What Floridians Should Know About Hurricanes

I have lived in Florida almost all of my life and named storms and hurricanes are no strangers to me.  We Floridians learned in 2004 to take the storms that threaten our state more cautiously and seriously. We've been "off the hook" for ten years and it is easy to forget how to prepare and what to watch for.  Here are a few helps that may be needful in this hurricane season:
As we receive news reports, there is a vocabulary you should be familiar with:

Tropical Cyclone: A warm-core non-frontal synoptic-scale cyclone, originating over tropical or subtropical waters, with organized deep convection and a closed surface wind circulation about a well-defined center. Once formed, a tropical cyclone is maintained by the extraction of heat energy from the ocean at high temperature and heat export at the low temperatures of the upper troposphere.

Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed (using the U.S. 1-minute average) is 38 mph (33 knot) or less.

Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed (using the U.S. 1-minute average) ranges from 39 mph (34 knots) to 73 mph (63 knots).

Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are
possible in the specified area of the watch, usually within 48 hours. During a hurricane watch, prepare to take immediate action to protect your family and property in case a hurricane warning is issued.

Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning within 36 hours. Complete all storm preparations and immediately follow local emergency management officials’ advice about evacuating dangerous or low-lying locations.

Hurricane: An intense tropical weather system
with maximum sustained winds of 74mph or greater.

Hurricane Eye: The center of the hurricane. wind and rain may stop for periods ranging from a few minutes to more than an hour.

Storm Surge: A wave of sea water up to 20 feet
high that arrives with a hurricane, and can affect
more than 100 miles of coastline.

Tornado: The extreme weather conditions
that create hurricanes can sometimes spawn
tornadoes. They occur usually in severe
thunderstorms when wind changes direction and
height, causing rotation.

Our family has a typed checklist saved to a file on our computer for hurricane preparation.  When a storm approaches, we print it and begin prep mode.  That way we don't forget something when we feel rushed to get the house prepared or making arrangements to evacuate.

Our list begins around the end of July/beginning of August with cleaning patio furniture to bring into the house if need be, tree trimming, cleaning rain gutters and keeping grassy mounds of dirt away from the foundation of the house.  If you wait until the week of a storm, it is possible the yard trash will not be picked up before the storm and your yard debris will be all over the neighborhood.

Even in the smallest of storms, it is best to be prepared.  The shelves of local grocers and home improvement stores empty fast when there is a threat.  In our home we have a hurricane disaster kit in a storage container.  In this kit are smaller items that we want to keep together for hurricane season.  This kit contains items such as a battery powered weather radio, batteries, bug repellent, sunscreen, first aid kit, tarps, bungee cords, rope, paper goods and utensils, flashlights, manual can opener, spare keys to cars, house, boat, etc. Anything that we can think of that we would use should we lose power in a storm.

If you plan to stay in your home and weather the storm, you will need food supplies should you lose power.  Non-perishables are pertinent.  I try to buy items that I know I will use later if not for the storm.  If I don't eat SPAM now, neither will I eat it in the dark!
 Avoid opening and closing your refrigerator if you lose your electricity. Keeping your refrigerator closed will help to keep your food cold longer, even without power. You can get away with using up your refrigerated perishables for about two days.  After that, you will need non-perishable items such as bread, peanut butter, crackers, canned foods, fruits, fresh vegetables, juice boxes, sodas, dry or powdered milk, water, both bottled and water for sanitary use.  The rule of thumb is at least 1 gallon per person per day.  If you have small children, babies, senior citizens or pets, you will need to add their individual needs to your checklist.

Add to your checklist to have your prescriptions for at least two weeks.  Fill your vehicles up with gasoline and if you have a generator, fill up additional gasoline containers.  We have a gas grill for which we make sure we have plenty of propane for grilling after the storm should we lose electricity.

Gather all important documents – including your insurance paperwork, bank statements, and identification - and place them in zip lock bags to protect from water damage. If possible, scan and maintain a digital back up of your documents. Keep these documents in a safe place, like a fireproof safe.

Have a "safe place" in your home that is not near windows or doors.  Be prepared to take cover under a table if necessary.  If there appears to be a lull in the storm DO NOT GO OUTSIDE. This could be the eye of the storm passing through. Continue to listen to your weather radio for storm status updates.   Make sure you have a family emergency plan in place. This should include an out of town contact and a meeting place in case you separate. FEMA has a great tool to help create this plan. Visit www.floridadisaster.org.

After the storm, be alert when heading outside. Be aware of glass, nails, and other debris. Always wear shoes.  Poisonous snakes and critters come out in high waters. Keep an eye on your pets.   DO NOT TOUCH any downed power lines or any objects in contact with downed lines. Report downed lines to your local electric company or FPL by calling 1-800-468-8243.


Stay safe and be prepared!
JoAnn Young, Florida Realtor and Mortgage Broker.  321-243-4917