June 1 is the official first day of the new hurricane season for 2021.  You have 6 days left to do your hurricane shopping without a sales tax on certain items (until June 6).

Good News and Bad News:  NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is predicting another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters predict a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. However, experts do not anticipate the historic level of storm activity seen in 2020. Based on the latest update, an average hurricane season produces 14 named storms, of which 7 become hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes. Last year’s record-breaking season serves as a reminder to all residents in coastal regions or areas prone to inland flooding from rainfall to be prepared for the 2021 hurricane season.

A few resources for the hurricane season are as follows.

broward.org/hurricane – resources for residents including evacuation and shelter information

Broward evacuation routes – for evacuations

Broward Hurricane preparedness guide – including shelter information

fema.gov – information about disaster relief

Florida FEMA – state information

Evacuation zones across Florida

National hurricane tracker – great mobile app to track the hurricanes

FEMA Mobile app and text messages

Associations have hurricane preparedness plans in place. Make sure you know what to do before, during and after a hurricane.  A Hurricane Watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 48 hours. Monitor local media for hurricane progress reports. Review your evacuation plan if a mandatory evacuation is ordered for the Barrier Island. Make sure your route is accessible as some roads may be closed or blocked.

Be prepared.  Be safe.