How to Prepare for Hurricane Season Amy Sweezey
Let’s face it—Florida gets a lot of bad press. From news of the coronavirus pandemic to annual hurricane scares, I often get calls from friends up North asking if we are OK down here. Despite the stories they may hear, there are record numbers of people flocking to the Sunshine State. Now that travel is starting to return, and COVID-19 vaccines are widely available, people are on the move. I don’t just mean taking the family to Disney World or escaping the snow for a sandy beach vacation. I mean they are selling their houses, packing up their stuff and moving south! According to the state’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research, about 329,717 new residents settled in Florida between April, 2020, and April, 2021. Move.org reported Florida was the No. 1 destination for Americans who relocated in 2020, based on a variety of metrics. Other sources reported Florida was in the top three relocation destinations. Of course, this means there are many people who have never experienced a tropical storm or a hurricane. It means, if you’re a native, you may have a lot of people asking you what to do and how to prepare. For all of you Florida newbies, welcome! And here’s my best advice: DON’T BE SCARED, JUST PREPARE. This applies to longtime locals, too. We tend to downplay storms because, “We’ve lived through them.” But preparing is key for everyone who lives in Florida, whether you’re at the beach or inland. So how do you prepare? Start by finding the information you need specifically for you and your family. If you live in a flood zone, you will prepare differently than someone who does not. If you are a caregiver, think about what everyone in your care might need if a storm hits. Being fearful prevents you from taking action. If you prepare before the storm arrives, your mind will be at ease, and you can wait it out without worry.
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