COVER STORY
Ready or Not? Hurricane Season Begins
W
ith our heads still spinning from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s now time to prepare for the annual hurricane season. From uncertain times to cones of uncertainty, it can all feel a bit overwhelming. Afterall, we have been through a lot recently, and it might seem easier to simply dismiss the upcoming hurricane season as “no big deal.” However, as Floridians, we know all too well that ignoring mother nature is not a wise tactic. One bad storm in our area can have disastrous repercussions. A Realtor’s® job and professional commitment is to remain prepared and aware of any situation that can potentially impact their customers, homeownership, and the real estate industry. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season will begin on Monday, June 1, and end on Monday, November 30, with storm threats typically peaking in August and September. Forecasters are predicting a very active 2020 hurricane season, with 18 named storms. But it’s important to keep in mind that a major storm can target any part of Florida at any time.1
HURRICANE KITS When was the last time you updated your hurricane kit? It probably hasn’t been the first thing on your mind but, now is the time to update your supplies. Think of your supply kit in two ways. One, it’s important to create a kit of supplies you could take with you if forced to evacuate. And two, have a kit prepared that will be useful if you are able to stay
6 | ELEVATE [ JUNE 2020 ]
in your home but are affected by the storm, such as through a power loss. One common trend seen when hurricanes are approaching is a wide-spread panic. If you prepare a kit ahead of time, you can alleviate a lot of the potential stress of a very chaotic situation. We all know what it’s like to find empty store shelves these days. Now is the time to pick up the essentials that you or your customers will need before the rush begins.2
RECOMMENDED HURRICANE KIT ITEMS IF SHELTERING IN PLACE: Nonperishable food (enough to last at least 3 days) Water (enough to last at least 3 days) First-aid kit (include all prescription medications) Personal hygiene items and sanitation items Flashlights (have extra batteries) or candles Battery operated radio Extra charging bricks for cell phones Waterproof container with cash and important documents Manual can opener Lighter or matches Books, magazines, games for recreation Pet and baby supplies, if applicable Cooler and ice packs Have an evacuation plan and “go bag” ready
