Despite Florida’s reputation as the “Sunshine State,” it’s also recognized for its unpredictable and extreme weather. September marks the peak of hurricane season and National Preparedness Month, serving as a helpful reminder to establish a hurricane plan. Severe weather, such as hurricanes, thunderstorms and flash flooding, can have devastating effects on a community, so it’s crucial to prepare. You don’t want to wait until it’s too late. Pasco Sheriff’s Office provides storm safety information to follow before, during and after a storm.

Assembling a disaster kit is an excellent first step for hurricane preparations. Helpful items to include in your kit include water, food, prescriptions, a first aid kit, batteries and other essential items. Don’t forget to pack food and water for pets as well. We recommend packing enough supplies to last each person three days. Keep copies of essential documents, such as insurance information, stored in a waterproof area that is easily accessible in an evacuation. Arrange to stay at a safe location and make a plan to get there if told to evacuate. Write down your hurricane plan and share it with loved ones so they know where you’ll be and how to contact you

It’s also crucial to prepare your home for severe weather. Secure or bring inside loose outdoor items that may become projectiles during the storm. Similarly, remove debris like fallen branches surrounding your home to prevent damage. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed throughout the storm season and keep drains and gutters clear. If you live in a flood-prone area, prepare sandbags in advance to avoid searching for them when a storm is near. Unplug or turn off non-essential electrical equipment to protect them from power surges. Fill freezer bags with water to keep items in your refrigerator cool longer if your power goes out. Lastly, don’t forget to secure all exterior doors and windows.

During the storm, PSO urges citizens to shelter inside, stay in the middle of the building if possible, and stay away from doors, windows and outside walls. Avoid traveling until weather forecasts and local authorities indicate it’s safe to leave. Heavy rain and wind can cause flooding and overturn vehicles. Even when the severe weather has passed, there are still dangers present. Wildlife, such as snakes and alligators, may take advantage of the expanded waterways. Stay out of puddles or standing water, and stay alert when near these areas. Don’t drive over down powerlines or through flooded roadways. Just one foot of water is enough to float most cars, and as little as six inches of water can cause stalling and loss of vehicle control. Treat intersections with non-functioning lights as four-way stops. When clearing debris, ensure you use the proper safety equipment and have help when lifting heavy items.

Your Pasco Sheriff’s Office prepares for various emergencies and natural disasters. Our Deployable Emergency Response Team (DERT) consists of specially trained members and emergency equipment used to conduct rescue operations and provide supplies in areas with low accessibility. We also have a Community Response Unit and a Jeep Search and Rescue Unit. Both teams consist of volunteers who provide relief and support following catastrophic events. Those interested in volunteering for emergency relief and post-disaster activities can complete a volunteer application at JoinPSO.com.

Preparing now can reduce property damage and even save lives. Ensure you are hurricane-ready, and together, we can weather any storm. Stay informed this hurricane season by following the National Hurricane Center forecasts for the most accurate information and hurricane tracking: www.NHC.NOAA.gov.