Emergency management warns of active hurricane season

The most recent forecasts for this year’s hurricane season call for even more storms, according to Rodney Andreasen, director of Jackson County Emergency Management.
County residents are being urged to make all the necessary preparations for what is expected to be an active, above-average season.
In a new release issued by the county emergency management office, Andreasen noted the forecast for the number of hurricanes and storms has increased from early April.
This is due to “a combination of a transition from El Niño and the continuation of unusually warm tropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures,” Andreasen said. He said there is a “well above-average probability” of hurricane landfalls in the United States and the Caribbean.
“In April, the prediction was that we would experience 15 named storms,” he said. “However, that has now increased to 18 named storms that may develop this year ... we were expected to experience eight hurricanes and that prediction has now risen to 10. In the prediction for major hurricanes, we were expected to have four major hurricanes, and that has now risen to five.”
A major hurricane is one that is Category 3 or higher. A Category 3 storm features wind speeds of 111 to 130 miles per hour.
The average chance of a hurricane striking the United States over the past century has been 52 percent; Andreasen noted the average forecast for this season is 76 percent. For the Panhandle and Gulf Coast, the average for the past century is 30 percent, with a prediction this season of a 50 percent of a hurricane making landfall in our area.
“One of the biggest statements I hear a lot of times is that of Jackson County is too far inland to be affected by a hurricane,” Andreasen said. “There is no point in the state of Florida that is further than 90 miles from a coast line. Hurricanes do not respect coastlines.”
He noted that in 1989, Hurricane Hugo produced hurricane-force winds 200 miles inland.
“Winds, especially after heavy rains, can knock down trees on houses, mobile or manufactured homes, causing just as much damage, and sadly in some cases, just as much loss of life,” he said.
The emergency management office said, in light of the most recent forecast, residents need to ensure they have supplies ready and a plan in place.
Emergency supplies should include flashlights, batteries, a radio, extra clothing, canned food, mechanical can opener, one gallon of water per person per day, as well as food stocks.
In addition, residents should ensure they have ample supplies of medication and money to travel with.
“The new watch word is ‘the first 72 are on you,’” Andreasen said. “In other words, at a minimum, have supplies that will last you 72 hours after the storm has passed. Remember, if Jackson County is impacted by a storm, grocery stores may not be open or have power to operate for that matter. Gas stations and ATM may not be in operation. It is up to you to prepare for these eventualities.
“Do not to expect immediate help once a hurricane moves out of the Gulf and comes ashore; it will take time. Emergency operations after a storm passes through will be focused on search and rescue as well as recovery operations. The key is to be prepared. “
For further information on hurricane preparedness can be obtained at the agency’s website, www.emergencymanager.org.