It's That Time of Year Again: Hurricane Season

The 2007 hurricane season began Friday, June 1st. In an updated forecast, Dr. William Gray, a researcher based at Colorado State University, "predicted a 74 percent chance of a major hurricane hitting the U.S. coast" this season. He has predicted seventeen named storms and nine hurricanes, five of them intense. The National Hurricane Center has made similar predictions for a more active than normal season this year.[1]

According to a recent Mason-Dixon poll, an alarming:
· “53 percent of people surveyed in 18 Atlantic and Gulf coast states said they don't feel that they are vulnerable to a hurricane, or to related tornadoes and flooding.
· “61 percent of poll respondents had no hurricane survival kit. Of those who did, 82 percent packed a fire hazard -- candles or kerosene lamps.
· “78 percent did not know that storm surge posed the greatest potential for a large loss of life, and can cause deaths as far as 20 miles inland.
· “25 percent did not know that standard homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies do not cover flooding.
· “54 percent believed tornadoes only occur within three miles of a hurricane's eye. A hurricane can spawn tornadoes hundreds of miles from its eye.
· “79 percent did not know that storm intensity is the hardest part of a storm to predict, so they may not understand that a Category 1 storm can strengthen to a major hurricane by landfall.”[2]

The organizers of the 2007 National Hurricane Survival Initiative commissioned the poll. Sponsors included the National Hurricane Center, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Emergency Management Association, and the Salvation Army.

Do you have your hurricane kit assembled? It is time. "Public safety officials tell residents to stockpile at least a three-day supply of bottled water, nonperishable food and medicine.”[3]

You can save money by doing it now because the Florida Legislature made purchases of hurricane survival supplies and equipment tax-free until June 12th. These include:
Flashlights and other portable, self-powered light sources - $20 or less
Portable radios, two-way radios and weather-band radios - $75 or less
Batteries - $30 or less (AAA, AA, C and D cell, and 6 and 9 volt batteries)
Non-electrical food storage coolers - $30 or less[4]

"There are six basics you should stock for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items.” The American Red Cross recommends:

Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person. Each person requires one gallon per day for drinking, food preparation and sanitation or 3 gallons for 3 days for each person.

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water.

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. Do not forget your prescription drugs or specialized medical equipment or supplies.

Include other necessary tools and supplies for daily living, sanitation, and clean-up during recovery in your evacuation kit. This should include cash since ATMs will not work without electricity, and banks will be closed. Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. Also, take bedding or sleeping bags if you must evacuate to a shelter.

Assess the special needs of family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons. Plan ahead, especially if they will need specialized care or continuous electricity for medical equipment.

Include entertainment items to pass the time and provide psychological relief during the storm. Board games and other games that don’t require batteries or electricity,
Books, and a deck of cards are good choices.

Keep important financial and personal records in a waterproof, portable container. Take these with you if you have to evacuate. Before the storm, make copies or scan them onto a computer disk and send them to a trusted friend or family member who lives in another part of the country. Make a list of important phone numbers, including friends and family members.

Remember your pets. Do not leave your pets behind. Plan ahead as to where your pet will be sheltered. This may include accompanying you to a pet-friendly shelter; most require advanced registration and proof of vaccinations. Kennels outside evacuation zones are another option; make reservations early. Make reservations early if you hope to stay at pet-friendly hotels or motels. Arrange foster care of your pets with friends or family members, if needed. Make sure your pet has current tags on its collar and carry a recent photograph of your pet. Put the phone number of a friend or family member on the tag, too, in case your pet gets loose and is found by someone. This can be avoided by keeping pets in sturdy, secure pet carriers throughout the storm. Keep them on leashes or harnesses when they are out of the carrier. Pack a minimum of a week's supply of food, water, and other provisions, such as medication or cat litter.

Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the supplies kit in the trunk of your car. Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Review your kit and family needs at least once a year. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container," such as a covered trash container, a camping backpack, or a duffle bag.[5]


[1] "AP finds 5 vulnerable hurricane areas," The Associated Press, May 31, 2007
[2] "Officials: Take Advantage Of Storm Supply Tax Break," http://www.news4jax.com/weather/13420022/detail.html
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] "Hurricane Safety Checklists," http://www.hurricanesafety.org/hurricanesafetychecklists.shtml