Hurricane Season: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail | Opinion

In case the heat and humidity were unclear, summer is upon us. Long days and warm temperatures are fun, but they also signal the beginning of hurricane season across the southeast United States.

While a major storm has not materialized so far this season, the time to get prepared is well in advance of any disaster that could potentially take place.

With a team of seasoned emergency managers who know that preparedness is key to recovery, ISF has again partnered with local food bank Second Harvest of the Big Bend to distribute disaster supply starter kits in the Big Bend region.

In addition to fresh food, 100 families were able to access some of the critical resources they will need in the event of a disaster; and every family who attended was given a free disaster supply checklist and a plan to implement in the event of a disaster.

This year, staying prepared for hurricanes and tropical storms is especially important in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and an above-normal hurricane season forecast.
This year, staying prepared for hurricanes and tropical storms is especially important in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and an above-normal hurricane season forecast.

Seemingly each year, the United States experiences a hurricane that significantly impacts our way of life for days or weeks on end, and 2022 is poised to continue that trend. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is predicting an above-normal Atlantic Hurricane Season due to increasing water temperatures and the ongoing LaNina. With an estimated total of more than 20 storms potentially forming this season, we cannot afford to sit back and wait.

At ISF, we are invested in the health and success of our communities. With that in mind, we have produced free helpful resources to ensure everyone is prepared when disaster strikes. In the event of a storm, hesitation can be costly. Using our free preparedness plan, questions like evacuation routes, nearest shelters, and out-of-town contact information are all readily available.

As the hurricane season intensifies, continue to refresh your preparedness kits with useful items, and go over your preparedness plans with loved ones to ensure everyone is on the same page. Consult state and local government channels as storms approach.

Our friends at the state Department of Emergency Management and locally here in Leon County do a great job of making sure our neighbors are safe. But we must take responsibility for our own preparation. Take these storms seriously and don’t wait for things to blow over.

Debris from homes, tree limbs and boats were scattered throughout Mexico Beach on Oct.15, 2018. Hurricane Michael tore through the Florida Panhandle on Oct.10, 2018.
Debris from homes, tree limbs and boats were scattered throughout Mexico Beach on Oct.15, 2018. Hurricane Michael tore through the Florida Panhandle on Oct.10, 2018.

We have seen the devastation caused when a major disaster meets an unprepared community. We are committed to helping our communities stay safe during the hurricane season and beyond, so visit our website isf.com and download your free disaster resources today.

Jonathan Conrad
Jonathan Conrad

Jonathan Conrad is President of ISF, Inc., an information technology and business strategy firm with an office in Tallahassee, FL. For more, visit isf.com.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Hurricane Season: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail | Opinion