His name is Earl. He’s not looking to right any wrongs he may have done in his younger years, instead he’s a tropical storm on a path to somewhere in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

This hurricane season has been quiet so far. Fortunately, Tropical Storm Earl is not expected to impact any areas of the United State’s Gulf Coast due to a high-pressure system above the southern states.

But as this storm impacts residents in Mexico’s peninsula, its presence should remind Pearl River County residents what we all experienced in 2005 and 2012 with Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Isaac, respectively. 

Forecasters predict that we are now moving into the more active months of this hurricane season, August and September. 

We all remember that those two previously mentioned hurricanes struck late in August. 

So it’s of note to ask, are you ready for this hurricane season? 

After those storms, most people purchased a generator to ensure their food stays fresh

and other electronic devices are powered. If you have a generator, now is a good time to check the gas in the tank, change the oil and start it up to ensure it runs properly. Using a fuel stabilizer in the generator’s tank will help keep gas fresh. 

Food and water should also be stocked up. Canned food will remain fresh even if the power goes out and you don’t have a generator. Keep plenty of bottled water on hand. You will need enough food and water for each person to last at least a week. While several entities arrived shortly after Katrina, some quicker than others, if you are prepared, you won’t be reliant on any assistance to ensure everyone in your household has enough to sustain themselves until things go back to normal. 

Other things to stock up on include first aid supplies, prescription medications, fuel for your vehicle, cash and extra batteries for cellphones and radios. 

We all hope for another uneventful hurricane season, but it never hurts to be prepared for the worst.