Since the middle of March, we have been filling our freezers to overflowing and our pantries with enough paper products to grow a forest in an effort to abide by social distancing and reduce visits to the market. But starting June 1, that is all about to change because on that date through Nov. 30, our annual hurricane season is upon us.
During hurricane season we reduce what we have in our freezer and refrigerator and stock up on non-perishable goods in the event of a power outage. These two preparedness events appear to be in direct conflict with each other and to a degree they are, but this is what we’re living through at the moment.
This Florida season is predicted to be more active than normal with 16 named storms, above the average of 12.1, and eight hurricanes, above the 6.4 average. In addition, four of these hurricanes are considered to be major, somewhere between a Category 3 and a Category 5; the average is 2.7.
A weak La Nina is allowing storms to form more easily in the tropical Atlantic which is warmer than normal while the subtropical Atlantic is very warm. This analysis will be updated on June 4, so we can hope it will be better.
As always, getting your home ready for hurricane season is important. Adequate window and door coverings should be at the top of your list now. If a storm is coming your way, remove any outdoor objects which can become airborne like furniture, plants, bikes, toys and small boats. Boats that are in the water ideally should go to dry storage, but if that’s not possible, secure the vessels with double lines and extra tie downs for boats on lifts.
Mymanatee.org is a wealth of information and recommendations on what you and your family should do in the event of an oncoming hurricane. Some of the highlights on their website are disaster planning – know where your family is at all times; disaster kit – take important papers like insurance policies, licenses, passports and birth and marriage certificates; know where the emergency shelters are for your location; and, if you are responsible for a special needs person, there is a Special Needs Registry where you can be provided with transportation or assistance.
Also know what your evacuation level is in the event your home is in an area where the county is mandating an evacuation.
And something I read on the Manatee County website which I never thought about before pertains to gated communities. There are many gated communities in the county with single-family homes, villas and condos. Make sure your association maintains the proper access system code allowing EMS, fire departments and police entry to your property in the event of an emergency.
Finally, flood insurance in our waterfront communities is imperative. If you have a mortgage on your property, you will be required to purchase it as a condition of your mortgage, but even if you are not required it is something you should do. Flood insurance is administered through FEMA as part of the National Flood Insurance Program and sold through insurance agents authorized by FEMA. Remember, if there is a hurricane or tropical storm threatening our area, you cannot buy either homeowners or flood insurance during that time, so be careful with your closing date if you are purchasing a new home.
It’s been a difficult year so far and with an active hurricane season predicted, it could become even more difficult. The best you can do is keep you and your family safe, prepare your home now and clean out the freezer.
