Dennis Phillips Gives Advice For Upcoming Hurricane Season
When most people around the country thing of seasons, they think of Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Well, here in Florida we think of a different season and it is less than a month away, HURRICANE SEASON!
In 2022 there were 14 named storms, 8 developed into hurricanes and 2 were severe, Hurricane Fiona and of course, Hurricane Ian, which ripped through Southwest Florida.
Hurricane season is never something to be taken lightly. If you were to be in the path a severe storm you can experience a wide array of possible situations. No matter how you end up after a storm, preparedness is key. Check out hurricane prep items you should own.
We asked ABC Action News Chief Meteorologist (and all sound nice guy) Denis Phillips for any advice for the 2023 hurricane season. He told us “Don’t pay any attention to the predictions of how many storms will form. It’s meaningless.”
Phillips goes on to remind everyone “1992 was a “quiet” year with below normal activity. It was also the year Andrew hit South Florida. Folks down there would probably say it was a VERY active year. We hear it all the time, but it’s 100% true. It only takes ONE to make it a very busy year.”
Still, it’s important to have a plan in case a storm does start to develop. Some of the more obvious things that you should have on hand are non perishable food and drinking water. A crank operated radio and a weather radio approved by NOAA is a good idea as well. If a big storm we’re to get close to where you are, power might be out for an extended period, you might need cash and ATM’s won’t be working.
Also, what if your local Pharmacy is destroyed? Keep extra prescriptions in the kit as well. Flashlights, baby formula, and prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses are all on the list of possible items. All items the Ready.gov list are good ideas and you may think of a few others that aren’t on the list. However, not everything on the list is right for everyone.
Although Hurricane season is an anxious time for many people, the best advice we can give is to just RELAX. So get ready, Get prepared, be safe and stay calm.
5 Things You Should Have Before Hurricane Season Starts
Empty Sand Bags
Remember when everyone was scrambling all over Pinellas and Hillsborough counties looking for sand bags? Most pick-up locations were only allowing people to pick up 2-3 bags per person, which is probably not enough to surround your house/belongings.
BBGI
If you order these empty sandbags on Amazon now, you should have them by next week. It will make your life a lot easier to just drive to your nearest beach or causeway and fill the bags up that way.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Battery Powered Fan
We all know how crappy it is to lose power in the middle of a hurricane. In some cases, you may not know when it will be restored. Amazon has this really cool battery powered camping lantern with a fan for only $20. Reviews say that 1 set of D batteries lasted them over 10 hours.
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Footwear
If you live in Florida and don’t have a decent pair of rain boots, now is your time to get a pair. If the thought of gross storm water touching your skin freaks you out, you should grab a pair of these knee high waterproof boots.
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Honorary Mention: Board Games/Deck of Cards/Coloring Books
This one may seem obvious, which is why we made it an honorary mention in case it does slip your mind. Remember how bored you were when you lost power from Ian? Some board games, deck of cards, or coloring books should help you pass the time, without killing your phone battery.
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