The Tampa Bay Red Cross offers tips on preparing now for a possible storm.

TAMPA BAY – Hurricane season starts today (June 1) and the American Red Cross has steps people should take now to get ready in case a storm comes our way.

The 2016 Atlantic hurricane season forecast released from Colorado State University calls for the number of named storms and hurricanes to be near historical averages. A total of 12 named storms, five hurricanes and two major hurricane are expected this season, according to the forecast prepared by CSU, which is headed by Dr. Phil Klotzbach in consultation with long-time hurricane expert Dr. William Gray.

Hurricanes cause problems for people in coastal areas. But these storms can also cause damage hundreds of miles inland.

“These are dangerous storms that can affect people living here in Central Florida,” said Linda Jorge Carbone, chief executive officer for the Central Florida Region and executive director
for the Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter. “The Red Cross urges everyone to prepare now before a storm threatens.”

The best way to be prepared is to get ready now:

Build an emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for an infant if applicable, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.

Talk with household members and create an evacuation plan. Practicing the plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.

Be informed. Learn about the community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for pets.

People can download the free Red Cross Emergency App to select up to 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts on their mobile device. The content includes expert guidance on what to do before, during and after different emergencies or disasters from home fires to hurricanes. All Red Cross apps can be found in smartphone app stores by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/apps.

If you already have a disaster kit, now is the time make sure the food and water is still okay to consume and that copies of important documents are up to date. If you already have an emergency plan for your household, you should go over it again with family members so everyone knows what to do if an emergency occurs.

Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30.

For information about the Tampa Bay chapter of the Red Cross, go to redcross.org.

Red Cross | Hurricane Season | Hurricane Preparedness | Tampa Bay | TB Reporter

#RedCross #HurricaneSeason #HurricanePreparedness #TampaBay #TBReporter