Recently, researchers at Colorado State University predicted the upcoming 2018 hurricane season (beginning June 1) would be above-average with a forecasted 14 tropical storms. After back-to-back hurricanes in Leon County, we know that it only takes one major hurricane to make an active season for all of us, especially because our county is particularly vulnerable to weather-based disasters.
As we know from Hermine and Irma, every emergency exposes different vulnerabilities, tests a community’s partnerships differently, and reveals opportunities for improvement in different ways.
As a learning organization, our County focuses on listening to the citizens we serve following a disaster and extracting every lesson possible. You can see this in the hundreds of findings and recommendations in our after-action reports following Hermine and Irma. At Leon County, we are committed to continuous improvement and making our strong response to the last disaster even stronger for the next.
We cannot do this alone. To help residents and homeowners become more prepared and resilient, Leon County has partnered with the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes to be designated as the nation’s first #HurricaneStrong community. #HurricaneStrong is a national hurricane resilience initiative designed to save lives and homes through collaboration with leading organizations in the disaster safety movement.
You too can be #HurricaneStrong by following this five step process: Personal Safety, Family Preparedness, Financial Security, Strengthening Your Home, and Helping Your Neighbors.
Personal Safety
Know your risks. The Big Bend is vulnerable to a variety of hazards from hurricanes to wildfires. Do your research and determine which risks threaten your home. To be prepared for all sorts of hazards, you can review the Leon County Disaster Survival Guide at www.HaveAHurricanePlan.com.
Family Preparedness
Having a plan, assembling a kit, and staying informed are the three keys to being prepared. Once you have assessed your risks, your emergency plan will be your family’s guide for how to react when an emergency occurs. Your emergency plan will help family members know where to shelter in your home or where to go if you’re subject to a mandatory evacuation, what route to use if your family is subject to a mandatory evacuation, and how your family will communicate with one another when a disaster strikes.
When a disaster is imminent, such as the approach of a hurricane, it will be too late to gather the appropriate supplies. Building a kit ensures your family will have the essential survival supplies on hand when disaster strikes. A five-gallon bucket, with a lid, makes an excellent container for your disaster supply kit. It is also important to have at least 3 days of supplies on hand, as it may take at least that long for roadways to be cleared and electricity to be restored following a disaster.
No matter if you can see the disaster coming, like a major hurricane, or if the disaster happens all of a sudden, staying informed is important. Follow your local media sources like radio, television, or online news sources. Also, the best way to stay up to date on the changing nature of the emergency is to tune into Leon County Government’s information sources.
In Leon County, you can receive emergency information by downloading our Citizens Connect App, which is available from the Google Play or Apple App Store. For those with internet access, you can get updates from Leon County online at www.LeonCountyFL.gov/EI. Also, during disasters, Leon County partners with WFSU Radio (88.9 FM) to provide real-time emergency information from Leon County’s Emergency Operations Center.
Financial Security
The adage of “saving for a rainy day” is never truer than following a disaster. Any hazard, such as wind, rain, fire, or flood, has the potential to damage your home. Having the ability to repair and restore your home allows you to recover quicker following a disaster.
Having insurance is an important piece in covering the costs to repair and restore your home. Each year, check with your insurance carrier to ensure you have the right amount of appropriate coverage. Many citizens are unaware that standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding.
Keep a small amount of cash at home in a safe place. It is important to have small bills on hand because ATMs and credit card machines may not work during a disaster.
Strengthening Your Home
Preventing damage to your home helps limit the impacts of a disaster. While permanent home improvements are best for protecting your home, there are a number of do-it-yourself projects to help you prepare and stay safe. Remember, please stay safe if you are climbing on your roof—many injuries related to falls occur before hurricanes.
Temporary plywood shutters can be created to protect your windows and glass sliding doors from wind impacts during hurricanes. This is a project that needs to be completed well in advance of the hurricane. To make the process easier, measure all of the windows in your home that need to be protected. Once you purchase the plywood, cut and label it beforehand to make installation easier if the storm is closing in.
Temporary sandbags can be positioned around your home to help divert water from vulnerable areas, such as external doors and garage doors. Make sure to place heavy duty plastic sheeting between doors and sandbags to provide additional protection.
Helping Your Neighbors
When you are prepared for a disaster, you are now a resource. Work with neighbors to help them understand their risks and how best to prepare. Discuss community preparedness during neighborhood meetings. Volunteer with a local organization that provides disaster assistance services. You can receive training on how best to help others in need. For more information on volunteering, please contact Leon County Volunteer Services at 850-606-1970.
By initiating the steps above, you can help minimize the impact of a catastrophic event should it happen to you. Take the time to PREPARE beforehand so that you can ACT accordingly during the crisis in order to RECOVER faster and better after the event. Remember, a few hours to prepare now may save you time, money, and even your life. 
Kevin Peters
Leon County Emergency Management, Director
