Captain’s Column

Here we are in June –for most of our children, school is out for the summer and we are planning family vacations.

But, we should also be thinking about what comes next -- hurricane season. Technically, hurricane season began June 1, but we saw Andrea, the first named storm of the 2019 Atlantic season, last month. It was a low-powered storm that weakened and dissipated in a couple of days.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. We know that we need to be prepared for the weather conditions that could spawn or feed a tropical storm to the point that it turns into a hurricane.

Weather events can be weak enough not to be considered a tropical storm or hurricane, but could contain enough energy to cause considerable damage. Tropical storms are anything that has sustained winds of more than 45 miles per hour. Once it hits 74 miles per hour it will be considered a hurricane.

First, you need to think about the safety of you and your family.

While you’ve got your chain of command dictating your ability to leave and when to do so, it’s your responsibility to make sure you’re ready to do so when given that order.

Make a good emergency “go bag” that includes three days of water – one gallon per person per day – and non-perishable food; a clean change of clothes and shoes; cash and credit card; a flashlight with extra batteries; a battery or hand-operated weather radio; your medications; a first aid kit; and a blanket or sleeping bag per person.

You must also prepare for whatever special needs your family may have – including your pets.

Pay particular attention to any special requirements you might need to consider for infants, the elderly or if you have anyone in the exceptional family member program.

Include your children as you construct the emergency “go bag.” This will provide them an opportunity to be part of the process and not just a recipient of the stress associated with when you actually have to evacuate.

Also, take a look at your insurance for provisions or limitations during times of “acts of nature.” Insurance companies won’t sell policies when a tropical storm or hurricane has entered the Gulf of Mexico. So, check your policies now. Flood insurance is specific to the results of flooding and once purchased doesn’t typically go into effect for 30 days after.

There is more to do to prepare, but thinking about what needs to be done now will enable you and your family to be prepared for anything!