SARASOTA COUNTY – We’re roughly two months away from the end of the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season, but it’s always good to be prepared.
That’s why the National Weather Service is asking are you prepared for when severe weather hits?
Living in Florida we’ve all heard the saying that severe weather can occur at any time throughout the year.
And that’s particularly true as we’ve reached the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season…
The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay is partnering with FEMA and Manatee County Government to remind Suncoast residents to stay prepared in case of a natural disasters as part of their campaign for National Preparedness Month.
“This is really the time of year where we want people to understand that they need to have a plan for when hurricanes come towards the state of Florida,” said Brian LaMarre.
LaMarre, Meteorologist for the National Weather Service, says it’s not just having a plan for when a hurricane poses a threat for the Sunshine State – it’s having a plan ready for all type of severe weather that can impact us.
“We’re really putting the message out there for people to be prepared from hurricanes, from lightning, from strong winds and also from flooding,” he said.
LaMarre says preparedness is key to avoid building your severe weather kit at the last minute. Having the essential supplies such as batteries, water, and non-perishable food will go a long way incase power line get damaged.
Knowing your flood zone levels for your neighborhood has proven to be lifesaving – and always adhere the warnings from the meteorologist tracking severe weather to keep you and your loved ones safe.
“A lot of people get a false sense of security,” said LaMarre. “So even though a lot of people may say that they survived a particular storm, abhorrent believe and understand that ever storm is different.”
The National Weather Service also recommends heading in doors at the first sign of possible severe weather. Just this year three people have been killed after being struck by lightning.
According to the National Weather Service Florida leads the country in lightning related deaths.
