The Peak of Hurricane Season is Just Around the Corner!

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, as August comes to an end we are approaching the halfway point of hurricane season. But did you know that the peak of storm season is yet to come? 

The next few months are considered the "season within the season" as 90% of hurricanes occur mid-August through late October and the season officially peaking the second week of September on September 10th. The peak of last year's 2020 hurricane season, produced record-breaking storms with a total of 30 names storms, which is more than any past season. With a total of 3 different tropical disturbances currently in the Atlantic, storm season is beginning to ramp up as we head into the peak of the season.

If you have not already, now is the time to ensure that you are prepared for extreme weather and have updated emergency plans in place. Or if you prepared a kit at the beginning of the season or have one from last year, check your kit again to make sure your supplies are all accounted for and not outside of expiration dates. You do not want to wait until the last minute when a hurricane is forecast to hit and fight through the chaos of late planning and added stress levels. 

As you are creating your hurricane plans, there are several things you want to keep in mind: 

1. Determine Your Risk 

There are many different hazards that hurricanes and severe storms bring with them like storm serges, tornadoes and strong winds, inland flooding, and rip currents. Remember that impacts from hurricanes can be felt from hundreds of miles away. Determining the risks you could encounter before the storm hits, can help you better plan and prepare your home and family for them. 

2. Develop an Evacuation Plan 

Before a hurricane is predicted to hit, use local resources to find out if you live in an evacuation zone and which zone you are in. Once you determine your evacuation zone, follow all evacuation zones given and plan serval routes in case an issue arises with your original plan. And of course, when planning to evaluate, keep your furry friends and furbabies in mind. If you are leaving, they should be leaving as well. Make sure that your evacuation plans are pet-friendly or establish alternate safety plans for them. 

3. Put Together an Emergency Kit & Disaster Supplies 

At the beginning of storm season, begin to put together a list of supplies and assemble them before the first storm hits. You are going to need enough supplies to last not only through the storm but enough to sustain the aftermath as well. You should have enough food, water, necessary medications, and any other essential supplies to last each person in your family for a minimum of 3 days. For more information on developing an emergency supply kit and what you should put in it, Ready has put together a list of items to keep in mind when planning, check it out here. 

The most important thing during the hurricane and severe storm season is to ensure the safety of you and your family. Having a proper safety and emergency plan in place is key to preparing your family for whatever and whenever bad weather strikes. After the storm hits, if you return from safety to find that your property has suffered damages due to the storm, SERVPRO of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, S. Nocatee and World Golf Village is here to help. As leaders in disaster clean-up, your local St. Augustine SERVPRO has been serving the First Coast and surrounding St. Johns County since 2015. We have the training, equipment, and staff to handle water damage, fire damage, and the reconstruction service needs that come about due to flooding, heavy rain, and storm damage. Our emergency crews are ready to respond to emergencies 24/7/365! Call our office today at 904-429-4457!