It happens every year and while hurricane season is easy to disregard, now is the time to prepare for storms of all sizes and strengths.
“The very features that make our state so inviting are the very things that can create unpredictable and damaging storms,” Clermont Assistant Fire Chief and Emergency Manager Bill Harrison said. “We have all the guidelines to walk you through the preparation process – you and your family just need to make that commitment and do it.”
Weather and storm officials have predicted 19 named storms this year with nine reaching hurricane strength and four of those manifesting into major storms.
“I hear people complaining all the time about doing all the preparation and then the storm dissipates or changes directions,” Chief Harrison said. “It only takes one storm to ruin the life you know right now. Please, just get prepared.”
Harrison said Central Florida often sees – and feels – typical tropical weather including depressions (winds up to 38 mph), storms (winds 39 – 73 mph) and even hurricanes (winds at least 74 mph). He also emphasized the importance of knowing the difference between a storm watch – when conditions are favorable for a storm to develop – and a storm warning which is issued when a storm is expected or has developed.
Experts suggest the following to get you and your family prepared for riding out a storm at home:
- Water for three days for each family member (one gallon of water per person, per day)
- Canned/packaged food for three days for each family member
- Three-day supply of water and food for pets
- First-aid kit including any prescription medications
- Personal hygiene items including baby and pet supplies if applicable
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Weather radio with extra batteries
- Manual can opener
- Lighter or matches
- Important documents stored in a sealed container
- Cash – don’t depend on credit and debit cards
- Fill vehicle fuel tanks
- Fill bathtubs and large containers with water (washing hands, flushing toilets)
- Cooler and ice packs
- Extra chargers/batteries for cell phones and other electronic devices
- Enclosed shoes for family members
- A plan for evacuation and meet-up location if family get separated
- Books, magazines, games for recreation
- Reinforce garage doors.
- Move outdoor furniture and garbage cans inside or secure in place
- Trim trees and shrubs and clear rain gutters
- Consider covering windows with plywood or hurricane shutters
- https://www.nhc.noaa.gov
- https://www.fema.gov
- http://alertlake.com
- http://floridadiaster.org
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