Hurricane season runs from June 1-November 30. Here are important things to know:
Hurricane knowledge
First, know your hurricane facts and understand common terms used during hurricane forecasts. Storm conditions can vary on the intensity, size and even angle.
Tropical depressions are cyclones with winds of 38 mph. Tropical storms vary in wind speeds from 39-73 mph while hurricanes have winds 74 mph and greater.
Storm terms:
- Tropical storm watch: Tropical storm conditions are possible in the area.
- Hurricane watch: Hurricane conditions are possible in the area. Watches are issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds.
- Tropical storm warning: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the area.
- Hurricane warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the area. Warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of tropical storm force winds.
- Eye: Clear, sometimes well-defined center of the storm with calmer conditions.
- Eye wall: Surrounding the eye, contains some of the most severe weather of the storm with the highest wind speed and largest precipitation.
- Rain bands: Bands coming off the cyclone that produce severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind and tornadoes.
- Storm surge: An often underestimated and deadly result of ocean water swelling as a result of a landfalling storm, and quickly flooding coastal and sometimes areas further inland.
Hurricane forecasts
Predicting a tropical cyclone’s path can be challenging – there are many global and local factors that come into play. Forecasters’ computers take huge amounts of data and try to predict where the storm will go and usually are 2-3 days out. This is where you hear the terms “computer models” and “spaghetti models” being used. Generally, the forecast track or path is given using the average consensus of these models.
The National Hurricane Center has the most up-to-date information on tropical cyclone developments, forecasts and weather alerts, discussions analyzing the data and more.
Hurricane kits
It’s important to create a kit of supplies you could take with you if forced to evacuate. This kit will also be useful if you are able to stay in your home but are affected by the storm, such as through a power loss. One common trend seen when hurricanes are approaching is a wide-spread panic. If you prepare a kit ahead of time, you can alleviate a lot of the potential stress of a very chaotic situation.
Recommended hurricane kit items:
- Nonperishable food (enough to last at least 3 days)
- Water (enough to last at least 3 days)
- First-aid kit (include prescription medication)
- Personal hygiene items and sanitation items
- Flashlights (have extra batteries)
- Battery operated radio
- Waterproof container with cash and important documents
- Manual can opener
- Lighter or matches
- Books, magazines, games for recreation
- Special needs items: pet supplies and baby supplies, if applicable
- Cooler and ice packs
- An evacuation plan
Securing a home
- Cover all windows with hurricane shutters or wood. Note: While tape can prevent glass from shattering everywhere, it does not prevent the window from breaking
- If possible, secure straps or clips to securely fasten your roof to the structure of your home.
- Trim all trees and shrubs, and clear rain gutters.
- Reinforce garage doors
- Bring in outdoor furniture, garbage cans, decorations and anything else not tied down
- If winds become strong, stay away from windows and doors, and close, secure and brace internal doors.
Power outages
In the event a storm leaves you without power, there are a few things to consider:
- Gas: Make sure your car’s tank is full far in advance of an approaching storm. Most people wait until the last minute, rush to get extra gas for cars and generators, and gas stations can run out.
- Money: ATMs can run out of money if everyone tries to use them quickly, and they can shut down completely if the power goes out.
- Cell phones: Charge cell phones pre-storm and limit use if the power goes out.
- A/C: Try to prevent as much light from entering and warming the house by covering up windows on the inside. If you have back-up or battery-operated fans, don’t run them unless you’re in the room.
- Water: Fill bathtubs and large containers with water for washing and flushing only.
- Food: Turn your fridge temperature down and/or freeze any food or drinking water that can be frozen if you expect a power outage.
**These lists are not all-encompassing. Every person(s) situation is different and your hurricane preparedness may need to be adjusted to fit your individual/family needs. Please adjust and plan accordingly.
In the event of an emergency please dial 911.
Here are some other phone numbers and contact information should you need them:
- The SAIL hotline is: 1-800-342-3557. The SAIL hotline is only operational during an emergency event; at all other times, a recorded message with general information about the hotline is available. During an emergency, the SAIL hotline is operational daily at set hours depending on the severity of the event.
- https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/information-line/
- The time may arise when you may need to evacuate your home to go to a safe location. In certain situations, it may be safest for you to evacuate to a shelter. The Florida Division of Emergency Management maintains a list of open shelters: https://floridadisaster.org/planprepare/shelters/
-
Early Prescription Refills Permitted Under State of Emergency
All health insurers, managed care organizations, and other health entities must comply with provisions of section 252.358, Florida Statutes, which allows early prescription refills in the event the Governor issues an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency. This mandate remains in effect until the Governor’s Executive Order is rescinded or expires.
Prescription Information
Under a State of Emergency, a pharmacist may be able to refill prescriptions early. In accordance with section 465.0275, F.S., pharmacists may dispense up to a 30-day supply of maintenance medication for a chronic condition. However, a 30-day prescription for a medicinal drug listed in Schedule II appearing in chapter 893 is not permitted under section 465.0275, F.S.
In the event a pharmacist receives a request for a prescription refill and are unable to obtain refill authorization from the prescriber, the pharmacist may dispense a one-time emergency refill of up to a 72-hour supply of the prescribed medication; or a one-time emergency refill of one vial of insulin to treat diabetes mellitus, irrespective of the issuance of an executive order.
-
American Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Services: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services.htm
Stay safe!