Hurricane Season 2013

[Kurt]

Don’t be surprised if this year’s list of Atlantic hurricane names sounds familiar. Except for three replacements, many of the same names blew through during 2007 in one of the most severe seasons ever when measured by property damage.


Noel, Felix and Dean have been retired after producing a combined total of nearly 350 storm-related deaths six years ago, mostly in the Caribbean. They were replaced by Fernand, Nestor and Dorian, joining 18 others on the list.


The World Meteorological Organization rotates six lists of hurricane names in succession, retiring and replacing the names of the deadliest and most destructive storms (called cyclones and typhoons in other parts of the world).


Whether the organization gets through its full list depends on which way the wind blows, as will the naming of storms if the list of 21 is exhausted. That’s a rare year when the group turns to the Greek alphabet, starting with Alpha. That hasn’t happened since 2005, also the year of the costliest U.S. natural disaster, Hurricane Katrina.


Authorities have already predicted an active 2013 season but, for now, from Andrea to Wendy, here are the hurricanes-to-be for today through Nov. 30.


Andrea
Barry
Chantal
Dorian
Erin
Fernand
Gabrielle
Humberto
Ingrid
Jerry
Karen
Lorenzo
Melissa
Nestor
Olga
Pablo
Rebekah
Sebastien
Tanya
Van
Wendy

 

[Lake View Too]

I'm rooting for Olga!

 

[Kurt]

Hopefully we will meet none.


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Hurricane season is upon us, and the South Walton Fire District would like to remind everyone that “Preparation is Key to Survival”. The six month Atlantic Hurricane Season officially began June 1st and runs through November 30th. By being prepared now, it will reduce the storm’s overall impact on you and your family and will assist you in expediting the recovery phase as well.


Listed below are 5 useful tips that will help you stay safe this season. Remember, your hurricane preparedness plans should start now and not after the storm develops.


•Know your evacuation level. To find your zone, check the evacuation zone maps for Walton County on the emergency management website listed below.
•Build your plan and know your plan. Know where you’re going to go, what you’re going to do and who your plan involves. Don’t forget to include your pet/pets (if you have any) in your plan.
•Get papers together. Should include but not limited to, insurance policies, birth certificates, titles, and other legal documents. Pet owners should have rabies shot documents of their pet/pets on hand as well.
•Be weather aware. Pay attention and adhere to all warnings. Waiting to the last minute is not recommended and could put you and your family in danger.
•Don’t believe it can’t happen here. This area of Florida is just as vulnerable as any other place in the Gulf Coast Region.


For more hurricane preparedness information please visit the following:
http://www.waltonso.org/divisions/support-services/emergency-management-and-communication-bureau/
http://www.floridadisaster.org/index.asp
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php
http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes