Getting Ready for Florida's 2021 Hurricane Season

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Here are some tips in order to be best prepared for Florida’s 2021 Hurricane Season.

The 2021 Hurricane season officially starts on June 1^st 2021 and lasts all the way through November 30^th.  According to The Climate Adaptation Center (CAC),  they are “predicting a very active season with 20 named storms—less than last year—10 of which may be hurricanes.” Of these storms, 5 of them are predicted to be major hurricanes that could be Category 3-5 strength. A normal hurricane season is usually defined as 3 major hurricanes.

Unfortunately, it does not look like Florida is going to be able to escape hurricane season this year. There is an increased risk of hurricanes this year due to the weakening of the Bermuda high. This Bermuda high is a high pressure zone located in the Atlantic Ocean that was responsible for steering many hurricanes in 2020 away from a direct hit of the mainland in Florida.

According to AccuWeather lead hurricane forecaster Dan Kottlowski, “The pattern that’s setting up is that we could see more of these early-curving storms. That could threaten the east coast a little more this year than previous years.” In order to prepare for this years hurricane season in Florida, it is important to get started early.

Here are some tips in order to be best prepared for Florida’s 2021 Hurricane Season:

Creating a Hurricane Kit

It is very important to have a hurricane kit on hand in case you need to evacuate quickly or need to shelter in place. When people realize a hurricane is coming, many people are filled with a state of panic and run to the grocery store to get supplies to prepare. In this situation, grocery stores are in chaos and can run out of items very quickly. To avoid this situation, prepare a hurricane kit ahead of time with necessary supplies. Some of the most common and recommended items include:

• Bottled water and non-perishable food items (recommended to have enough for at least 3 days)
• First-aid kit
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Personal hygiene items
• Water-proof container for valuables, cash, and important documents
• Lighter or matches
• Cooler and ice packs
• Pet and/or baby supplies if applicable

Securing Your Home

In the event of an hurricane, you will want to know the best ways to prepare you home against high pressure winds, heavy rain, and flooding.

• Use hurricane shutters or wood to cover windows
• Make sure roof is well maintained and, if possible, secure straps or clips to securely fasten it.
• Bring any outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage bins, etc. inside.
• Stay away from windows and doors.

Preparing for a Power Outage

During a storm it is very likely to lose power. In case this happens, there are other things you should do to remain prepared.

• Make sure your car has a full tank of gas instead of waiting until the last minute and having to deal with long lines and gas stations running out.
• Have extra cash on hand in ATMs shut down.
• Charge your cell phone and limit use or use airplane mode.
• Fill the bathtub with water for the purpose of washing and flushing.