WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Hurricane season is here, bringing devastating flooding and relentless winds to coastal areas across the United States, Central America and the Caribbean, and emergency management officials are urging people to be prepared.
Unlike previous hurricane seasons, this summer features record-breaking heat across the country and an early onset of storms. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, but most hurricanes typically strike in September and October, said Jaime Hernandez, director of the emergency management office in Hollywood, on Florida’s Atlantic coast.
“There is a little bit of a difference this year because of the reality we are facing with global warming, the higher temperature of ocean surfaces, the atmospheric conditions that favor the development of tropical cyclones,” Hernandez said. “They can form at any time.”
Earlier this week, Hurricane Beryl set a new record as the first Category 4 storm to form in the Atlantic Ocean during the month of June, unusually early compared to previous trends.
Here are some steps to consider in preparing, what to have on hand, and who should evacuate in the event of a hurricane:
HOW DO I MAKE SURE I’M PREPARED?
Hernandez said his emergency team encourages people to follow these three fundamental steps: develop a plan, have an emergency kit and stay informed.
People, “especially those living in an evacuation zone, need to have a plan in place in case an evacuation order is issued when a hurricane hits,” he said. “You don’t know what the impact will be. You don’t know how it will affect the infrastructure.”
Preparing for a hurricane includes stocking up on supplies in advance, including nonperishable food and water in case of a loss of power and shortage of supplies in the community.
Preparations also include stocking up on medical equipment and medications in case there are people who cannot evacuate their homes. In this scenario, it is important to consult with a doctor about what to have at home.
Hernandez urged people to review checklists distributed by state and local emergency management offices to ensure they are prepared.
WHAT SHOULD BE IN AN EMERGENCY KIT?
The basic rule is to have 4 liters (1 gallon) of water per person per day for about seven days, Hernandez said.
Additionally, supplies on hand should include nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications and medical supplies, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and portable batteries for cell phones and other devices. It’s also a good idea to have cash on hand since ATMs may not be working.
Additionally, you should have documents such as birth certificates, Social Security credentials and others in plastic envelopes in case you have to leave your home in a hurry, Hernandez added.
AND THE VEHICLES?
It is always a good idea to keep a full tank of gas in all of your vehicles in case an evacuation is ordered.
Hernandez stressed the importance of taking precautions and, if you have an electric car, parking it in an elevated location and away from the storm zone until it has passed, since, he said, electric cars could have problems with flooding or storm surge.
About 20 electric cars caught fire after being exposed to saltwater during Hurricane Ian. Hillsborough County, Florida, has a section on its website for electric vehicle owners, encouraging residents to park their vehicles about 50 feet away from any structures or vehicles because of the risk of fire.
WHO SHOULD EVACUATE BEFORE A STORM ARRIVES?
People living in low-lying or flood-prone areas should have a plan for evacuating before a storm hits. Sometimes, authorities advise going just a few miles inland and staying with friends or relatives or in a hotel or shelter. In any case, authorities encourage residents to listen to local emergency management officials, who will have the most up-to-date information about evacuation zones.
Evacuation orders may be issued before a hurricane, and authorities will let residents know if they live in an evacuation zone. These orders may be issued days or hours before a storm hits.
WHERE CAN I FIND PREPARATION GUIDES?
Visit your local or state emergency management office’s website for disaster planning tips.
Florida residents can find this information on the Division of Emergency Management website.
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2024-07-04 03:41:06
