Each year, an average of eleven tropical storms develops over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. Many of these remain over the ocean and never impact the U.S. coastline. Six of these storms become hurricanes each year. In an average 3-year period, roughly five hurricanes strike the US coastline, killing approximately 50 to 100 people anywhere from Texas to Maine. Of these, two are typically "major" or "intense" hurricanes (a category 3 or higher storm)
One of the most important decisions you will have to make is "Should I Evacuate?"
If you are asked to evacuate, you should do so without delay. But unless you live in a coastal or low-lying area, an area that floods frequently, or in manufactured housing, it is unlikely that emergency managers will ask you to evacuate. That means that it is important for you and your family to HAVE A PLAN that makes you as safe as possible in your home.
Disaster prevention includes modifying your home to strengthen it against storms so that you can be as safe as possible. It also includes having the supplies on hand to weather the storm. The suggestions provided here are only guides. You should use common sense in your disaster prevention.
(Click on underlined bullet points for more information)
- DEVELOP A FAMILY PLAN - Your family's plan should be based on your vulnerability to the Hurricane Hazards. You should keep a written plan and share your plan with other friends or family. (Don't forget to plan for your pets)
- FEMA - Family Emergency Plan (PDF) - Click here
-
Household Inventory (PDF): Creating your household inventory before storm season is a good way to know if you need to evaluate your insurance coverage. Plus, should you need to make a claim after a storm, your household inventory can reduce the time it takes to get your claim paid. It's a smart idea to use your point-and-shoot camera or video camera and take photos of your possessions and store them in a safe place (i.e. fireproof, waterproof safe, etc.).
- CREATE A DISASTER SUPPLY KIT (PDF) - There are certain items you need to have regardless of where you ride out a hurricane. The disaster supply kit is a useful tool when you evacuate as well as making you as safe as possible in your home. (AAA of Florida - PDF Document)
- KNOW YOUR EVACUATION ROUTES (PDF) - Hillsborough county-wide evacuation route and zone maps are based upon the most up-to-date regional evacuation studies and are intended for general reference
* Information source: NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and AAA Auto Club of Florida
AAA Resource Guide:
Start of the Season: https://autoclubsouth.aaa.com/Insurance/storm-start.aspx
Approaching Storm: https://autoclubsouth.aaa.com/Insurance/storm-approaching.aspx
During the Storm: https://autoclubsouth.aaa.com/Insurance/storm-during.aspx
After the Storm: https://autoclubsouth.aaa.com/Insurance/storm-after.aspx
Other resources:
Allison Lawn's Resource Page: www.AllisonLawn.com/resources
National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov
NOAA's Preparedness Guide: www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php
!
