After last year’s record-breaking hurricane season, forecasters are expecting another overactive season this year. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average hurricane season now includes 14 names storms and seven hurricanes. This reflecting more storms based on most recent 30-year period records.
Our Melissa Marrero has tips on how to prepare for this season.
“You always rather be safe than sorry,” said Lt. Pete Sanchez with City of Miami Fire Rescue.
Even though we’re over a month away from the start of hurricane season, Lt. Sanchez said everyone’s focus should be on advanced preparations.
“One gallon of water per member of the family per day for about 72 hours, non-perishable foods that you can have for your family and don’t forget about your pets. You may also want to prepare your medications,” he said.
Other items include batteries and a battery-driven radio to keep track of the storm.
“If you lose have power, you won’t be able to have internet or TV so this will be your source to be able to get information about the storm. If you have a house where you can safely trim trees, anything that may be dangerous that could fly during a storm, you may want to take that time, always before the storm,” he said.
For those living in evacuation areas, like Brandon Jones, Sanchez said to make sure you have a plan.
Jones had to evacuate his home in the keys when Hurricane Irma hit in 2017.
“This reminded us on just how important it is to be prepared as well as how seriously it is to take your own personal safety, not just preparing your property,” said Jones.
Jones owns Alta Vista Resources, a company that provides home and business caretaking and maintenance. Located in Key West, Jones says part of their job is to help clients prepare for storms with a deeper approach.
“We’ll look at flood plane maps. So we’ll look to see how likely it is where they’re situated to be at risk for flood. How does water behave during heavy rain. Are there vulnerable areas of the property that might need to be prepared in advanced of a strong wind storm,” he said.
Then there’s the aftermath, a step Jones is involved in as well. But before you go outside to check on your home, Sanchez recommends to wait until you get the OK to do so.
“You don’t want to go outside immediately because there could be downed power lines, dangerous flooding, downed trees that might be hiding the power lines inside where there could be a high-level of electrocution. So you want to stay home inside and listen to that battery-powered radio for updates, listen to our instructions as to when it’s safe to get back outside,” said Sanchez.
The National Weather Service is expected to issue it’s outlook for this year’s hurricane season in late May. Hurricane season starts June 1st and runs through November 30th.
To check if you live in an evacuation zone in Miami-Dade, click here.
