Time to Prepare for Hurricane Season 2024 in Pasco & Pinellas Counties

Hurricane season officially began June 1st and runs through November 30th.  NOAA National Weather Service has issued their forecast for 2024 with 17-25 named storms expected.

“The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to have above-normal activity due to several factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favor tropical storm formation,” said forecasters at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center.

So, let’s review what should be in your hurricane preparedness kits, and I strongly encourage you to check additional tips to keep yourself, your family, and your property safe.

A hurricane preparedness kit, also known as a hurricane survival kit, should contain the most essential items you will need in the event of torrential rain, powerful winds, flooding, and power outages. Southern Living shared recommendations from the National Hurricane Center and FEMA about what should be included in your hurricane preparedness kit:

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days to be used for hydration and sanitation.
• Non-perishable foods to last a minimum of three days.
• A battery-powered (or crank-style) radio, a NOAA Weather radio, and extra batteries for both.
• Flashlights and extra batteries.
• A whistle to signal for help.
• Plastic sheeting, duct tape, and dust masks to protect from contaminated air.
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
• A wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
• A manual can opener if you stocked canned food.
• Local maps.
• Prescription medications and glasses.
• Pet food and extra water for pets.
• Cash or traveler’s checks and change.
• Important family documents: Insurance policies, identification, and bank account records stored in a waterproof container.
• Blankets or sleeping bags for each person.
• Extra clothing and shoes.
• A medicine dropper and chlorine bleach to be used as a disinfectant when one-part bleach is mixed with nine-parts water; or it can treat water in an emergency. Use 16 drops of regular household bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color-safe, or bleach with added cleaners when treating water.
• Fire extinguisher.
• Matches or lighter in a waterproof container.
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, and paper towels.
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items.
• Baby formula, diapers, and wipes.

In addition, there are 36 hurricane preparedness tips (some of which coincide with the hurricane survival kit above) that I find to be especially helpful for keeping you, your loved ones, and your belongings safe when hurricanes and other threatening weather approaches.

We must not let our guard down when it comes to hurricane preparedness. Extreme weather has impacted the entire country, so we must stay vigilant about our safety during severe storms.

Please do not hesitate to create or update your hurricane preparedness kits, review the helpful tips I have discussed in previous blogs, and share this important information with your senior loved ones.

For seniors who live alone and cannot properly prepare for a severe storm or hurricane, Home Helpers is your family when family can’t be there.

I offer a FREE Consultation to assess specific needs and create a personalized care plan. Once I understand the needs, I can match the perfect compassionate caregiver who can make life easier and safer for seniors during all kinds of weather.

We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have been ranked among the Home Care Pulse Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providersand to have receivedthese awards in 2024: Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice, the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience, as well as being named a Caring.com 2023 Caring Super Star.

We proudly serve male and female seniors in Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Holiday, Hudson, Largo, New Port Richey, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Port Richey, Safety Harbor, Saint Petersburg, Seminole, Tarpon Springs, Trinity, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier® 727.942.2539

Sources:

NOAA

Southern Living