Active Hurricane Season Predicted for 2013 NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE!

Weather forecasters are predicting another busy Atlantic hurricane season.

For the six-month hurricane season, which begins June 1, NOAA’s Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook says there is a 70 percent likelihood of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 7 to 11 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher).  These ranges are well above the seasonal average of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.

The storms will get their names from an alphabetical list of 21 names:

Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dorian, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Ingrid, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van and Wendy

The National Hurricane Preparedness Week 2013 runs from May 26th through June 1st.

History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. NOAA predicts an 2013 Atlantic hurricane season.

To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:

·    To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

·    Know your surroundings.

·    Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted.

·    Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.

·    Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.

·    Make plans to secure your property:

·    Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.

·    Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.

·    Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.

·    Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.

·    Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.

·    Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.

·    Determine how and where to secure your boat.

·    Install a generator for emergencies.

·    If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.

·    Consider building a safe room.

Hurricanes cause heavy rains that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. Everyone is at risk and should consider flood insurance protection. Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage. To learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your business, visit the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (NFIP) Web site,www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419. 

 

For infomation on Rowlett Real Estate School and our classes in Panama City, Fort Walton, Pensacola and Destin, visit our website at www.rowlettrealestateschool.com .  Or give Captain Wayne a call at 850-547-1333

Rowlett Real Estate School is a full service Florida Real Estate School offering classroom training in Panama Ctiy Beach Florida and Destin Florida, Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola.  We offer a full line up of courses
online and in classroom for all your Sales Associate and Broker real estate license requirements.