As Tropical Storm Dorian brews in the Atlantic, it’s still too early to say what effects, if any, could be felt here in South Florida.
But it’s not too early to start getting ready. If you don’t have a well-stocked hurricane kit, you’re already late to the game.
But time still exists before South Florida turns into a dystopian, panic-stricken scene where grocery shelves are stripped bare of bread and water.
For first-timers, here’s what you need to do to be ready. And for weathered hurricane vets, here’s a refresher.
Check your hurricane kit: Remember that hurricane kit emergency managers kept telling you to have? Now’s the time to make sure it is well stocked. You need a gallon of water per person, per day for at least five days. Keep in mind if you wait until the last moment to prepare, you’ll be dealing with long lines and could have a hard time finding the essential supplies you need. Make sure you have your essential medications and keep your important documents in a safe-deposit box. Take photos of important documents and store them in the cloud. Have a first-aid kit available. Gas will become increasingly more difficult to find as a storm approaches. You’ll also want to make sure you have plenty of cash.
Get some situational awareness: Do you live in a mandatory evacuation zone? Where would you go if a Category 5 Goliath is threatening to send the ocean into your living room? How will you keep your pets safe during the storm? Where are emergency shelters? Have a plan and do some homework. You can verify where evacuation zones are. Don’t wait until the last minute to formulate your game plan.
Watch the weather: Keep coming back to the South Florida Sun Sentinel’s hurricane website, where you will be kept up to date with the latest on Dorian. The situation can change quickly. Listen to what emergency managers tell you.
Be a decent human: Do you have a neighbor who might need help? Extend a helping hand. We’re all in this together, so let’s help one another.
Skyler Swisher can be reached at sswisher@sunsentinel.com, 561-243-6634 or @SkylerSwisher.
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