Be Safe, Be Prepared This Hurricane Season

Tropical Storm Arthur has come and gone without much ado in Florida. Next in line are Bertha, Cristobal and Dolly. Let’s hope they too bypass Florida and do no one any harm.

With the 2007 hurricane season cited by the National Hurricane Center as the weakest in five years, folks may be feeling complacent. But for this year, experts with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expect the hurricane season to be above normal with up to 16 named storms and up to five major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.

A survey released earlier this month by CNN showed that 50 percent of those questioned did not yet have a survival kit or disaster plan in place. Two years is a long time and two relatively calm hurricane seasons in a row can make one feel rather invincible. But let’s not forget the devastation brought by Hurricane Charley in the 2004 hurricane season, followed 11 days later by Frances, then Ivan, and just nine days later by Hurricane Jeanne -- together responsible for dumping more than 50 inches of rain in a matter of three weeks.

A large portion of the state’s population was affected, some losing loved ones, many living for weeks without electricity, or returning to their homes and businesses to find total destruction. Those who didn’t personally experience the wrath of the storms learned through the news media of the tragic stories and many, many volunteers came to assist, contributing their time and demonstrating heartfelt compassion. And in 2005, Floridians were better prepared for Hurricanes Arlene, Dennis, Katrina, Rita and Wilma.

It is crucial that Floridians have a disaster plan in place for this year’s hurricane season – to protect our loved ones, pets, homes and businesses. Knowing where evacuation routes are and where fuel is available can mean the difference between being in a safe location and being trapped without food or water for days – it can literally mean the difference between life and death.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management oversees the response and recovery efforts before, during and following emergency situations. Staff has put together sample disaster plans for homes and businesses in an effort to minimize the effects of any potential hurricanes this year. By logging onto www.floridadisaster.org Floridians can even get a personalized plan to help ensure their own safety in case of severe weather.

There are 163 days remaining in the 2008 hurricane season. By taking just a few minutes to develop a plan – in case this season reaches predictions – we can prevent many of the hardships and heartaches that occurred in 2004.

Be safe, be prepared.