It’s been a quiet hurricane season so far, but Lewis Turner, chief meteorologist at First Coast News, wants to make sure people understand that we are not out of the woods just yet. Hurricane season began on June 1, and it lasts through the end of November.
As we head into October, it is important to make sure you are prepared. Turner said one of the best ways to prepare is to think of a 72-hour span of time and what you would need to survive comfortably if you were without power.
Some important supplies are one gallon of water per person per day, enough non-perishable food for everyone in your household, medications and cash. Turner said it’s also a good idea to think about what you can’t live without for 72 hours. If that includes technology, making sure you have everything charged and having a solar-powered charger on hand is a good idea.
“Take a day and just think about what you would need to be comfortable for three days,” he said.
When thinking of ways to best prepare your home for an approaching storm, Turner said if it is in your budget to purchase a generator, that would also be a good idea. In many cases, you might have a freezer full of perishable items or medications that need to stay refrigerated, so owning a generator could be a huge help.
Turner also said that now is a good time to make sure your yard is cleaned up.
“Any limbs or trees that may be dead or hanging over the roof need to be cut back,” he said. Looking at your yard and removing anything that could be a projectile in heavy winds such as lawn decorations and toys is also a good idea.
Flooding is the most dangerous thing in a hurricane, and according to Turner 90% of deaths in a hurricane are water related. Whether it is flooding, rain fall or storm surge, Turner said that is the reason we evacuate. He also said not evacuating when being told to do so could be a very dangerous decision.
“The hurricane zones are there for a reason, and that is primarily and specifically because of storm surge susceptibility and flooding,” he said. “So, if you are told to go, you have to go.”
There has not been a direct landfall of a major hurricane in Northeast Florida since Hurricane Dora in 1964. That could be a huge reason why some people are a bit complacent when it comes to evacuating.
“The city and county administrations that issue the evacuation orders are doing it because the forecast truly looks like water is very likely going to get up into your home,” Turner said.
Another important tip when it comes to flooding is to never drive your car through flooding, even if you think it’s not very deep.
Hurricane season is not over and staying prepared and in-the-know is the best thing to do during this time of year. Go to firstcoastnews.com/weather to stay up to date on any developing severe weather.
