Prepare Now for Hurricane Season
Published on January 27, 2022
June is the official start of hurricane season – but the City of Dunedin and Pinellas County are urging residents to begin preparing for hurricane season in May. We ask residents, especially new residents, to mark your calendars for Tuesday, June 13th, for a free public Hurricane Expo presented by the City of Dunedin and the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce at the new City Hall, 737 Louden Ave., starting at 5:30 p.m., with presentations beginning at 6 p.m. Speakers include local emergency operation experts from Pinellas County, City of Dunedin and WFLA Meteorologist and Climate Specialist Jeff Berardelli.
Hurricane Ian was a powerful storm that hit our gulf coast neighbors south of us in September 2021, causing significant damage and flooding. Hurricane Ian was initially tracking directly for Tampa Bay. We prepared for the worst and hoped for the best. We were very lucky. But unfortunately, Ian devastated our gulf coast neighbors south of us causing significant damage and flooding and loss of life from those who didn’t evacuate. According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Ian resulted in $6.5 billion in damages and at least 25 fatalities across the Southeastern United States.
One of the most significant impacts of Hurricane Ian was the storm surge. A storm surge is a rise in sea level caused by the storm's winds pushing water toward the shore. The storm surge during Hurricane Ian was particularly severe, with water levels rising as high as six feet above the normal tide. The surge led to widespread flooding and property damage, making it clear that we need to take these storms seriously – and this could have been our beaches and coastal communities.
To prepare for a hurricane, it is important to have a plan in place well in advance. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the upcoming hurricane season:
- Stock up on essentials: This includes non-perishable food, water, batteries, and flashlights. Ensure that you have enough supplies to last you at least three days.
- Secure your property: Trim trees and shrubs, secure loose outdoor items, and clear gutters and drains to prevent flooding. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider purchasing flood insurance.
- Evacuate if necessary: Know you Zone and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Have a plan in place for where you will go and how you will get there. And be sure to have a plan for your pets. Often people use pets as an excuse not to evacuate.
- Stay informed: Pay close attention to weather reports and updates on the City website, Dunedin eNews updates, social media and sign up for emergency alerts from Alert Pinellas. Keep your phone charged and have a battery-powered radio on hand.
- Help others: Check in on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with special needs, and offer to help them prepare for the storm.
Hurricane Ian was a stark reminder of the power and devastation that hurricanes can bring. We look forward to seeing you at the Hurricane Expo on June 13.
For more information and resources, visit the City's Hurricane Information Page.