Written by: In the Community

10 Things to Know About the 2019 Hurricane Season

  1. With Andrea already taken by an early season depression, the 2019 season moves on to names: Barry,Chantal, Dorian, Erin, Fernand, and Gabrielle.
  2. NOAA predicts a near-normal season, with a “likely range of 9 to 15 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 4 to 8 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 2 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).”
  3. Know your zone! Miami-Dade residents can visit miamidade.gov/hurricane to find their Storm Surge Planning Zone or download the Ready MDC mobile app. Zone A is at the greatest risk for storm surge, while E is less likely to be evacuated.
  4. Harness the power of the sun! Invest in a solar powered charger to ensure that you’re able to keep in touch post-storm and stock up on solar-powered lighting like the LuminAID solar lanterns (see on Shark Tank!).
  5. Speaking of phones… Protect important documents by scanning them into your computer or phone as backup before storing them in waterproof containers on high shelves and be sure to take video and photos of your home and valuable objects.
  6. Any South Floridian worth his hurricane knowledge has sat in a gas line for upwards of an hour only to find the station drained. Download GasBuddy for real time updates of who’s full and who’s on empty.
  7. The safest spot in your home? The bathtub. Experts recommend getting in your tub with a mattress over the top to protect yourself should debris from your home begin to fall.
  8. If you or someone you know requires assistance in an evacuation scenario they must register pre-season for the Emergency & Evacuation Assistance Program as pre-registered residents will receive priority.
  9. This year, South Florida emergency management has sent out door hangers in green and red. Using drones, emergency personnel will be able to fly down hard-hit streets and identify exactly who needs help.
  10. Don’t forget your furry friends. Make sure pets have their IDs on and have food and medication in healthy supply. FYI: pet evacuation centers take dogs and cats, but also pets including rabbits, ferrets, gerbils, birds, hamsters and more.
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Tags: , , Last modified: June 30, 2019