Our days are getting longer and warmer, and that means soon we will be in hurricane season again.
While we have not officially entered the season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, it appears this year’s is starting early.
Wednesday, reports were released concerning a subtropical storm that is expected to develop off the coast of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean.
Fortunately for us the storm is expected to make landfall somewhere along the Carolinas, weather permitting.
For those who may have forgot, or chose to forget, this year marks the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. By now this and just about every other county along the Gulf Coast has recovered either completely, or close to it.
The problem with recovery is the tendency to forget what was learned. While that is not expected to be a problem as far as emergency services goes, individuals may have become lax in their preparation methods.
Sure, this county now has three very strong and capable shelters placed strategically throughout, but have you thought about the need for water, canned food, flashlights and something to do while you wait for power to be restored should a major storm strike us?
Chances are most people were waiting until the official start of the season to begin gathering these things, while others may put off purchasing these items until a storm is just days away.
Preparing ahead of time will help when a storm does enter the Gulf and threatens to make landfall in Mississippi. Additionally, if you have food and water already stocked up, when a storm does threaten you will only have to pick up the essentials that don’t store so well, like gasoline and perishables.
So, as this month dwindles to a close, and that storm in the Atlantic develops and then dies, don’t forget that hurricane season is just around the corner.