Overview

In Florida, weather can change in the blink of an eye. Living through multiple hurricane seasons has taught me the importance of preparedness and resilience. From stocking up on supplies to ensuring my home is hurricane-ready, I've learned to respect Mother Nature's unpredictable temperament.

The Importance of Preparation

One of the most crucial aspects of living in Florida is being prepared for hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th. Here are some steps I’ve learned to take:

Have an Emergency Kit ready before the storm comes! This includes essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, medications, important documents, and pet supplies. Of course, this includes flood protection products that suit your particular needs (like HydraBarriers, HydraSorber, and HydraPumps among others). Having these items ready can make a significant difference during and after a storm. 

By the time the path has been predicted to hit your area, Walmart is already out of water, and all they have left is 2 cans of peas and a carton of milk. This is not a last minute thing, an emergency kit should, ideally, be prepared before hurricane season even starts.

Secure your Home! Installing hurricane shutters or boarding up windows, securing loose items in the yard, and reinforcing the garage door can help minimize damage.

News footage will show the worst of the damage: people whose whole house is swept away or cars fully submerged in the stormsurge. These are not what you are securing your home from, at that point there is not much you can do.

Your goal is to mitigate damage, like the inch of water that came in through the gap under your front door, ruining your carpets and couch, to prevent this some form of barrier should be in front of any door leading outside. Boarding up the windows prevents debris from crashing into your house going 100mph. Tying up yard items prevents your garden chair from being the debris that crashes into your house. Utilizing flood control products can help limit damage from flooding.

Keep the car's gas tank full! Ensuring that you can evacuate quickly if needed, and having extra fuel for generators is also wise. There have definitely been a few times that my family has thought we were in a safe location but, when the path of the hurricane suddenly shifted, we had to evacuate again. 

Staying Informed and Connected 

Keeping up-to-date with the latest information about hurricanes is vital. Knowing what's coming is the first step for being prepared. Living in Florida, I go into the year expecting at least 2 hurricanes, one midsummer, and one early fall, but this is never a guarantee. Technology, though, is amazing, and there are so many ways to get the weather forecast.

Some weather news sources include:

Weather Alerts: Subscribing to weather alerts from reliable sources like the National Hurricane Center (NHC) helps me stay informed about storm developments. There are so many weather apps you can download if you want to get pinged when a hurricane starts to form.

Local News: Regularly watching or listening to local news provides updates on the storm’s path, intensity, and official instructions. When a hurricane is coming, there is always a 24/7 news station running reports on what's happening, and what the predicted path looks like.

Community Resources: Connecting with local community groups and resources can provide additional support and information during a hurricane. There are public evacuation zones and shelters throughout the state. 

Environmental Awareness

Understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of hurricanes is part of being proactive and prepared, the impact of our actions now has far reaching consequences in the future:

Mangrove and Wetland Preservation:  

Mangroves are an important part of the Florida ecosystem and are a natural barrier against storm surge and dampen wind and wave momentum.  Supporting the preservation and restoration of natural barriers like mangroves and wetlands helps reduce future damage to infrastructure and the environment.

Sustainable Living: 

Using reusable products instead of disposable ones can help reduce trash going into landfills. Adopting sustainable practices, such as reducing plastic use and supporting clean energy initiatives, contributes to broader efforts to combat climate change, which can influence hurricane patterns. 

Community Advocacy: 

Engaging in local and state advocacy for policies that address climate change and disaster preparedness ensures a proactive approach to future hurricanes.

Conclusion

Living in Florida has been a journey of learning and adaptation, especially when it comes to hurricanes. These experiences have taught me not only how to prepare and stay safe but also instilled a deep appreciation for the resilience and unity that emerge in the face of natural disasters. By being prepared, staying informed, and supporting one another, we can weather the storms and emerge stronger together.