How to Prepare for Hurricane Season in Orlando

When is hurricane season?

Most meteorologists will say that the Atlantic Hurricane Season lasts from June 1st until November 30th. While the bulk of the activity during the hurricane season happens in August and September, this entire time frame is the perfect time for tropical cyclones (called hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean) to form.

What Is A Hurricane Watch?

Understanding the warning levels for tropical storms is important for anyone who lives in the Orlando area. Just because Disney World is in town does not mean that hurricanes do not form and roll through the area every year.

A hurricane watch means that the conditions exist for the formation of a hurricane. However, a hurricane warning means that a hurricane has formed and is heading towards the area indicated. Even under a hurricane watch, it is best for residents to make sure that they are prepared for the storm to hit or to evacuate in case the storm does form and makes it way towards them.

The Family Needs A Plan

When a hurricane is bearing down on your area, you must have a plan to ensure that you and your family can ride out the storm safely or evacuate safely. Your family emergency plan must include an emergency meeting place in case the storm sneaks up on you. If you are at home, begin to collect your important documents (birth certificates, social security cards, family heirlooms, etc.) It is also a good idea to put together a family supply kit that will have fresh water, a first aid kit and food to help you ride out the storm. With all of these items in place, you and your family can safely evacuate or ride out the storm even if water and power are lost.

Protecting The Home

Before hurricane season begins, it’s a good idea to reinforce your home and make some preparations to help keep you safe. First, make sure you have plywood or hurricane shutters ready to cover your windows. This prevents flying debris from breaking the windows and also prevents rain and debris from entering the home.

When a hurricane is deinifely headed your way, make sure that you have placed a sandbag or soaking agent underneath the gaps in all their exterior doors to help prevent the house from flooding due to a storm surge or from flash flooding due to heavy rains.

Loose items and toys in the yard should be brought inside so that they are not picked up by the winds. Flying debris can cause serious damage. This also includes putting extra cars in the garage or under cover whenever possible.

Preparing for a storm is a big project, but every family that understands the hurricane warning system and has an emergency plan can keep safe, protect their home and protect their valuables when they have prepared beforehand. Without an emergency plan and preparation, you take the risk of serious damage and jeopardize your safety.