“Prepare Now” For “Pricey” Hurricane Season, Experts Say

By Nicol Jenkins
Editor

With rising gas and food prices, this year’s hurricane season could mean big bucks for South Florida residents. 
It could also mean longer lines at local gas stations and grocery stores- and pricey bills.
Experts recommend preparing early to deter the costs of a potential pricey hurricane season.
“Prepare now,” said Major John Carroll of the Department of Professional Standards for the Broward County Sheriff’s Office at a recent Parkland Chamber of Commerce meeting. “Make sure you have a personal, family or business plan in place because when a storm is coming it’s too late.”

Trina Robinson, meteorologist and host of “South Florida Today”, also stressed the urgency of stocking up on supplies early because of rising costs.

“The most important thing for residents to remember this year is that gas, food, and supplies may be more expensive because of the higher fuel costs. So, it’s important not to wait for a watch or a warning to dash out for supplies,” she said. “If we have a threat this year, it may prove more difficult than usual to get the items we need to shelter at home until the storm passes.”
Longer Lines

Robinson says higher costs may also mean longer lines at area gas stations and grocery stores.  
“Gas, the availability of it, and the price we are forced to pay may play a huge role in how long lines could potentially be for gas,” she said. “People are well aware that they need food and plenty of water, but now is the time to get those supplies. Also, locals should take an inventory of items they must have such as any critical prescriptions. It’s also time to check the shutters, review your insurance policy, and fire up the generator.”

Pre-planning may help deter costs and fewer damages, according to Robinson.
“It’s important for residents to do the necessary pre-planning so they won’t end up in lines for ice or water one day after the storm. Communities where people are prepared for a hurricane before a direct hit fare better with fewer injuries, deaths, and loss of property,” she said. “An ill-prepared community could do tremendous damage to our already fragile economy.” 
Robinson says this hurricane season could be busy and urges residents to be prepared for the worst.
“The season is predicted to be a busy one, with normal to above normal activity. But I always tell people to not to get too caught up in that, and to worry about the storm that is in route to your neighborhood. The one that comes knocking on your door can have a life-altering affect on you, your family and your community,” she said.

Storm Preparations
Hurricane preparations should include an evacuation plan, supplies, a plan for pets and elderly family members, anyone who may have special needs, and for securing homes or businesses, according to Carroll.

“Pre-planning is most critical. This way when the time comes you will have something in place,” he said.
For Carroll, hurricane preparedness is a year-round event. He is in charge of the pre-, during, and after-storm planning. He noted that in addition to taking care of the community, Sheriff Al Lamberti is responsible for 5,400 prisoners at the county jail, staffing the Red Cross shelters, securing fire houses, sea ports and airports. 

“We must assess the damages and get things back to normal,” he said.
Robinson adds that some residents believe they are preparing but are in fact making mistakes. Among those are: taping windows, opening windows to relieve the storm’s pressure, and sightseeing after storms.

“Stay home until you get the all clear that it’s safe to venture out,” she said. “If you venture out, it ties up traffic control when they should be taking care of the truly injured or fragile.” 

Carroll stresses the importance of the reality of a storm striking South Florida.
“Residents have to plan for the worst case scenario like Hurricane Andrew. The one thing we have learned is that storms always do something different once they come to shore,” he said. “After the storm, prepare to live like medieval times with none of the necessities we take for granted.”