The State of Florida has announced that the 2019 disaster preparedness tax free week will be from May 31 to midnight on June 6. This is a great time to prepare and stock up on water, non-perishable foods, flashlights, tarps, batteries, portable coolers, gas cans or portable generators for the upcoming hurricane season.
June 1 - November 30 marks the official hurricane season with the peak occurring between mid-August and late October. Although being prepared is a year-round activity, now is the time to review (or make) your emergency preparedness plan. Keep in mind that although we generally rate the severity of hurricanes based upon their wind speed, there are several other aspects that make a hurricane or tropical storm life threatening. Storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, and tornadoes substantially increase the risk of lower category storms.
Let's not forget our four-legged family members! Ask your kennel or pet sitter about their emergency plan if you board pets during vacations. Keep shot records in a waterproof bag with your other important documents (or scan them into your phone) and have a crate available. Local officials will announce evacuation shelters that will accept pets, but you may also pre-identify pet friendly hotels and boarding kennels along your potential evacuation route.
If you have a life-threatening emergency during or after a disaster, dial 911. For non-emergency communications, such as checking in with family and friends, consider using data-based services (e.g. text, email or social media). This leaves the cell networks available for emergency response and coordination – plus, your message has a better chance of getting through to the person you are trying to contact.
WEATHER – INFO WEBSITES - LINKS:
Brevard County EOC: https://www.brevardfl.gov//emergencymanagement/home/
National Hurricane Center: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
National Weather Service: https://www.nws.noaa.gov/outlook_tab.php
National Data Buoy Center: https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=41113
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