Buchanan Warns Florida to Prepare as Hurricane Forecast Worsens

BRADENTON, Fla – Congressman Vern Buchanan today warned Floridians to prepare for the peak of hurricane season as newly revised forecasts signal record-setting storm activity. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) updated its forecast from “above-normal” to an “extremely active” hurricane season. NOAA is now predicting 19-25 named storms, and three to six major hurricanes, defined as a category 3, 4 or 5 storm with winds of 111 mph or higher. 

 NOAA’s newly updated website warns “hurricane season has been off to a rapid pace with a record-setting nine named storms so far and has the potential to be one of the busiest on record. Historically, only two named storms form on average by early August.”

Buchanan said it’s important for Floridians to get prepared. “People need to be ready in the age of COVID and plan accordingly,” Buchanan said. “You can’t wait until the last minute when the storm is bearing down on us.”

Preventing transmission of the coronavirus has been a focus of both local and state emergency management departments and will continue to be during hurricane season. Precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus have forced changes to previous hurricane plans.

“I’m pleased to see that local officials are incorporating necessary safety and social distancing practices into their evacuation and shelter guidelines in order to help prevent the spread of this deadly virus,” the congressman said. “Floridians should make sure they are aware of the health and safety protocols.”

Buchanan recently toured Manatee County’s Emergency Operations Center to see the county’s hurricane preparations and the procedures they have implemented in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.    

Manatee County Public Safety Director Jake Saur said, “We are entering the peak of hurricane season, so now is the time when you must have a plan and be ready. We’re continuing to remind Manatee County residents that a public shelter should be your absolute last resort if severe weather approaches. Contact friends or family who live inland or outside of evacuation areas and try to stay with them if you need to evacuate.”

Hurricane season spans six months, from June 1 through Nov. 30. According to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, this is one of the most active seasonal forecasts that NOAA has ever produced.

Residents who evacuate to shelters in Manatee or Sarasota counties will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing. Social distancing guidelines in a shelter will recommend 60 square feet per person rather than only 20 square feet. Evacuees are also encouraged to add sanitizer, masks and disinfectants to their hurricane supply kits to fight against the spread of the coronavirus.

Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Ed McCrane said, “Safety is always a priority during hurricane season, but especially in the current environment of COVID-19. Suncoast residents should remain vigilant; be prepared for hurricane season amid the pandemic by ensuring you have all the supplies you need for at least one week, including masks, sanitizer and disinfectant.”

Manatee County will have 24 emergency shelters ready for hurricane season and Sarasota County will have 11.  Hillsborough County has 46 emergency hurricane shelters available and 10 of those will be pet friendly. Local emergency officials say that evacuating to a shelter should be treated as a last resort. Evacuees will be screened upon arrival to shelters in Manatee and Sarasota counties.  

Buchanan advised Floridians to visit the Hurricane Preparedness section on his website at Buchanan.house.gov/resources/hurricanes. Visitors to the site will find helpful information on how to prepare themselves and their property for a hurricane, what to do in the event of an evacuation, a list of recommended items to include in an emergency supply kit and links to state and federal resources. Floridians should also to check their flood insurance coverage and develop a contingency plan for their homes and businesses as early as possible.

In the event that a hurricane is expected to hit the district, residents should contact local emergency managers for information regarding emergency shelters and storm advisories.