The Essential Guide to Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane season begins on June 1st and lasts 5 months, with storms typically peaking in August and September. As with every hurricane season, regardless of the forecast, knowing the essentials of how to prepare could truly be a lifesaver. First, know your hurricane facts and understand common terms used during hurricane forecasts. Storm conditions can vary depending on the intensity, size, and even the angle at which the tropical cyclone approaches your area, so it is vital you understand what the forecasters and news reporters are telling you.

TERMS

During a watch, prepare your home and evacuation plan in case a warning is issued. During a warning, carefully follow the directions of officials, and immediately leave the area if they advise it. In the event of an Extreme Wind Warning/Advisory, which means that extreme sustained winds of 115 mph or greater are expected to begin within an hour, immediately take shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.


Pre-Storm Preparation

For information on preparing for a hurricane or other disaster, visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management at FloridaDisaster.org.

Additionally, explore the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster preparedness resources at Ready.gov.

* The Florida law allows pharmacists to refill your prescribed medications early if the county where you reside is: Currently under a hurricane warning issued by the National Weather Service; Declared by an executive order issued by the governor to be under a State of Emergency; or Operating its emergency operations center and its emergency management plan

** If you need to quickly store important documents, place them in your dishwasher and engage the locking mechanism. Dishwashers have a watertight seal that can help protect your documents.

 

**Remember, any severe storm can be deadly and destructive. If you've survived a landfilling cyclone, you know the inconvenience and distress it can cause. One of the best tips to be prepared is to know the cycle of a cyclone - Approach, Arrival & Aftermath. Prepare ahead of time and listen to the directions of officials for the approach. Secure your home, or find a safe shelter for its arrival, and know how to proceed safely during the aftermath.

**Contact your lenders, financial institutions, and service providers to see what programs they may offer. Following a hurricane or other disaster, many businesses institute programs to ease the financial burdens on their customers during the aftermath by restructuring or delaying payment plans, waiving late fees, forgiving overages, and more. From mortgage services to phone plan providers, contact the institutions you use to determine what your options are. Prior to signing up, be sure you understand any requirements the program may have, such as additional fees, the accrual of interest, and the doubling of your next monthly payment.