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Multiple agencies predict above-average 2024 hurricane season

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Hurricane Guide, Special Sections.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released its 2024 Atlantic hurricane season forecast, and although Anna Maria Island dodged direct hits from two major hurricanes in 2022 (Ian) and 2023 (Idalia), forecasters warn that 2024 could be a bigger problem.

The season began on June 1, and NOAA’s forecast for this season predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season, 10% chance of near-normal and 5% chance of below normal.

NOAA is forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 8 to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 4 to 7 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher). Forecasters have 70% confidence in these ranges.

NOAA’s forecast is very similar to AccuWeather’s recent forecast. AccuWeather’s team of expert meteorologists is warning people and businesses to start preparing for a frenzy of tropical activity that could have major impacts on the United States this hurricane season.

“The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is forecast to feature well above the historical average number of tropical storms, hurricanes, major hurricanes and direct U.S. impacts,” AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Forecaster Alex DaSilva said. “All indications are pointing toward a very active and potentially explosive Atlantic hurricane season in 2024.”

DaSilva says there are four factors that indicate that this year will possibly be recordbreaking. The first problem is that ocean temperatures are very warm, and that’s basically food for hurricanes.

“Sea-surface temperatures are well above historical average across much of the Atlantic basin, especially across the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and the Main Development Region,” DaSilva explained.

AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter said there is high confidence that that sea-surface temperatures across the Atlantic basin will remain well above the historical average throughout the 2024 hurricane season.

“When you look back at historical sea surface temperature in the Atlantic’s Main Development Region, recent average water temperatures jump off the chart. They are the highest observed this early in the season in the available records,” Porter said. “This is a very concerning development considering this part of the Atlantic Ocean is where more than 80% of the storms form which go on to become tropical storms or hurricanes.”

 

AccuWeather also blames the flipping from El Nino to La Nina weather systems for the forecast. Even though the Pacific Ocean is thousands of miles away from the Atlantic, what happens there has major impacts on severe weather in Florida; especially hurricanes.

 

During an El Niño pattern, waters in the eastern Pacific are warmer than the historical average. In La Niña, sea-surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific are cooler than the historical average. In short, this leads to less wind shear over most of the Atlantic basin, which, when mixed with the warmer water, makes for perfect conditions for tropical development.

 

Other factors include weather patterns in Africa. A stronger African jet stream could jump-start the development of storms long before they make it here to the states. The strength, orientation and position of a feature known as the Bermuda-Azores high pressure area can have a major influence on the formation of tropical storms and hurricanes.

 

“Severe weather and emergencies can happen at any moment, which is why individuals and communities need to be prepared today,” FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik A. Hooks said. “Already, we are seeing storms move across the country that can bring additional hazards like tornadoes, flooding and hail. Taking a proactive approach to our increasingly challenging climate landscape today can make a difference in how people can recover tomorrow.”

The Sun recently spoke to longtime Bradenton Beach resident Dave Redeker to get a resident perspective on how he prepares for hurricane season, and how concerned he is in general regarding the potentially turbulent time of year.

Sun: Do you evacuate when told to?

Redeker: I evacuate for storms Cat. 3 and up. I think anything less than that is for the tourists.

Sun: When you do evacuate, how you decide what to take and what to leave?

Redeker: Records, guns and anything laying around that’s valuable. By records, I mean insurance papers, deeds and any important papers that can’t be replaced. I grab some clothes, a little bit of food and this-and-that. Usually, you’re going somewhere where there’s going to be food, so that’s not as important.

Sun: Do you take pictures of the house and other properties before you go?

Redeker: No, I know I’m going to get screwed by the insurance company, so why bother. The wind insurers are going to say it’s flood damage and the flood insurers are going to say it’s wind damage. They’ll begrudgingly pay you a fraction of what they should.

Sun: What do you say to people who ask how you can live in a potential path of destruction, and is it worth it?

Redeker: I say that we get at least three days’ notice when a big hurricane is coming. Somebody in the Midwest only gets three minutes notice a massive tornado is about to destroy everything they own. I don’t know where you live that you don’t have something. Mudslides, wildfires and earthquakes out west, or flash floods in the mountains, nowhere is very safe, but I really like it here.

Sun: Is hurricane season being potentially worse this year a concern to you?

Redeker: Every year is going to be the worst year; we’ve been hearing it forever. All I know is that hurricanes one or two or three weeks after Labor Day are the ones you’ve got to watch. If something bad’s coming, that’s when it’s going to show up. If you’ve got to be gone because you have a hurricane phobia, be gone in August and September.

Whether or not this will be a bad hurricane season remains to be seen, but every government agency and local municipality agrees being prepared for the worst will result in the best outcome.

Prepare for hurricane season

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand, Hurricane Guide, Special Sections.

Call me crazy, but whenever the hurricane predictions are disclosed for the impending hurricane season it seems to always be the highest number of storms EVER. Well, this year’s predictions are again warning of an extremely active hurricane season, so batten down the hatches and tie up the kids.

According to the Colorado State University forecast, which came out on April 4, they are indicating 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes with between four and six making landfall. By comparison, a typical year averages about 14 tropical storms with seven turning into hurricanes.

The reason for this is a combination of very warm water in the Atlantic and La Nina, which supports more storms. Warm water gives hurricanes fuel and contributes to a more unstable atmosphere. Ocean temperatures in much of the Atlantic have been setting records for more than a year and scientists have been unable to fully explain why.

At the top of the preparedness list are always non-perishable foods and, although many cans have pull tops, it’s best to buy a manual or battery-operated can opener. Next is bottled water and buy it early because, with the prediction of a storm, the shelves are quickly emptied. Batteries, cash in case the ATMs go down in a bad storm, and a full tank of gas are a must. Battery-operated lights and flashlights with candles as a backup are also a must. Once storms are on the way, it’s too late to purchase storm shutters, but this is something you should consider long before you need them.

Charge up your smartphones and tablets and buy a battery backup. Know where your important papers are like insurance policies, school records, mortgage information, tax returns, photos and any other papers you might need in a hurry if your evacuation is longer than you expect. Also, take prescriptions and information to renew them in case you don’t get home for a while. Outside, remove any objects that can be blown away in heavy wind, furniture, toys, plants and awnings. Secure vessels that can’t be relocated with plenty of fenders and extra lines to accommodate the tides and turn off power to the boat.

Have an evacuation plan in place with either a friend or relative and prepare a list of hotels. Don’t forget the pets, their food and medications. It’s also a good idea to take current pictures and/or videos of the interior and exterior of your property for insurance purposes should you have damage.

The mymanatee.org website has a great deal of detailed information concerning everything I just outlined but in more detail. It’s worth taking the time to read it and implement some of their recommendations.

Finally, if you are in the process of selling or purchasing a new property, remember when storms are in the forecast it is usually not possible to bind an insurance company to cover the new property. This could delay your closing, but hopefully, everyone involved in the transaction will be cooperative.

It’s not all bad news. The hurricane season outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration isn’t due out until May. However, their forecasters are looking at some of the same problematic models. Nevertheless, we are all warned not to focus on these predictions since other factors come into play in how many storms we get and how strong they are.

My job is not to make predictions but to remind you to get your property and your family ready for the worst and hope for the best. Just assume it will be an active season and start stocking those cans and cases of water.

Season’s first named storm bypasses AMI

Season’s first named storm bypasses AMI

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Hurricane season is officially underway. This year’s June 1 start was heralded with the arrival of Tropical Depression Two, which formed into Tropical Storm Arlene the next day.

Though short-lived, Arlene was a good reminder that Atlantic hurricane season is here and now is the time to get prepared, not when the Island is facing the threat of storm impacts.

Here are some tips to help you get ready for hurricane season.

  • Have a 3–5-day supply of non-perishable food and water for each member of your family, including pets.
  • Keep emergency medical supplies, including medications, a first-aid kit and hand sanitizer.
  • Have a supply of battery-powered lanterns and flashlights, along with extra batteries.
  • Make copies of important documents, such as wills, passports, photo identifications, veterinary records for your pets and insurance policies. Keep the copies in an easy-to-access place where they can be grabbed quickly in case of an evacuation.
  • Keep a stock of cleaning supplies such as trash bags, rubber gloves, sanitizing cleaners or wipes and paper towels handy.
  • Invest in a fire extinguisher.
  • Pick up a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to listen for news when the electricity goes out.
  • Keep your yard and patio areas clean and clear of debris to make moving everything outside that could blow away or cause damage during a storm easier.
  • Know your evacuation zone. Anna Maria Island, Perico Island, Flamingo Cay, Cortez and parts of northwest Bradenton are all in the first evacuation zone for Manatee County. Make a plan with relatives or friends outside of early evacuation zones in case you need to leave home. In the event of an evacuation, you should plan to evacuate a few miles, not a few hundred miles, so that you can get back and check on the condition of your property after the storm passes and local officials determine it’s safe to return to the area.
  • If you have a generator, make sure to give it a test run before a storm comes toward Manatee County, that it’s kept in a safely ventilated area and that all carbon monoxide alarms are in good working order.

For anyone who finds themselves in need of hurricane supplies, Florida has two tax-free holidays to help with the purchase of some items. The first tax-free holiday ends on Friday, June 9. The second tax-free shopping opportunity will be from Aug. 26 to Sept. 8. Included items include portable generators, waterproof sheeting, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, portable power banks, batteries, flashlights, coolers, portable radios and more. A full list can be found online.

For more information on preparing for hurricane season, visit the Ready website.

Hurricane season’s second half could be unusually active

Hurricane season’s second half could be unusually active

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Environment, Outdoors.

CORTEZ – Halfway through a quiet hurricane season, it’s too soon to relax, as experts are still predicting above-normal 2022 Atlantic hurricane activity.

Atmospheric and oceanic conditions still favor an above-normal 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) annual mid-season update, issued this month by the Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service. The hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.

A timely rotating exhibit currently at the Florida Maritime Museum (FMM) titled “Caught in the Storm: 100 Years of Florida Hurricanes” revisits some of the worst coastal storms to impact the state – several of which hit locally.

An unnamed hurricane in October 1921 covered the Gulf coast in water from Fort Myers to Tarpon Springs, causing devastation to the Cortez waterfront.

“In Cortez, fishermen watched their industry be nearly swept away. The storm’s waves left behind mounds of debris tangled in nets where fish camps and docks once stood,” according to the FMM exhibit. “Left without markets to sell to, the fishermen created their own, some of which still remain on Cortez’s waterfront.”

The Cortez Public School, which still stands at 119th Street West and Cortez Road and is now the Florida Maritime Museum, is the highest point in Cortez and was used as a shelter during that storm, which had an 11-foot storm surge.

In October 1944, a major unnamed hurricane known unofficially as the Cuba-Florida Hurricane “struck the Bradenton/Sarasota area causing trees to fall across the road taking out power lines and disrupting all communications between the Keys and the mainland.”

Hurricane Alma in June 1966 was another storm highlighted in the exhibit, with the following recollection from Cortez resident August Antilla, “…by nightfall Ellen and I had purchased $12 worth of cheeses, cold cuts and candy, and we were looking forward to our cozy hurricane party, just the two of us. The radio was blaring continually… ‘Evacuate, Anna Maria Island. The tide will be 7 to 11 feet above normal.’ ”

The largest hurricane evacuation in U.S. history happened just five years ago in September, 2017 with 6.5 million people fleeing their homes in anticipation of Hurricane Irma. Hurricane track predictions included a “cone of uncertainty” with Irma; that cone covered the entire Florida peninsula. In an abundance of caution, many counties issued mandatory evacuation orders.

So far this year, the season has seen three named storms – Alex, Bonnie and Colin – and no hurricanes in the Atlantic. An average hurricane season produces 14 named storms, of which seven become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.

NOAA forecasters have slightly decreased the likelihood of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season to 60% from the May prediction of 65%, but more than 60% of hurricanes that make landfall do so after the peak of the season in September.

“We’re just getting into the peak months of August through October for hurricane development, and we anticipate that more storms are on the way,” NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad said.

“I urge everyone to remain vigilant as we enter the peak months of hurricane season,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said.

For more information, check out The Sun’s Hurricane Guide.

Prepare your boat for a hurricane

Prepare your boat for a hurricane

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Hurricane Guide Archives.

As a storm approaches, don’t neglect to protect your boat.

  • Make a plan well in advance to secure your boat during a hurricane.
  • Small, open boats and high-performance powerboats with low freeboard should be trailered and transported inland.
  • Boats ashore should be stored well above the anticipated storm surge.
  • Reduce windage as much as possible. Dig a hole for your sailboat keel or lay smaller sailboats on their sides.
  • Make sure your boat has extra jack stands, at least three or four on each side for boats under 30 feet and five or six for larger boats. The jack stands should be supported by plywood and chained together.
  • Strap boats down to eyes embedded in concrete or earth augers.
  • Boats in the water should be secured in a snug harbor. Boats on lifts should be tied to the lifts.
  • At a marina, use sturdy pilings and trees one or two slips away to secure boats using longer-than-normal dock lines.

Busy hurricane season predicted

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Hurricane Guide Archives.

The forecasters at Colorado State University’s Tropical Weather and Climate Research department predict a busier than average 2022 hurricane season for the Atlantic basin, including the Gulf of Mexico. The season could spawn 19 named storms with nine of those turning into hurricanes and four becoming major hurricanes.

To be named, a storm must have wind speeds of 39 mph or higher with a circular rotational pattern. Hurricanes are named storms with winds of 74 mph or higher while a major hurricane is considered one that ranks as a category 3, 4 or 5 storm with wind speeds beginning at 111 mph.

Forecasters anticipate that with increased water surface temperatures in the Caribbean and subtropical Atlantic seas, there is an above-average chance of major hurricanes making landfall along the southern U.S. and in the Caribbean.

The forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center are predicting yet another busier-than-average Atlantic hurricane season, with the possibility of 13-20 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes and three to five major hurricanes classified as Category 3, 4 or 5.

To be named, a storm must have wind speeds of 39 mph or higher with a circular rotational pattern. Hurricanes are named storms with winds of 74 mph or higher, while a major hurricane is considered one that ranks as a Category 3, 4 or 5 storm with wind speeds of 111 mph or higher.

NOAA forecasters also predict a 60% chance of an above-normal hurricane season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. Reasons for the predictions include above-average ocean surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean, no El Nino conditions to suppress hurricane formation and a possible return of La Nina conditions later in the season.

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.

Prepare your pets for storms

Prepare your pets for storms

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Hurricane Guide Archives.

Where will your pets ride out a hurricane?

  • Motels/hotels – check The Sun’s Pet Pages
  • Veterinarian
  • Kennel
  • Friends/relatives
  • Pet-friendly evacuation shelters (Braden River High School, Manatee High School, Mills Elementary School) – requirements are:

– First come, first served

– Pets must remain in carrier or cage except for scheduled exercise times

– Current rabies vaccination certificates

– Two family member limit in pet-friendly area

– Owners must stay with pets at all times

– Owners must provide food and supplies

– Owners must not permit other shelter occupants to handle or approach pets

– Owners are responsible for the care, feeding and handling of their pets

Pet supply kit

  • ID collar and rabies license tag
  • Photo ID of pet
  • Carrier or cage
  • Water and food bowls
  • Food and water supply to last about three days
  • Manual can opener
  • Leash or harness
  • Medications
  • Potty pads/plastic bags/litter box/litter for waste disposal
  • Pet bed
  • Toys and comfort items
  • Muzzles, if necessary
  • First aid supplies
  • Cleaning wipes
  • Grooming items
  • ID on all belongings
  • Current photos and description of your pets in case you get separated
  • Pet information sheet including:
    • the name and address of your vet
    • immunization records
    • rabies license tag number
    • microchip number
    • feeding schedules
    • medical conditions and medication list
    • special care instructions
    • behavioral issues (in case you must temporarily leave your pets in someone else’s care)

What not to do

  • Don’t leave your pet alone in your home
  • Don’t leave your pet tied or chained outside your home
  • Don’t leave your pet in a vehicle
  • Don’t let your pet wander outside after the storm
Castles in the Sand

Can’t be, not again – it’s hurricane season

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

As we get older, the years tick by more quickly – or so it seems – and here we are again looking down the barrel of the 2022 North Atlantic hurricane season cannon.

As usual, Colorado State University has released their predictions for the 2022 hurricane season. Also as usual, the season is predicted to be above average.

The average number of named storms in the North Atlantic stands at 14, seven of them hurricanes and three of them major hurricanes. The prediction for 2022 is 19 named storms, nine of them hurricanes and four major hurricanes, because of warmer waters and a lack of El Nino conditions, according to CSU. This is slightly above last year’s predictions of 17 named storms, eight hurricanes and four major hurricanes.

The fun part of the beginning of hurricane season, if you can justify anything fun about hurricanes, is the names we can expect to hear any day now. This year starts with Alex and ends with Walter. Along the way we have Danielle, Lisa and Richard, among others, but my favorite of this season is Hermine, number eight in the list. Hopefully, we won’t run out of names this year.

The not-so-fun part of getting ready for hurricane season is preparing your home and your family in the event that Hermine comes knocking. The obvious items to add to your hurricane preparedness list are non-perishable foods, usually in cans (don’t forget the manual can opener), bottled water (buy it now; it’s the first thing to fly off the shelves when a storm is coming), batteries, cash, full tank of gas, prescriptions, candles or battery-operated lights, and if you still have a land line telephone, it’s not a bad idea to hang on to it or at the very least keep your cell phones and iPads fully charged if you’re facing a storm.

Remove any outdoor flying objects, furniture, toys, plants and awnings that can turn into missiles aimed at your windows. Secure your boats or move them to dry land if possible. Put together a briefcase with important papers if you need to evacuate like insurance policies, school records, home mortgage information, recent tax returns, bank records, investment records, even important photos or diplomas just in case.

If you live in a potential evacuation area, like I do, make a list of local hotels off the water or set up a safe house with a friend or relative to go to. You always have the official Manatee County shelter evacuation locations; know where yours is.

The mymanatee.org website has a great deal of information concerning everything I just outlined, but in much more detail. It’s worth taking the time to read it and to implement some of their recommendations. Hopefully by now you have upgraded your home to conform to hurricane guidelines, securing all windows, doors and roofs.

A quick note about another disaster. The 2021 Champlain Towers South collapse has been settled to resolve the wrongful death claims brought by family members of the 98 victims. The settlement was for $997 million; this was on top of the settlement earlier this year for the property damage claims of about $83 million.

Let’s hope the families of these poor people can find some peace. Let’s also hope that we can get through this hurricane season peacefully as well, and that Hermine or Gaston or Paula behave themselves. Be safe.

Castles in the Sand

Good grief, it’s almost hurricane season

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

Let me be the first to welcome you to the 2021 North Atlantic hurricane season. Technically, it doesn’t start until June 1, however, based on what we lived through last hurricane season in the middle of a 100-year pandemic, you can’t start too early to prepare.

On April 8, Colorado State University released its predictions for the 2021 hurricane season, predicting an above-average season with 17 named storms, eight hurricanes and four major hurricanes. The average hurricane season is considered 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. In addition, the National Hurricane Center will begin tropical storm warnings this year on May 15 just to add a couple of more weeks to our “cone” watching.

And we have a new list of names – one of the things I always look forward to. We start with Ana, then Bill, Claudette, Danny and Elsa for the first five. Wanda is the last and none of us ever wants to see the Greek alphabet again in our lifetime.

By now, even if you have only lived through one hurricane season, you know what to do. Last May, I said that preparing for hurricanes was the exact opposite of preparing for a COVID-19 lockdown in many ways. At the beginning of hurricane season, we clean out our freezers in preparation for losing power for an extended period, as opposed to the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown, when many of us filled our freezers so we didn’t need to do too much big-store shopping.

However, both natural disasters still require stocking up on non-perishables, water, batteries, canned goods, don’t forget the manual can opener or buy pop tops, ice to get you through a few days, full gas tanks and prescriptions for you and your family.

Now is also the time to think about those window and door coverings if they’re old and vulnerable to high winds. Start planning on where you will move outdoor furniture, plants, awnings and other objects that can become flying missiles in a storm. Boats in the water that can’t be moved to dry storage need to have their lines doubled up and extra lines added.

The mymanatee.org website has a lot of detailed information concerning disaster kits and important papers that should be in a place that can be quickly accessed if you need to evacuate. Also, know where your local shelter is. Even though you think you’ll never need a shelter you may be surprised; I was during Hurricane Irma.

Since flooding goes along with hurricanes, understand which flood zone you live in and even if not required by a lender, purchase flood insurance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages the subsidized program and it’s a prudent investment for all homeowners.

Speaking of flood insurance, FEMA announced an overview of flood insurance premium rate increases that will go into effect on Oct. 1 of this year. This increase was delayed from last year after the agency received pressure from Congress to delay the increases. Keep in mind that Florida is in the crosshairs of FEMA, which always runs a deficit since 35% of their policies are in the state of Florida. More about this as we get closer to the October date.

Since I welcomed you to hurricane season, I hope I can also be one of the first to say on Nov. 30, thank goodness it’s over. Be prepared, and we’ll all get through another year together. Stay safe.

Castles in the Sand

It’s June – do you know what that means?

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

Here we are again – the official beginning of hurricane season. But as every Floridian knows, hurricane season is a moving target, as are hurricanes. One week you’re basking in the glow of sunshine and warm Gulf waters and the next week you’re putting up storm shutters and buying mechanical can openers. Nevertheless, it is what it is and we must not only prepare for winds and lack of electricity but also floods.

The definition of a flood is an excess of water on land that is normally dry. These are scary words for those of us who look out our windows and see water or know that one block in either direction you’ll find it. This is why even homeowners who are not that close to the water need to know what flood zone they’re in, so here is an overview of flood zones dictated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

  • Zone A (blue) – special flood hazard area that is high risk for flooding and typically requires flood insurance. Does not have a base flood elevation established.
  • Zone AE (lavender) – special flood hazard area that is high risk for flooding and typically requires flood insurance. Does have a base flood elevation established.
  • VE (green) – special flood hazard area that is high risk for flooding and typically requires flood insurance.
  • X (no color) – low risk area that does not typically require flood insurance.
  • 500 Year Flood Zone, X (shaded) – moderate risk area that does not typically require flood insurance.
  • D (shaded) – possible but unknown risk. Flood insurance should not be required.

Rest assured that anything on Anna Maria Island or in waterfront areas of Cortez are in Zone A with a high risk of flooding. These properties will require flood insurance by lenders for properties that have a mortgage.

If you’re not sure what your flood zone is, look at the mymanatee.org website and you’ll find an interactive map of flood zones where you can simply put in your address and it will tell you exactly what your flood zone is outlined in the corresponding color. You will also be able to access the elevation certificate for your area if available.

Flood insurance is purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program and has historically offered subsidized rates. In more recent years, the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act changed many aspects of program eligibility, including non-primary structures. Your rates and eligibility for insurance should be carefully reviewed with an insurance broker authorized to sell policies through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Here again, mymanatee.org is a wealth of information about all aspects of flood insurance, answering many questions you may have. In addition, you can obtain a booklet from FEMA that outlines in detail what flood insurance covers, including condo flood policies.

Maybe future generations won’t have to worry as much about flood-prone areas. There are creative developers in different parts of the world who are designing hotels, homes and office buildings that float. In flood-prone cities like Miami, this could be a potential solution. Rotterdam is already building a 54,000-square-foot floating office building and a developer in the Persian Gulf has plans for 16 hotels, all floating. Think of the possibilities.

The day I was writing this column I received in the mail Manatee County’s “Flood Hazard Area Guide,” sent to all homeowners who live in properties that are located in or near a special flood hazard area. It’s a nice little tri-fold brochure which everyone should keep with other hurricane and evacuation material that I hope you all have ready in the event of a storm.

I guess the only thing good about hurricane season is that it takes our mind off coronavirus for a while, you think? Stay safe.

Hurricane Irma Damage

Home, pool and yard preparation checklists

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Hurricane Guide Archives.

Home preparation

  • Install shutters on all openings, including windows, doors, sliding glass doors, French doors, and garage doors.
  • If using plywood, purchase 5/8″ thick plywood well before a storm arrives, pre-measure, pre-drill and label each piece, or buy clips to attach plywood to window frames.
  • Install impact-resistant windows.
  • Caulk or install weather stripping around windows.
  • Install three door hinges on outside doors.
  • Install deadbolts that extend one inch into the door jamb on outside doors.
  • Repair loose or missing roof shingles.
  • Inspect soffits for adequate fasteners.
  • Replace loose or missing soffits.
  • Outside, seal openings from air conditioning refrigerant lines, water heater pressure relief lines, water pipes, cable and satellite TV wires, telephone wires, Internet wires and exhaust fan vents from bathroom, kitchen, clothes dryer.
  • Inside, seal around electrical boxes and circuit breaker panels, electrical outlets, exhaust fan vents.
  • Bring loose items inside, including garbage cans, lawn furniture, decorations, hoses, hanging plants, grills.
  • Turn off or disconnect electric, gas, water and sewer before evacuating.

Mobile home preparation

  • Inspect, repair or add tie-down straps and anchors according to Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles standards.
  • Make sure straps are properly aligned and not at an angle.
  • Check to be sure the proper number of tie-downs have been installed properly.
  • Verify that ground anchors and stabilizer plates have been installed properly.
  • Be sure support piers are in contact with the frame.
  • Replace straps or ground anchors that show signs of corrosion or damage.
  • Inspect and repair wood rot and termite damage in wall-to-floor connections, wall-to-roof connections, perimeter joists, and trusses.
  • Inspect fasteners if the home has a roof-over.
  • Close shutters.
  • Secure loose outdoor objects.
  • Turn off or disconnect electricity, gas, water, and sewer.
  • Establish a community evacuation plan for your mobile home park
  • Make a list of residents’ phone numbers, alternate addresses.
  • Assign each neighbor a partner to help them evacuate.

Swimming pool preparation

  • Lower the water level to reduce flooding potential.
  • Do not empty the pool, it could pop out of the ground.
  • Turn off electrical power to the pool.
  • Store filter pump motor indoors to keep it dry.
  • Store loose items indoors, not in the pool, to protect from chemicals.
  • Add extra chlorine to use pool water for washing and flushing.
  • Inspect and repair or replace pool screen hardware.
  • Remove two opposite pool screen panels to allow wind to blow through.

    Trees post-Irma
    Trees were down on Anna Maria Island after Hurricane Irma. – Cindy Lane | Sun

Yard preparation

  • Trim weak branches.
  • Hire licensed trimmers to trim near power lines.
  • Trim early enough before the storm to allow branches to be removed from property to keep them from becoming projectiles.

Related coverage

Forecasters agree: We’re in for stormy weather

Where to get weather alerts

Help is available during hurricanes

Tips for surviving hurricane season

Prepare your pets for storms

Prepare your boat for a hurricane

Re-entry tags needed to return after storms

Manatee County hurricane shelter list

Lessons learned from Hurricane Irma

Lessons learned from Hurricane Irma

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Hurricane Guide Archives.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Hurricane Irma’s visit to the Anna Maria Island area in 2017 taught us how to better prepare for the upcoming hurricane season that starts June 1. When it comes to hurricane preparation, plan ahead and get an early start.

Generators

Extended power outages are common during and after hurricanes. If you’re thinking about buying a generator, doing it now alleviates the risk of not finding one later.

Before you buy, consider your specific needs and the many different types of generators.

Inverter generators are generally more expensive than conventional generators, but they run quieter and provide a more even electrical current that’s better for charging cell phones, laptops, tablets, video game consoles and other sensitive electronics. Conventional generators generally cost less and will also recharge or run your electronic devices.

Before Irma arrived, I bought a small, gas-powered 2,000-watt Wen inverter generator for around $450. During our three-day power outage, it powered a stand-alone air conditioner, a fan, and a lamp and recharged our electronic devices and camping lanterns.

Running a refrigerator/freezer, large appliances, and several items simultaneously requires a more powerful generator. A 5,500-watt conventional gas generator sells for around $700. A 7,500-watt conventional generator sells for around $975. Butane powered generators are also available.

A refrigerator uses about 700 watts of rated running wattage, with surges up to 2,200 watts. A 10,000 BTU window unit air conditioner needs approximately 1,200 running watts and surges up to 3,600 watts. A microwave needs 600 to 1,000 running watts of power. A toaster oven needs about 1,200 watts. Exceeding your generator’s capabilities can ruin it.

Some homeowners may opt instead for the added security of a permanent standby generator that’s wired into the home’s power system and activates automatically during power outages.

Never run a generator inside your home or garage. The carbon monoxide exhaust fumes created by a gas generator are deadly to humans and pets. When in use, place the generator in a dry, outdoor space and use a long extension cord and a power strip to get the power to its needed location. It’s also a good idea to have a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector inside your home when using a generator.

Fire up your generator before the storm arrives to make sure it works, and consider locking it up during use to prevent theft.

Gas

Gas and gas cans get scarce as a hurricane approaches, so plan accordingly. Consider using ethanol-free gasoline for generators, because it’s better for the tubing and other engine components. Marinas typically sell ethanol-free fuel, as do some gas stations.

Having a couple extra cans of gas for your car can also be a lifesaver when gas is hard to find and gas stations are closed or without power.

Plywood

Irma Hurricane Hanks
Get your hurricane season supplies early, especially if you need items like plywood to help protect your home or business. – Kristin Swain | Sun

If you don’t have hurricane windows or storm shutters, you may want to cover your windows with plywood, or with plastic or aluminum panels. Again, it’s better to buy now when these items aren’t yet in critical demand. If you drive a vehicle that’s too small to carry full-sized sheets of plywood or you don’t have the tools at home to resize your wood, some home improvement stores will do it for you at no additional cost.

Other matters

A camp stove, gas grill, and some extra propane tanks will provide you with warm meals during an extended power outage.

Sooner is better than later when stocking up on water, food, flashlights, batteries and other supplies and Facebook can be an invaluable source of real-time information when it comes to supply availability.

If you’re evacuating, leave early to avoid jammed highways and gas shortages. Reserve your off-Island, out-of-town or out-of-state hotel rooms early, too. By the time Irma arrived, most hotels in Florida and southern/central Georgia were booked full. If you decide later not to evacuate, you can cancel your room and free it up for someone else.

There’s an app for that

There are several cell phone apps that come in handy during hurricane season, including the new NOAA/Weather Channel Storm Radar app.

Regarding storm surge and flooding, the MyElevation app allows you to type in an address or location and get the elevation for that spot.

Facebook, Florida 511 and Waze are good apps for real-time travel and traffic information and the GasBuddy app is a good source of gas availability and prices.

Castles in the Sand

What’s in a hurricane name?

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

Every year at this time we steady our nerves and go forward into hurricane season which tortures us from June 1 to Nov. 30. Not all storms during hurricane season are actually hurricanes; some of them are tropical storms, which can be just as deadly. But what about the names we give to these storms? Have you ever thought about how this happens?

First of all, a tropical system is named when it maintains sustained wind speeds of 39 miles per hour at which point it is officially a tropical storm. Many named systems never reach hurricane status, which is 74 miles per hour. Hurricanes and tropical storms began being named in 1953 in an effort to more easily identify specific storms when there are two or more systems active at the same time.

The storm names were originally only female until 1978 when male names were added. Names are in alphabetical order excluding Q, U, X, Y and Z and alternate between female and male names. Names are recycled every six years, and storm names that were particularly deadly or costly are retired and replaced. Thankfully, we’ll never have another Irma.

This year the names for the Atlantic Ocean storms are a repeat of 2013, the names are Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dorian, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van and Wendy.

The first forecast for this hurricane season from Colorado State University is five storms with two of them reaching major hurricane strength. This is based on the cooler than normal sea surface in the tropical Atlantic Ocean providing less fuel for tropical cyclone formation and intensification. None of this, however, should encourage you to let your guard down; one of these two major hurricanes could easily have our name on it.

It’s time to assemble a hurricane kit that will help you if you stay in your home without power and also be portable if you have to evacuate. You should include three days’ worth of non-perishable food and water per person, a first aid kit, personal hygiene items, flashlights and batteries, a battery operated radio, cash and important documents (insurance policies and photos of your home, vehicles and vessels). Additional supplies can include a manual can opener, matches, books, games, pet supplies, coolers and ice packs and, most important of all, an evacuation plan for you and your family. For the plan, you should compile a list of hotels to evacuate to, as well as those that accept pets.

Batten down the hatches in your home by covering windows with shutters or wood, trim trees prior to storms, reinforce garage doors and bring in outdoor furniture and anything else that can blow into windows or siding. Tie down your boat with extra lines and remove canvas and sails that can unravel in a storm. Be prepared for the loss of power for a few days or longer. Make sure your cars have full tanks of gas and cell phones are fully charged. Fill bathtubs prior to a storm so there is water available for toilets in case water mains are impacted and again get some cash since ATM machines and banks will likely also be out of power.

Finally, my personal hurricane preparedness strategy is to not have a lot of food in the refrigerator, particularly raw frozen food. If a storm is coming, cook anything you can prior to the storm. It will last in coolers for a longer period of time and you don’t have to worry about rotting food in the refrigerator if you need to evacuate. Those of us who have lived in Florida for a long time are pros when it comes to hurricane season, however, it can never hurt to remind ourselves what needs to be done. Let’s hope we never get to Wendy, and she lives to be reinstated in six years. Stay safe.

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Floods, saltwater and freshwater

Castles in the Sand

Florence – another wake-up call

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

If you live in Florida or other states along the East Coast almost up to Canada hurricanes and coastal flooding are just part of the territory. A little over a month ago, everyone in these regions had another wake-up call when Hurricane Florence blew into all of North Carolina and most of South Carolina before moving west. Although Florence made landfall as a Category 1, she was an enormous slow-moving storm that lingered for days dumping large amounts of rain into coastal communities and inland rivers.

Whenever a storm of this magnitude hits, it always makes everyone take stock of their flood insurance situation or lack thereof. According to the National Flood Insurance Program’s records, fewer homeowners in the Carolinas own flood insurance than five years ago. As of July 31, the latest figures available, the number of flood insurance policies in place were down 3.6 percent from 2013. In South Carolina, flood policies were down 1.2 percent. This is in spite of the region’s significant coastal development in recent years.

That said, after last year’s hurricanes and subsequent flooding from Harvey, Irma and Maria, policy ownership rose 3.6 percent in North Carolina and 2.8 percent in South Carolina. These states have seen an influx of retirees and young families from the Northeast and California seeking more affordable homes but may not really appreciate the importance of flood insurance and exactly what it covers if they have never lived in a flood-prone region.

Thanks to the Flood Disaster Protection Act, everyone who lives in a flood zone can purchase flood insurance and The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) produces flood maps for this purpose outlining special flood hazard areas. The Flood Disaster Protection Act is a government subsidized program, and as we know, the government has been attempting to lower their financial exposure because of this huge subsidized program with premiums going up annually.

If you have a mortgage on your home, your lender will require you to have flood insurance, and even if you live in a condominium, the lender will require proof of flood insurance purchased by your condo association annually. The flood coverage at a minimum needs to be at least equal to the lesser of the combined outstanding balance of all loans and lines of credit limit and 100 percent of the estimated replacement cost value of the building.

However, many homeowners who do not have outstanding mortgages because they are either paid up or the property was purchased with cash, choose to go without flood insurance, especially in recent years since premiums have increased in cost. This is especially true of residents who have lived a long time in areas that have never flooded and become overconfident about the future. But as we know it, only takes one bad storm combined with stalled downpours and high tides to change all that.

And for those homeowners who go without flood insurance and look to the federal government to bail them out, well they may be a little disappointed. The Federal Emergency Management Agency may provide a fraction of what it will take to repair their damaged property and bounce back, but it could take a long time to get those funds, little as they may be.

The bottom line is if you live in a designated flood zone, buy flood insurance even if you’re not mandated by a lender. Anything else is just crazy and too risky. Be responsible even though the storms aren’t.

More Castles in the Sand:

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Attorney or no attorney – that is the question

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Hurricane Lessons Irma

Get tax-free hurricane supplies June 1-7

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Archives.

For one week only Floridians will be able to get some of their hurricane supplies tax-free. June 1-7 is the first week of the hurricane season and Disaster Preparedness Week. It’s also the only time during this year’s hurricane season that certain supplies can be purchased without paying sales tax if the supplies meet certain criteria.

The tax-free offer is limited to certain items under specific financial thresholds. Items purchased online during the tax-free holiday are exempt.

Hurricane supply list

Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days, including non-perishable packaged or canned food / juice, foods for infants, the elderly, pets, snack foods, non-electric can opener, cooking tools / fuel, paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets and pillows

Clothing – seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items – for babies, the elderly, pets

Toiletries – hygiene items

Moist wipes

Flashlight and batteries

Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Cash – Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents – in a waterproof container, insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. Document all valuables with videotape if possible.

Tools – keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Sales tax is still applicable for rentals and repair of qualifying items, and items purchased in an airport, entertainment complex, theme park or hotel. Items priced over the qualifying amount are not eligible for the sales tax exemption.

Qualifying items include:

$10 and under:
  • Reusable ice packs
$20 and under:
  • Portable self-powered light sources including flashlights, lanterns, and candles
$25 and under:
  • All gas and diesel fuel containers including LP gas and kerosene containers
$30 and under:
  • Certain sizes of batteries and reusable batteries – sizes AA, AAA, C, D, 6-volt and 9-volt batteries included. Vehicle and boat batteries are excluded
  • Food storage, non-electrical coolers, and ice chests
$50 and under:
  • Tarps
  • Plastic sheeting, drop cloths and other flexible waterproof sheeting
  • Ground anchor system
  • Tie-down kits
  • Bungee cords
  • Ratchet straps
  • Battery, solar or hand-crank powered two-way and weather band radios
$750 and under:
  • Portable generators

Items that are always sales tax exempt include unflavored, uncarbonated bottled water, canned food, first aid kits, baby food and formula, all prescription medication and most over the counter medication.

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