Wednesday marked the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, and state officials are making sure Floridians are doing everything they can to be prepared for this year’s storm season.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted an average storm season this year, with 10 to 16 storms forming this year with sustained wind gusts at 35 miles per hour or higher.
This year’s season is predicted to be slightly busier than last year’s Hurricane Season, with the 2016 season being more active than any other season since 2012.
Florida is in particular danger during Hurricane Season due to its unique position between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
Officials say having an evacuation plan is one of the most important things for people to do in case of an emergency, along with having a battery-powered radio with AM and FM capabilities to keep up with local radio news for storm updates.
Gov. Rick Scott made an appearance at the Emergency Operations Center in Hialeah Wednesday to hold a press conference to inform Floridians on what they need to do to be prepared should a hurricane strike.
An intense storm season isn’t guaranteed, but the governor said it was important to start getting ready early.
“The truth is we all have to be prepared early and you have to take this seriously. I hope we don’t have a hurricane but you just don’t know what’s going to happen this year,” he said.
Florida’s state budget includes $19 million this year for safety improvements for Hurricane Season, including improvements for storm shelters, emergency operations centers and hurricane alert systems.
Officials also advise for Floridians to keep at least three days’ worth of water and nonperishable food and to have a plan of action for when a hurricane hits.
“We have to be prepared,” Scott said. “Three days of water, three days of food. Make sure you know where your family is going to be, make sure you have batteries for your flashlights, make sure you have the ability to listen to a battery-operated radio.”
Florida, one of the most hurricane-prone states, had its last major hurricane make landfall 10 years ago. Since then, the country has been in a hurricane drought -- the longest drought in nearly 200 years.
Still, experts say the drought shouldn’t give a false sense of security.
“The biggest threat, in some instances, is complacency,” said a member of the National Guard.
Floridians can head to the state’s official website, FLgetaplan.com to create their own hurricane preparedness plans for this year’s hurricane season.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
