By Bryan Boggiano
As the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins, city officials are reminding residents and businesses to stay prepared and up to date all season long.
The message comes as multiple forecasting agencies predict an above-average hurricane season. At the same time, supply chain issues and escalating costs continue to affect residents’ capacity to prepare for storms.
“The best way to mitigate these problems is to stock up on needed hurricane supplies before these supply chain shortages are further exacerbated by increased demand prior to a storm,” said Alexander Falcone, director of emergency management, city security, and special events.
According to Falcone, preparing for a hurricane is not an overnight process.
Falcone said that residents should have non-perishable food, one gallon of water per person per day, essential documents such as personal records and insurance information, batteries, flashlights, pet supplies, and medication, among other necessities.
He also recommends that residents install impact-resistant doors and windows, floodproof their property, and caulk parts of their homes.
He said that residents should be prepared throughout the entire hurricane season, which runs from Jun. 1 until Nov. 30.
Falcone said that Coral Springs offers information for residents to prepare. Residents can also text ALERTCS to 888-777 to receive up-to-date information.
For residents at risk, such as those with disabilities, homeless persons, and seniors, Falcone recommended registering with Broward County’s vulnerable population registry.
Falcone has some simple advice for residents during a storm’s passage to remain safe.
“The number one thing for individuals to remember is to never go out during a storm,” he said. “Debris is hazardous and can be life-threatening.”
Even after a storm passes, Falcone warned that there are several precautions that residents must take to remain safe.
One point Falcone emphasized was generator safety. He cautioned that generators should never be utilized indoors, including in garages, and should only be used in well-ventilated areas.
He emphasized that regardless of overall season activity or predictions, it only takes one storm to cause a significant impact.
Falcone said that he witnessed the devastation of one of those storms firsthand.
He was deployed to Bay County in 2018 to assist in recovery efforts after Hurricane Michael made landfall as a Category 5 Hurricane.
Falcone said that as a rule of thumb, residents should prepare as if they can expect at least one hurricane each season.
“Although we have been fortunate enough to avoid severe impacts, we should never dismiss the threat, he said. “ The impacts associated with these storms are severe and can take life, destroy property, and our environment. Apathy towards hurricane preparedness is a mistake.”
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Author Profile
- Bryan has a degree in journalism from the University of Florida and earned his masters in geosciences from Florida International University, where he focused in atmospheric sciences. His interests include weather, entertainment, and municipal government.
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