I received a phone call before the start of the 2015 hurricane season from a man who had just moved to Polk County.

He was looking for information about hurricanes and he asked me why there was no evacuation map for his county listed on our website.

I explained that evacuations are ordered due to the threat of a storm surge and since Polk County was not near a coast, there was no evacuation map for his area.

We talked about the threats of wind damage, tornadoes, and flooding that are still big risks for inland areas.

I answered his questions about protecting his home. I was so excited when that phone call ended! Not because I like talking about destruction and misery, I certainly don’t, but because he wanted to be informed about his new hometown.

He made the effort to educate himself and do something to help his family be prepared for a hurricane. I wish more people did that.
 
If you weren’t living here in 2004, you might not know that Florida was hit by four hurricanes. Three of those hurricanes, Charley, Frances, and Jeanne, impacted parts of the Tampa Bay region.

However, the state of Florida has not been hit by a hurricane since 2005 and more people live here now who did not experience those active seasons.

Whether you are new to Tampa Bay or a native Floridian, here’s what you need to do to prepare for this year’s hurricane season.

  • Find out if you live in an evacuation zone. If you do, develop a plan now so you know where you will you go if you have to evacuate. Will you stay with family who lives away from the water? Do you have friends in a non-evacuation zone? If you must go to a shelter or you have special needs, find out the one closest to you. If you have a pet, most shelters will not allow them, so ask your vet or family for help. You can get answers to these questions on our website. Here’s the link to get specific information for your county:  http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/weather/hurricane-center/evacuations.html  

  • Do you have supplies if you must stay in your home for several days without power? Be sure to download the 2016 hurricane guide. It has a checklist of important items you need. Take it with you to the store and get a few items each time you’re shopping. You will be able to check them off your list and if there is a hurricane threat, you will feel better when you’re not standing in line for the last bottles of water or packs of batteries.

  • The guide is on the hurricane section of our website: http://www.baynews9.com/hurricane.html

  • Can your home withstand strong winds? Do you have materials to board up your windows? Are your trees trimmed? Now is the time to get ready. Don’t wait until you’re “in the cone” to get things done.

  • Read your home owner’s insurance policy. Do you have the right amount of coverage? Is there something you don’t understand? Call your agent and ask for an explanation. The language used in policies can be difficult to understand so speak up and ask questions. Don’t feel foolish for asking them what certain terms mean. Don’t forget about flood insurance too, it’s typically separate from your home or renters insurance. Once your questions are answered, put the policies, along with other important documents and phone numbers, in a waterproof container in case you need them.

Overwhelmed? Don’t be. Start with our hurricane guide.

Then ask your neighbors and coworkers for advice. Educate yourself and protect your family.

If you haven’t started yet, you still have time. Hurricane season begins June 1 and we’ll be here at Bay News 9 to keep you updated throughout the season.