The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a near normal Atlantic Hurricane Season this year. The expectation is for 12-17 named storms between June 1 and November 30. Of those, 1-4 are likely to be major hurricanes.
Dr. Andra Johnson, dean of UF/IFAS Extension and the director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, says a “normal” hurricane season is still cause for concern.
"Maybe you think you’re ready—you’ve got some bottled water and canned goods to last a few days. Maybe you plan to get those things, just as soon as you hear the next hurricane will make landfall near you," he says. "But as we’ve learned in the past, tropical storms can quickly strengthen and change their paths. Disaster preparedness is a mind-set it’s best to be in all year and no matter where you live."
Johnson says the Disaster Handbook (https://bit.ly/3sR3OaW) is a bilingual (English and Spanish) guide to the most essential information for dealing with severe weather emergencies.
"Brief, to-the-point fact sheets advise on keeping food and water supplies safe; how to prepare your home and landscape, nursery, or farm for high winds and flooding; how to safely clear debris after the storm; and how to apply for assistance," he says. "It also includes important information about maintaining your mental health and caring for others in emergencies."