By Matt Wiley
If you’re reading this, then you probably already know that hurricane season has begun, but it’s never too late (or early) to get prepared. Despite ominous predictions for a busy season with big storms last summer, tropical activity in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean remained relatively quiet. This year’s predictions call for another slow hurricane season.
On May 22, NOAA (the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) released its annual hurricane predictions. This year, NOAA predicts a “near-normal” or “below-normal” Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1. Thanks to the anticipated development of El Niño, NOAA scientists explain, this season’s outlook calls for a 70-percent chance of 8-13 named storms during the 2013 season (which ends Nov. 30), with 3-6 potentially becoming hurricanes, of which 1-2 could be major storms of Category 3 (winds more than 111 mph) or greater.
“Atmospheric and oceanic conditions across the tropical Pacific are already taking on some El Niño characteristics,” says Dr. Gerry Bell, NOAA’s lead hurricane season forecaster. “Also, we are currently seeing strong trade winds and wind shear over the tropical Atlantic, and NOAA’s climate models predict these conditions will persist, in part because of El Niño. The expectation of near-average Atlantic Ocean temperatures this season, rather than the above-average temperatures seen since 1995, also suggests fewer Atlantic hurricanes.”
The New Tampa & Wesley Chapel areas remained relatively unscathed last hurricane season, although it only takes one storm to have a devastating effect on an area, and the first step to weathering the storm is preparation. Knowing whether or not your home lies in a known flood plain or is subject to severe wind is a must.
Gimme’ Shelter!
If a storm poses a major threat to your home, hurricane shelters are available and it is important to know which one is closest to your community, especially if your home is not equipped with hurricane shutters and there isn’t enough time to board up windows when a storm kicks up quickly. If living in the New Tampa area, Bartels Middle (9020 Imperial Oak Blvd.) will be open for low-intensity storms (Category 2 or below). However, for high-intensity storms Category 3 or above, five shelters will be open in the New Tampa area, including Chiles Elementary (16541 W. Tampa Palms Blvd), Pride Elementary (10310 Lions Den Dr.), Turner Elementary (9190 Imperial Oak Blvd.), Benito Middle (10101 Cross Creek Blvd.) and Wharton High (20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.).
According to Pasco County Emergency Management (PCEM), there will be eight hurricane shelters in the Wesley Chapel area, including Double Branch Elementary (31500 Chancey Rd.), New River Elementary (4710 River Glen Blvd.), Seven Oaks Elementary (27633 Mystic Oak Blvd.), Thomas E. Weightman Middle School (30649 Wells Rd.), Veterans Elementary(26940 Progress Pkwy.), Watergrass Elementary (32750 Overpass Rd.), Wesley Chapel High (30651 Wells Rd.) and Wiregrass Ranch High (2909 Mansfield Blvd.), which also serves as a special needs shelter. Always be sure to check to see if a shelter is open before going there.
Stock Up Early
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends putting together a basic emergency supply kit. Most everything for the kit can be found at local grocery and wholesale stores, such as the two Publix Super Markets locations (in the Shoppes at New Tampa shopping plaza on BBD and Hollybrook Plaza at the corner of BBD and S.R. 54), or the Sam’s Club off S.R. 56.
FEMA recommends that the kit should include (but doesn’t have to be limited to) one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, a three-day supply of non-perishable food with a can opener, a battery-powered weather radio, flashlights with extra batteries, a First-Aid kit, dust masks, an emergency whistle, as well as moist towelettes, large and small garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation, as well as basic personal hygiene supplies.
Other recommended items include at least a two-week supply of prescription medicines and glasses, pet supplies (if necessary), family documents (proof of insurance, IDs, passports, bank records), cash, sleeping bags or blankets for each person and board games to keep kids busy. Remember, if the power goes out, it’s back to the Stone Age when the batteries for those high-tech electronics run out.
And, don’t forget a large cooler, which is perfect for stockpiling ice (at least for a little while) during a storm. If you have the means, a generator with a few gallons of gas, which also can come in handy for your vehicle, can power basic electronics if the power remains out for an extended period of time.
For more information about the 2013 hurricane season and preparations, please visit NHC.NOAA.Gov and FEMA’s Ready.Gov.
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