The Atlantic hurricane season officially starts on June 1, 2013 and comes to an end on November 30, 2013. The 2013 hurricane season is predicted to be above average. The 2012 season brought the Gulf Coast an urgent reminder of just how susceptible our homes and livelihoods are to hurricanes traveling through the Gulf of Mexico. The 2012 hurricane, Isaac, made land fall near New Orleans, Louisiana but sparked significant concerns for those in Gulfport, Mississippi, Mobile, Alabama, and even as far east as Pensacola, Florida. As Hurricane Isaac developed in the gulf, all of those cities were initially targeted as landing zones for Isaac.
It is important to take a few moments each year to reevaluate your hurricane preparations as well as your sources for hurricane information. One of the best ways to stay atop immediate hurricane information and potential warnings and watches are your local television stations and internet resources.
Local TV Stations:
FOX-10
NBC-15
Local Internet Coverage: Al.com – Mobile
However, if you find yourself significantly interested in long-range information regarding developing systems during this season, some of the most utilized websites for tracking hurricanes include:
WeatherUnderground Hurricane Center
Also, it is wise to prepare you and your family ahead of any potential hurricane. There are a handful of useful websites to help prepare yourself for hurricane season but some of the most basic and useful items include:
· Build an emergency kit
· Create a plan to communicate with your family
· Stock-up on water, batteries, and canned food
· Know and understand hurricane evacuation routes
· Make plans to secure your property
· Install a generator (and know how to use it).
Hurricane season, despite its length of time, is relatively easy to prepare for. Stay alert, make plans, and be safe.
