plan. You should already have a plan laid out for you and your family. If not you should prepare one now and make sure at least 1 person outside the storm area knows your plan.
- Are you in an evacuation zone or mobile home?
- Know your evacuation routes
- Know what to pack (Food, Money, Clothes, HBC, Sleeping Items)
- Make sure you have shutters or plywood ready for installation. Hire a professional if needed.
- If you have a Pet make sure you make plans for them since many shelters will not allow animals.
- When a Hurricane is approaching DO NOT Trim Your Trees and Shrubs. Waste Management will not be able to handle the overload and the lose debris is extremely dangerous.
- Take video or photos of your property (Inside and Out). This will help later on with any insurance claims for damage that may need to be filed.
- Make Sure Your Gas Tanks in Your Autos are Full. As we have experienced in the past without power pumps don't work.
- Stock Up on Nonperishable's. Make sure you have bottled water, non-perishable foods like canned goods, snack bars, cereal and crackers. Don't forget a can opener!
- Have enough cash to last at least a week. History has shown us that we may not have power for over a week. ATM's and Credit Card Machines may not be available.
- A Hard Copy of Contact Information. If you live in an evacuation zone (or plan on leaving town) have a couple hotels preselected or know which family members well out of the affected area you're heading to.
- Get Plenty of Batteries, at least 2 Flashlights, and a battery operated radio. Keep in mind if you have one of those small analog TV's it may not work since the digital conversion!
- Fill a few containers for storing water. History has shown you may lose water for days if the water plants lose power. You will need enough water for cooking, cleaning, and bathing. Another Tip is to keep a big bucket of water for your bathroom. You can flush the toilet occasionally by pouring water into the bowl. You can also fill your Tub for an extra supply.
- Make sure you have extra medications if required. Many pharmacies may not be open for days following a storm. Keep a larger supply handy if possible.
See http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/disaster_prevention.shtml for more info.
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