It has been a long 10 years since a hurricane of any significance has hit the East Coast or the Gulf Coast of the United States. After surviving the 2004 and 2005 hurricane season, this sure has been a welcome break. The fact is, we are now long overdue. Since record keeping has started, the longest prior time period without a hurricane strike was 8 years.
I hear a lot of folks say why we do not consider Sandy as a hurricane strike? The truth is, Sandy was not a hurricane when it made landfall. Sandy was a unique hybrid system. It was almost a freak of nature. It was something that is not often seen. An extremely unique set of weather systems was able to steer the system straight into New Jersey. This is something that rarely happens. Storms usually just skirt up the coast and keep the worst of the weather offshore.
The hurricane forecast for this hurricane season calls for a slightly below normal season but do not let the forecast fool you. A freak system could form that we are totally unprepared for and strike anywhere along the East Coast or Gulf of Mexico. The good news is that with hurricanes, you have lots of warning. That is a luxury that folks living along fault lines and in tornado alley do not have. We do have plenty of warning so it is a good idea to take advantage of that window.
Get yourself prepared now! If you have a generator, test it to be sure it is working. The last thing you need is a generator that will not start after the power goes out! Be sure you have enough screws and bolts to attach your hurricane panels. Remember, stores will quickly run out of these items if a storm is threatening. Check to make sure your mounting hardware is not rusted and you are able to attach the bolts. It is too late for a test run when a storm is heading your way.
Get your hurricane survival kit together. This kit should include items such as non-perishable foods, bottled water, toiletries, medicine, batteries, paper goods, propane for your gas grill or Coleman stove, non-perishable snacks, games to entertain your children, gasoline in approved 5 gallon containers for your car and generator, an emergency radio that has both Am and FM plus NOAA Weather Radio bands and a first aid kit. Include in your kit anything that you need on a daily basis. Simply buy more then you need so you have at least a 2 week supply or more.
I think one of the things that scares me the most is the fact that we have so many new residents that have never seen a hurricane. After a 10 year hurricane drought, the population of the coastal areas has increased tremendously. it is up to the seasoned and knowledgeable residents to help educate folks that are new to the area. If you have a neighbor or friend that has moved to Florida during the past 9 years or so, lend a helping hand and help guide those folks on what to do to prepare.
In short, treat this hurricane season like any hurricane season. Make All the normal preparations and if a storm should threaten, you will have all the tools you need to keep you and your family safe!
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