What To Do In Case of Hurricane
Having lived along Miramar Beach and 30-A coastline for so long, I’ve seen a number of changes take place. But, one thing that does not change – the threat of hurricanes and the uncertainty and confusion that can accompany any mentionable storm along the coastline. Below is a brief explanation of what to do in case a of hurricane. Regardless of whether you are a newly transplanted local or a vacationer – these steps can help ensure that your family is protected.
For Vacationers and Locals
Hurricanes are the single most feared events to cut a vacation short, or ensure that it never happens. These lethal cyclones wind their way toward the Eastern United States every year and cost untold fortunes on a recurring basis. But, more than property damage they can be lethal. And, that is why it behooves you to have a short list of what to do in case of a hurricane.
Stay Informed (With Good Information)
When a storm begins to track toward popular tourist destinations, major media outlets begin to salivate over the ratings boost they are about to incur. Doom and gloom fills the airwaves and sensationalization takes over social media feeds. Suddenly, this storm is the “big one” and if you are within 10000 miles of the storm you will suffer catastrophe.
If you are traveling to our area, and a storm is tracking toward us you should know this – we too are concerned. We have built our lives, our homes and raise our families here. Our children go to school here. We are watching the storm and making calculated decisions based upon what we see from trusted outlets. A good source of information for hurricane and tropical storm paths is the NOAA website. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s name alone makes you fall asleep in your science class. This website is so accurately boring that they only give you the facts and it will not give you un-necessary information. I watch this website closely when there is an impending storm and use it as reference. I suggest you do the same.
Be Decisive (Don’t Think About Money)
If it becomes evident that a storm threatens our area and you feel that it is in the best interest of your family and their well being to leave – then go. Do not wait until it is too late to make your decision and find yourself on the road during the storm’s landfall. Even a category one hurricane could prove lethal when exposed on the roads. Leave early or hunker down.
How Do I Know when to Leave?
Over the past few years, Rick Scott has become increasingly proactive in declaring state of emergency. This state of emergency has historically spawned suggested and mandatory evacuation orders well ahead of a storm’s landfall. When that happens state and local authorities will broadcast the order over a number of media outlets including local facebook pages like Walton County Sheriff’s Office. When that order comes in you know it’s time to go.
Don’t waste time wondering if you’ll lose money on a vacation rental if you’re a traveler. You can always sort all that out later. Make the decision to go or to stay based on valid information and with the suggestion of local and state authorities. If you feel that a storm is dangerous and you or your family could be in danger then you should make the decision to stay.
Don’t Panic
If a storm is likely to hit the area, keep your gas tank filled or mostly filled. Don’t be “that guy” who buys all the available five gallon gas cans from Wal-Mart then fills them and his gas tank and his cooler with gas. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a truck with six gas cans being filled while a minivan family is trying to get a few gallons of gas to get out of town. A full or mostly full gas tank should provide fuel enough to escape the storm.
Be proactive and make sure that you have enough fuel to avoid any un-necessary stops on your path out of the area. If you panic it will only put you and those around you in danger. Be calm and be calculating in your actions.
These are just a few tips of what to do in case of a hurricane. If you’ve lived in the area for a while then I’m sure you have some great tips yourself. The most important thing is to keep everyone safe and not create panic.
For more days than not, the skies are sunny and the water is calm. For those days and nights come see us on the beach. We will put out the chairs and umbrellas for you or get you set up with a great beach bonfire.
We’ll see you on the beach.