Preparation is key as hurricane season approaches
Perhaps Benjamin Franklin said it best: “By failing to prepare, you’re preparing to fail.” As we approach the beginning of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season (June 1 through Nov. 30), the Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA) urges all Floridians to heed these words of wisdom.
May 5-11 is National Hurricane Preparedness Week, an opportunity to focus our collective efforts on the potentially lifesaving benefits of planning and preparation. The threat this year is greater than ever, with Colorado State University predicting an extremely active season with 23 named storms, including 11 that will become hurricanes and five reaching major hurricane strength (Category 3 or higher).
The FGUA prepares year-round to minimize the impact of storms on its customers, with a priority focus on preventing service disruptions by investing in upgraded systems, working with electric utilities to expedite the restoration of power, and sharing timely information through its website and the news media.
BEGIN EARLY PREPARATIONS NOW
Before the season begins, take care of things that require a bit more time, but which will have you prepared and ready to respond when the warnings come. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration offers the following top tips:
– Strengthen your home if possible
– Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions
– Develop an evacuation plan
– Create a communication plan with a hand-written/printed list of contacts
– Assemble disaster supplies
For more more information, visit noaa.gov/hurricane-prep.
WHEN WATCHES, WARNINGS COME
Having a comprehensive disaster supply kit assembled and ready is critical. The state offers a detailed, printable checklist at floridadisaster.org. The list covers items in several categories including general, phone numbers, clothing, special needs, first aid, food and water, important documents, vehicle readiness and pet care.
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
Even with the best preparation, equipment and systems, Mother Nature is a powerful competitor. Heavy rainfall, widespread flooding, water main breaks from uprooted trees and loss of power to pumping stations may result in loss of water pressure and contaminated water which can cause illness. In these situations, the FGUA may issue precautionary boil water notices. For drinking or cooking with water during these limited periods, a rolling boil for a period of at least one minute is sufficient. Alternatively, bottled water may be used. Current outages and notices are posted online at fgua.com.
To reach FLORIDA GOVERNMENTAL UTILITY AUTHORITY, please email