As we enter the mid part of 2023, many are curious about what lies ahead regarding weather and natural disasters. One pressing question on the minds of meteorologists, researchers, and individuals residing in hurricane-prone regions is, “Will 2023 be an active hurricane season?” The anticipation and concerns surrounding the upcoming hurricane season are rooted in the previous year’s experiences and the complex interplay of various atmospheric factors. In this blog, we will explore the predictions, factors influencing the season, and steps individuals can take to stay prepared. When Is Hurricane Season 2023? The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season is rapidly approaching, set to begin on June 1 and extend until November 30. However, this season comes with a heightened level of uncertainty, as experts have identified a developing El Niño and unusually warm conditions in the Atlantic Basin as influential factors. An analysis by Weather.com highlights the abnormal warmth observed in the Gulf of Mexico, off the Southeast U.S. coast, and in the eastern Atlantic during spring. In early April, forecasters kept a close eye on the potential formation of a tropical or subtropical storm in the area, but fortunately, it dissipated without significant impact. April tropical systems are infrequent, with …
Hurricane Preparedness for Pets: 5 Things to Do Before the Next Storm
Watch out; a hurricane is coming for your pets! What is hurricane preparedness for pets? Hurricanes are terrifying–there’s nothing that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up like seeing the news reporting the path of a hurricane coming straight for us. So keeping your pet carrier ready to go when needed can provide some peace of mind even if you’re just on standby during a storm. Whether you have farm animals or small, cuddly furballs at home, it’s always a good idea to make sure you have backup plans for when storms are at their worst. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite hurricane prep tips for you and your furry friends! What Is Hurricane Preparedness For Pets? If you’re like most pet owners, you probably think of your furry friend as your best friend. But what if a hurricane hits your area? That’s why hurricane preparedness for pets is imperative for your pets and yourself. Whether you plan on boarding your pet or taking them where you go, ensure that they are safe and in the care of someone reputable. There are limited options for shelters that allow animals during natural disasters, so ensure your …
Hurricane Preparation Tips
Hurricane season is upon us so keep these tips on hand to make sure you’re prepared. General Hurricane Preparation Tips: Fill Ziploc-type plastic bags ¾ full of water and stuff them in every corner of your freezer. You want them to freeze while you have electricity. It might take a couple of days for them to freeze. Nothing is lost if you don’t get the storm. Fill up with gas Get cash Fill your prescriptions Wash your clothes and dishes Take photos of every room and the outside of your house. Upload them to the cloud, or email them to yourself in Gmail, Hotmail, etc. Also take photographs of important papers, ID cards, the information in your wallet and contact information. Upload or email those photos as well. Get a rabbit-ears type TV antenna so you can watch TV if the cable goes out. Try it out now. The antennas are cheap, and the TV is free. Gather up toys and games and put them in one place. In case you have to leave home, you will want them to keep the kids entertained. Know if you are in an evacuation zone. Contact your county emergency management office online or …
How to Prevent Storm Damage During Hurricane Season
While hurricane season begins on June 1, it’s never too late or too early to prepare for storm damage to your home. As we know here in Florida, hurricanes can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time, so it is best to be as prepared as possible. In this blog, you will find information on what you need to do to prevent damage to your home and to protect yourself and your family in the event of a hurricane. Safety First While it is important to take steps to prevent hurricane and flood damage to your home, the first thing that you need to do is develop a plan for you and your family’s safety. In addition to building your own hurricane disaster kit and creating a disaster plan for the whole family, you should also review your evacuation plan. During hurricane season, the most important thing to remember is that homes can be replaced—your family can’t. Retrofit Your Home to Prevent Flood and Storm Damage Much of the damage that your home can sustain during a hurricane comes from two things: flooding and high winds. Heavy rainfall and storm surges can affect homes that are …
Hurricane Preparation: It’s Time to Get Ready for the Next Irma
Hurricane preparation requires planning and some investment, but knowing that your home will be less likely to sustain damage is worth the money and effort. Here are some of the essential preparations you need to make: Secure Your Home Strap down your roof. Many homes in Florida are designed to account for hurricane strap installation. However, if your home is older, you might need to retrofit your roof so that you can take this necessary precaution and prevent damage to this integral part of your home. Install head and foot bolts on your external doors. Extra security for your home’s entrances is a good idea. These bolts will keep your doors from flying open or detaching in high winds. Purchase storm shutters. Storm shutters protect your windows from being broken by flying debris and high wind pressure. You can buy shutters that are commercially made, or you can make them yourself. Be sure to use reinforced plywood that is at least five-eighths of an inch thick. Make windows and doorways watertight. Water that seeps into your home’s structure through cracks in door jambs and window fittings can cause serious water damage. The influx of moisture into the walls can also …
Hurricane Preparation: What Did Hurricane Harvey Teach Florida About Planning Ahead?
The scene that many Texans witnessed may seem, at first, to point to the futility of hurricane preparation. The widespread destruction showed, if nothing else, that even those who took every precaution were subject to loss and injury. Homes destroyed. City streets filled with cars submerged. “If this is what happens, is storm preparation even necessary?” you might ask yourself. In the news, we hear more about the negative than the positive. Negativity is just better at attracting readers and viewers. But for every story of misfortune, there is also one of hope. Many of the positive stories to come out of Harvey’s aftermath are of brave men and women who prepared for the storm and risked their lives to help others. These stories demonstrate the importance of being prepared for the next storm. As Floridians, we know about the importance of hurricane preparation. We live it. But we still need a reminder, now and then, of the raw, unforgiving power that nature possesses. The devastation that Hurricane Harvey brought to Houston, Texas and the surrounding areas should be a lesson to us all. Stay safe, and prepare for the next hurricane with these guidelines: Basic Hurricane Preparation Know whether …