NHC Watching Tropical Disturbance, Reminds Us to Get Ready For Hurricane Season Starting On June 1

By  //  May 19, 2019

Meteorologist Danny Treanor Tells You How To Prepare For Hurricane Season

SPACE COAST DAILY TV: With the tropics heating up, longtime Central Florida Meteorologist and Space Coast Daily correspondent Danny Treanor offers some sage advice on how to prepare for the upcoming 2019 hurricane season, which begins June 1.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The National Hurricane Center is watching a tropical disturbance southwest of Bermuda that NHC forecasters say has a 30 percent chance of forming into a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours.

“An area of low pressure is expected to form by Monday several hundred miles southwest of Bermuda,” said NHC forecasters.

“This system could develop into a short-lived tropical or subtropical cyclone late Monday or Tuesday while moving northward or northeastward. Environmental conditions are expected to become unfavorable for further development by Wednesday.”

Although this potential tropical cyclone does not threaten the Space Coast, it is a reminder that we all need to prepare for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, which begins June 1.

Chris Bonanno Joins Space Coast Daily as Senior Editor & Reporter, Dedicated to Brevard CommunityRelated Story:
Chris Bonanno Joins Space Coast Daily as Senior Editor & Reporter, Dedicated to Brevard Community
The National Hurricane Center is watching a tropical disturbance southwest of Bermuda that NHC forecasters say has a 30 percent chance of forming into a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours. Although this potential tropical cyclone does not threaten the Space Coast, it is a reminder that we all need to prepare for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, which begins June 1. See hurricane prep tips below.
GET READY: 2019 Hurricane Season Expected to Be Near or Slightly Below Average Researchers SayRelated Story:
GET READY: 2019 Hurricane Season Expected to Be Near or Slightly Below Average Researchers Say

GET READY FOR HURRICANE SEASON NOW

With the 2019 hurricane season almost here, the National Hurricane Survival Initiative hurricane experts noted the “Top 10 Mistakes” Americans make that increase their risk from deadly storms and make recovery harder.

As part of Get Ready, America! The National Hurricane Survival Initiative, hurricane experts also recommended simple but important steps that Americans should take to protect their property and their loved ones before the next hurricane strikes.

“We’re entering the most concerning season of the year – hurricane season,” said Bryan Koon, Vice President of the National Emergency Management Association and Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

“We need to take the threat of hurricanes seriously and take steps to protect our families and homes.”

Americans in hurricane-vulnerable states often make small mistakes that can significantly increase their risk and complicate recovery, experts say.

National Hurricane Center Reveals List of 2019 Atlantic Hurricane NamesRelated Story:
National Hurricane Center Reveals List of 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Names

Here are the top 10 most common mistakes – and advice from experts on how to avoid them:

MISTAKE #1: Failing to know the threat.

“I don’t live within a mile of the coast, so I’m not worried about rising water. The biggest threat to me is wind damage.”

What Experts Say: History proves that storm surge is the deadliest part of a hurricane. The National Hurricane Center reports that more than half of the deaths in three recent land-falling hurricanes were caused by storm surge.

MISTAKE #2: Failing to evacuate.

“Evacuation is for other folks. My house is a fortress and I’m here to protect my property. I’m staying and riding out the storm no matter what.”

What Experts Say: When local officials issue an order to evacuate, they are doing so for your benefit. You should respond immediately, remain calm and take your disaster supply kit. Remember to let others know when you leave and where you are going.

MISTAKE #3: Failing to leave in time.

“I can outrun the storm. I’ll just head in the opposite direction.”

What Experts Say: If your area has been asked to evacuate, and if a hurricane is imminent, you’re far better off to leave your home for an officially designated hurricane shelter or stay with local friends inland, out of the evacuation zone.

Names of Deadly Hurricanes Florence, Michael Retired By World Meteorological OrganizationRelated Story:
Names of Deadly Hurricanes Florence, Michael Retired By World Meteorological Organization

MISTAKE #4: Failing to protect the home.

“I knew that tree branch was hanging low over the roof but I didn’t get around to trimming it. Or fixing my roof. Or updating my old garage door…”

What Experts Say: If you’re a homeowner, and you haven’t done anything yet to protect your home, start with your largest opening first. And for many homes that have a garage, that usually means the garage door.

MISTAKE #5: Failing to organize important papers.

“Important papers? They’re all over the place. Let’s see, there’s the passports, the insurance policies, the Social Security cards, our will…”

What Experts Say: Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container and a second copy at the home of a trusted relative or a close friend living in a different city.

MISTAKE #6: Failing to inventory valuables.

“I don’t need to make an inventory of our valuables. I’ll remember what we have.”

What Experts Say: Make your preparations easier by downloading checklists included with each category and use them as you shop, store your supplies and take inventory of important household items in your home. You may also want to take photos or videotape each room of your house, showing the valuables you have.

Florida Power & Light Showcases New Category 5-Rated Control Center During Annual Hurricane DrillRelated Story:
Florida Power & Light Showcases New Category 5-Rated Control Center During Annual Hurricane Drill

MISTAKE #7: Failing to ensure adequate insurance.

“I don’t have any idea if I have flood insurance or not. I last met with my insurance agent in 1993, or was it ’83?”

What Experts Say: Make sure your possessions are covered and, if you live in or near a flood zone, make absolutely certain you have flood insurance because that is never included in standard homeowner’s policies. If you rent, you need insurance, too.

Hurricane Kit
By starting early, you’ll avoid the rush at home supply stores, grocery stores and other venues typically crowded and often chaotic when hurricane watches and warnings are issued. You don’t want to find shelves bare when you need the basics.

MISTAKE #8: Failing to make provisions.

“A gallon of water per day for each member of my family? Who has room for that? And anyway, it’s the government’s job to provide food and water in a disaster…”

What Experts Say: By starting early, you’ll avoid the rush at home supply stores, grocery stores and other venues typically crowded and often chaotic when hurricane watches and warnings are issued. You don’t want to find shelves bare when you need the basics.

MISTAKE #9: Failing to know safety protocols.

“If I lose power, I’ll run my generator from the garage, so it stays dry.”

What Experts Say: Portable generators use an engine and will give off carbon monoxide. You don’t want that deadly gas in the house. Tragedy can be completely avoided with the proper placement of the generator outside of the home, away from any vents that lead into the house and not in the garage. Also: It’s safer to use battery-powered lights and flashlights than lighted candles. Never leave a lit candle in an unoccupied room.

Knowing where the nearest shelter that accepts pets if you have pets, is really important. A lot of people leave their pets behind because they simply don’t know. Make sure you have a plan for your pet and get in touch with the right people before a storm hits.

MISTAKE #10: Failing to provide for “Fido” and “Fluffy.”

“All shelters have to take in pets, don’t they?”

What Experts Say: Knowing where the nearest shelter that accepts pets if you have pets, is really important. A lot of people leave their pets behind because they simply don’t know. Make sure you have a plan for your pet and get in touch with the right people before a storm hits.

“We do provide shelter, food, counseling and other services during times of disaster,” said Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army.

“But, in order for us to do the most good, we need people to take responsibility and to be prepared so we can respond to those who need us the most.”

Enjoy Space Coast Daily, Brevard County’s Best and Most Read MagazineRelated Story:
Enjoy Space Coast Daily, Brevard County’s Best and Most Read Magazine

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS