The Atlantic hurricane season doesn’t start until June 1, but Pinellas County officials say the time to prepare is now.

PINELLAS COUNTY – Now is the prime time for residents to review their survival plans to ensure they are prepared for the upcoming hurricane season, Pinellas emergency officials say. Activities such as outdoor improvements and adding additional bracing to an attic are easier to accomplish in the cooler months.

Some key actions that can be taken now include:

• Registering for special needs evacuation assistance. Residents with certain qualifying medical conditions can apply for special assistance in the event of a hurricane evacuation.  A simple call to Pinellas County Emergency Management, (727) 464-3800; the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (727) 824-6900; or your local fire department can start the process. Residents needing more advanced medical assistance should work with their physicians to ensure their planning can be in place before the storm winds begin to blow.
• Checking the envelope. The home’s envelope, to be exact. Are there shutters for the windows? Is the roof in good repair? Is there rot in soffits or fascia? These simple repairs and improvements can make a home more survivable against a hurricane’s high winds.
• Tending to trees. This is an excellent time to check trees for broken, dead or diseased limbs and have them removed. If it has been a while since the last time a tree was pruned, or if the pruning has to take place on high limbs, have a licensed tree trimmer provide an estimate and a plan of action. Trimming trees can be a dangerous activity, and improperly pruned trees tend to fare poorly in high wind situations.

While these preparations are essential for hurricane season, they can also help residents get ready for other hazards, including tornadoes and even winter storms. For information about how to prepare yourself and your family for hurricanes, see pinellascounty.org to find your evacuation level, learn about storm dangers and discover how to create your own disaster plan. For information about the Atlantic hurricane season, see the National Hurricane Center, nhc.noaa.gov.

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