Hurricane Season 2019 Begins; Officials Urge Residents To Prepare

ACROSS FLORIDA -- In advance of hurricane season June 1, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott took time Friday to tour the state to urge residents to "prepare for the worst."

"During my eight years as governor of Florida, I saw firsthand the destruction left behind by multiple devastating hurricanes -- Michael, Irma, Hermine, Matthew," Scott said. "If there is one thing I learned, it's that Florida is resilient. In times of crisis, the people of our state come together."

He added, however, that Florida is only resilient because it is prepared for hurricanes.

"I cannot stress this enough: preparedness saves lives," he said. "Hurricane season begins June 1, and I am asking every family and business in Florida to get a plan and a disaster preparedness kit today."

This year's state Disaster Sales Tax Holiday began May 31 and extends to Thursday, June 6. This is an opportunity for Floridians to fully stock their disaster supply kits with vital supplies, like food, water, flashlights, batteries and other necessities -- tax-free.

"I'm also urging every family and business to make or revisit their emergency plans," said Scott. "Don't put your family and loved ones at risk. Don't wait to take action. Get prepared today."

Heeding the former governor's advice, Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties hosted hurricane preparedness events Saturday, providing residents with hurricane guides, lists of shelters, information on evacuation zones and lists of items needed to prepare hurricane kits.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced May 23 that there's a 40 percent chance of a "near-normal" Atlantic hurricane season, but there is also a 30 percent chance of an "above-normal" hurricane season.

An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms of which six become hurricanes, three of which will become major hurricanes.

Named storms have winds of 39 mph or higher. A named storm becomes a hurricane when winds reach 74 mph or higher. Major hurricanes (category 3, 4 and 5) are those with winds of 111 mph or higher.

The hurricane season officially extends from June 1 to Nov. 30. The first tropical storm of the season will be named Barry. (Click here for a complete list of storm names).

The prediction center's outlook reflects competing climate factors. The ongoing El Nino is expected to persist and suppress the intensity of the hurricane season. Countering El Nino is the expected combination of warmer-than-average sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea and an enhanced west African monsoon, both of which favor increased hurricane activity.

Daniel Kaniewski, Federal Emergency Management Agency deputy administrator for resilience, echoed Scott's warning to prepare now.

"It only takes one event to devastate a community so now is the time to prepare. Do you have cash on hand? Do you have adequate insurance, including flood insurance? Does your family have communication and evacuation plans? Stay tuned to your local news and download the FEMA app to get alerts, and make sure you heed any warnings issued by local officials," he advised.

Jose Soto, public affairs specialist for State Farm, said the company received more than 11,600 Florida claims (approximately 5,090 homeowner claims and 6,520 auto claims) from Hurricane Michael last year.

"The number of Floridians impacted by Hurricane Michael serves as a strong reminder of the importance of having appropriate insurance coverage in place," Soto said.

With the start of hurricane season, Soto said it's a good time for homeowners to consult with their insurance agents to review their insurance policies for adequate coverage for their home and property.

Homeowners can protect themselves and their property with a few easy steps:

• Review insurance coverage. Make sure you have the right amount and type of insurance. Remember. renters need to have their own insurance to cover their personal belongings.
• Create a home inventory. Make a list and or take photos and videos of your possessions and their estimated value.
• Protect your property. Stock plywood and materials you may need to board up windows. Move garbage cans and other large objects inside the house or garage. Secure boats and cars.
• Have an evacuation plan. Before the hurricane, decide what you will do. Find out the location of evacuation shelters. If you have a pet, check if the center accepts pets. Determine if you will ride out the storm in your home (if local authorities permit you to stay), or establish a safe place inland. Plan an escape route. Tell relatives where you will be.
• Put together an emergency kit. The kit should include basics such as water, food, first aid supplies, clothing, blankets, and important documents. Store your kit in airtight plastic bags or a plastic storage container with a lid.
• Don’t forget to prepare your furry friends: Evacuation Planning for Pet Owners

Here are three top things for homeowners to talk to their insurance agent about before a hurricane hits:

• Appropriate replacement cost coverage
• Deductibles (including hurricane deductibles)
• Flood Insurance

Homeowners are encouraged to make sure they have a good understanding of what their policies cover (both home and auto), and the deductibles and exclusions their policies may include. It is important for homeowners to have the right amount of insurance coverage, so they can recover and rebuild following a storm, said Soto.