From the Desk of Sandra Murman
Principal, Shumaker Advisors Florida
Former State Representative, Speaker Pro Tempore
Former Hillsborough County Commissioner
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Dear Friends:
Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 9-15 and I want share with you some important information to help you get ready for the upcoming hurricane season.
Each year hurricane season begins on June 1st and lasts 6 months, with storms typically peaking in August and September. As with every hurricane season regardless of forecast, knowing the essentials of how to prepare could truly be a life saver. Now is the time to have a plan and prepare.
Stay Safe
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Hurricane Knowledge
First, know your hurricane facts and understand common terms used during hurricane forecasts. Here are some important terms you may hear:
- Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions are possible in the area.
- Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible in the area.
Watches are issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds.
- Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the area.
- Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the area.
Warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of tropical storm force winds.
- Eye: Clear, sometimes well-defined center of the storm with calmer conditions.
- Eye Wall: Surrounding the eye, contains some of the most severe weather of the storm with the highest wind speed and largest precipitation.
- Rain Bands: Bands coming off the cyclone that produce severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind and tornadoes.
- Storm Surge: An often underestimated and deadly result of ocean water swelling as a result of a landfalling storm, and quickly flooding coastal and sometimes areas further inland.
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Evacuation Zones
These are the areas that officials may order evacuated during a hurricane. These zones are mapped by the National Hurricane Center and indicate areas that will be affected by storm surge - storm-driven waves that can inundate a community, and threaten lives. Zones in Hillsborough County are identified from A - E, and there are parts of the county that are not in an evacuation zone. Find Evacuation Information.
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Flood Zones
These federally identified zones indicate a property's risk for flooding at any time of the year, including as a result of heavy or steady rain. This zone has nothing to do with hurricanes or other emergencies, and everything to do with your property insurance and building requirements. Nationally, these zones are classified as Zones A (Special Flood Hazard Area), B, C, D, V and X. Every property is in a flood zone. Find My Flood Zone.
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Hurricane Kits
It is important to create a kit of supplies that you could take with you if you are forced to evacuate. This kit will also be useful if you are able to stay in your home, but are still affected by the storm, such as through the loss of power. One common trend seen when hurricanes are approaching is a wide-spread panic. When this happens, people rush in large numbers to get all the supplies they think they need. However, if you prepare your kit ahead of time, you can alleviate a lot of the potential stress of a very chaotic situation. You should create your kit in a bag that you can easily take with you. Some recommended items to include are:
- Non-perishable food (enough to last at least 7 days)
- Water (enough to last at least 7 days)
- First-aid kit (include any prescription medication you may need)
- Personal hygiene items and sanitation items
- Flashlights (have extra batteries on hand)
- Battery operated radio (again, have extra batteries)
- Waterproof container with cash and important documents
- Manual can opener
- Lighter or matches
- Books, magazines, games for recreation
- Special needs items: pet supplies and baby supplies if applicable
- Cooler and ice packs
- A plan for evacuation and for if family members are separated
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Prepare Your Property
Hurricanes, tropical systems, and even intense afternoon thunderstorms can cause serious damage. Here are steps you can take to get your property disaster ready:
- Remove trees with rotting trunks, and trim limbs and shrubs near your house.
- Clean rain gutters and drain pipes, ensuring no obstacles block the flow of water.
- Move patio furniture, potted plants, bird baths, and other lightweight, unsecured items indoors. Items that can’t be moved indoors should be tied down or secured.
- Turn over objects that collect rainfall and can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
- Keep your insurance information and other important documents in a fireproof, waterproof safe or box. Inventory everything you have with video or photos.
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Evacuation Plans
If you live in an evacuation zone, you may be called to evacuate in an emergency. Mobile and manufactured home residents throughout the county must evacuate when an order is called. When creating an evacuation plan, consider the following:
- Have a plan on where you will relocate.
- Plan for delays and multiple stops; keep your gas tank full
- Keep cash on hand in case you need to utilize a transportation service
- Know where to find State Evacuation Routes to get on the highway faster.
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Shelter in Place Plans
Sheltering in place may be best if you’re not in an evacuation zone, or if there is not a hurricane-related disaster. To shelter in place, follow these steps:
- Go inside immediately; take family and pets with you
- Close and lock your doors and windows
- Turn off your fans, air conditioning, and heating systems
- Turn off all exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms, or other spaces
- Go into an interior room with as few windows as possible
- Stay in place until advised it’s safe to leave
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Be Your Pet’s Best Friend: Have a Disaster Plan
Taking precautions for your pets in the event of a disaster doesn't have to be difficult. It can be easily done in the comfort of your home.
Important Tips:
- Make sure that your pet's County registration tag is up-to-date. After updating your pet's tag, take a trip to your vet to update all vaccinations, and get a microchip and extra medications.
- Create a disaster kit and I.D. packet for your pet. The kit should include a seven-day supply of food and water per pet, waste disposal items, pet medication, and comfort items like their favorite toys and blankets. Your pet's waterproof I.D. packet needs to contain your contact information and family veterinarian information, the microchip and County pet registration tag numbers, and any information regarding medical needs.
- Get a cage or carrier that's easy to transport and large enough for your pet to stand up and move around in.
- Public pet-friendly shelters are available in Hillsborough County, but they should be used ONLY as a last resort. Learn here about what to expect at these local shelters.
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Tax-Free Week Hurricane Supplies 2021
The legislation creates a 10-day “disaster preparedness” sales tax holiday from May 28 to June 6, 2021, for disaster preparedness supplies. Some examples of tax-free items include: flashlights and lanterns costing $40 or less; radios costing $50 or less; tarps costing $100 or less, coolers costing $60 or less, batteries costing $50 or less; and, generators costing $1,000 or less.
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Hurricane Names
Hurricane names are picked randomly, then rotated and recycled every 6 years. If a hurricane was catastrophic or severely deadly and costly (i.e. Charlie, Katrina, Irene) it is officially retired since use is not appropriate and can be confusing when naming current storms. To view the current list of tropical cyclone names click here: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml
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Flooding Safety 101: Keeping Your Family Safe
There are many potential dangers when floodwaters rise. We’ve collected important safety tips that will give you the knowledge and confidence you need to keep your family safe in the event of flooding — because flood safety starts with YOU.
- Avoid standing water. Floodwaters may contain fecal matter, bacteria, and viruses.
- Don’t drive through moving or standing water. Water 2 feet deep can disable most vehicles.
- Treat non-functioning traffic signals as a four-way stop.
- Observe all barricades and detours. They are there for your protection!
- Clear yard of debris or items that can block water flow and storm drains.
- Avoid downed power lines. Always assume power lines are live!
- Watch for workers repairing surfaces, and follow all directional instructions and detour signs.
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