Jun 2, 2008 9:45 pm US/Eastern
Experts: Prep Now For Hurricane Season
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
With the start of the 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season, local, state and federal emergency officials are urging everyone to prepare now and not wait until a storm threatens South Florida.
Hurricane preparedness begins at home and with a plan that makes dealing with the threat of a storm simpler and less stressful. Every hurricane plan should start with the basic question "Can we stay at home?" Emergency management officials have established certain evacuation zones throughout each county. Residents of mobile homes or any structure that may become unsafe in a storm are urged to evacuate when emergency officials give the command. Residents of the high rise buildings should also consider evacuation when a storm approaches because a lack of power could trap them in the building.
Those likely to be evacuated during a storm's approach should make arrangements now. Emergency managers say relatives or friends are best; shelters should only be considered as a last resort.
In addition to making a plan, it's a good idea to figure out how long it will take to implement it. Everything from protecting your home or if you have to evacuate how long the trip will take, should be taken into consideration.
Emergency managers say it's a good idea to do a 'test run' including putting up the shutters.
Finally, gather and check all supplies you may need now.
Click Here for a full list of items that should be included in your preparations.
This year, NOAA's top forecasters predict we could see 12 to 16 named storms; of which 6 to 9 will reach hurricane strength with 2 to 5 storms reaching major hurricane status of at least a Category 3 with winds of more than 110 mph.
Gerry Bell, NOAA's lead seasonal hurricane forecaster, feels there's a 60 to 70 percent chance their predictions will hit those ranges.
In 2007, there were 15 named storms. Of those, 6 were hurricanes; 2 major ones. The government had predicted 13 to 17 named storms, with 7 to 10 hurricanes and 3 to 5 five major hurricanes.
For more information on preparing for the hurricane season, the
Florida Division of Emergency Management site has a full list of things you can do to be prepared.
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