Stay Storm Ready: Refresh Your Hurricane Preparedness Plan
Hurricane season is here again, and while you may consider yourself an expert already, it’s always a good idea to brush up on your knowledge. Those who have weathered storms with us in the past understand the serious risks hurricane season can bring, and it’s important not to take them lightly. Pasco Sheriff’s Office encourages you to review our hurricane preparation tips to ensure the safety of yourself, your loved ones and your property.
Before a storm threatens our area, pack an emergency kit with enough supplies to last each person in your family for a few days. Essential items to include are a gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit and medications. Don’t forget to pack essentials for your pets too! Remember to have cash on hand during hurricane season in the event there’s no power. Make copies of important documents, including insurance information, and store them in a waterproof container. To ensure you have all the essentials in your kit, visit Ready.gov/kit.
To prepare your property for a storm, secure or bring indoors loose outdoor items that could become projectiles. Clear away debris like fallen branches to prevent damage. Trim trees and shrubs and keep drains and gutters clear. If you live in a flood-prone area, prepare sandbags in advance. Unplug non-essential electrical equipment to guard against power surges. Freeze water in bags to keep refrigerator items cool during outages. Lastly, ensure all exterior doors and windows are secured.
Regularly monitor weather activity in your area; a storm’s trajectory can shift quickly. Visit NOAA.gov for the most accurate and up-to-date storm information. When making storm plans, determine if you’re in an evacuation zone. For Pasco County, you can find this information on the Pasco County Government’s website at PascoCountyFL.net. 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. Additionally, follow local government agencies on social media for updates on shelter locations, evacuation zones, transportation and more.
There are additional dangers to be aware of once the storm passes, such as harmful debris and potential criminals looking to exploit vulnerable people. Be cautious while assessing your property for damage; specifically, look out for hidden dangers in grass and standing water, including downed trees, power lines or wildlife. Use safety gear such as protective eyewear and gloves when clearing storm damage. Adhere to orders issued by local authorities; this helps ensure your safety as rescue crews may not be able to get to you during a storm, or potentially for some time after.
If you need to repair your property, determine if the contractor you’re considering is licensed. Unlicensed contractors can place citizens at risk of poor quality work or noncompliance with building codes. Property owners can also become liable for injuries, have limited resources in the event of a broken contract and may become victims of additional scams like identity theft. PSO also wants citizens to be cautious of scammers impersonating disaster relief funds. Before giving money or personal information, verify the charity’s legitimacy by visiting their website.
PSO encourages everyone to stay current on weather-related events and the best preparation methods; even those experienced in extreme weather can learn something new. Learn more about this upcoming Hurricane season at NOAA.org.
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