ABC 27 2024 Prepare Now Hurricane Special

Summary

The 2024 hurricane season is expected to be more active than usual, and communities are urged to prepare. The video highlights the impact of Hurricane Adalia in 2023, with stories from affected neighborhoods like Taylor County and Steen Hatchy. Experts share tips on hurricane preparedness, including evacuation plans, power outage precautions, and safe generator use. Changes to the National Hurricane Center's forecast cone are discussed to improve safety measures. Local officials and power companies also share their efforts to strengthen infrastructure for better storm resilience.

Takeaways

• 🌪️ The 2024 hurricane season is predicted to be more active than average, with an average of 14 different outlooks forecasting 24 named storms, 12 hurricanes, and 5 major hurricanes.
• 🏠 Residents in areas affected by Hurricane Adalia in 2023 are still recovering and are urged to prepare early for the upcoming season.
• 📈 The Big Bend and South Georgia areas are particularly vulnerable to storm surges due to their geography, which allows water to be pushed far inland.
• 🔄 After a hurricane, businesses and communities can take a long time to recover, with some businesses not surviving the aftermath.
• ⚠️ Storm surge watches and warnings are issued 48 and 36 hours in advance, respectively, and residents should be prepared to act on this notice.
• 🏡 Homeowners are advised to prepare by having a safe room without windows, stocking up on essentials, and having a plan for communication and evacuation.
• 💡 Power companies are preparing for the season by moving power lines away from risky areas and investing in storm-hardened facilities for power restoration.
• 🚫 Generators are crucial for power during outages but must be used safely by being placed at least 30 feet away from homes to avoid dangerous fumes.
• 🌊 Inland areas are not immune to flooding; residents in Valdosta and South Georgia should be prepared for potential high water even if they are far from the coast.
• 🏫 Schools in Leon County, Florida, are prepared to convert into shelters during hurricanes, providing safe spaces for residents.
• 📍 Knowing your evacuation zone is crucial for coastal residents, and Wakulla County provides resources to help residents identify safe routes and shelters.

Q & A

What is the forecast for the 2024 hurricane season?

The 2024 hurricane season is forecast to be more active than average, with 24 named storms projected, 12 of which are expected to become hurricanes, and five of those could be major hurricanes.

What lessons were learned from Hurricane Adalia's impact in 2023?

Hurricane Adalia reminded residents that only one storm can set a neighborhood back for years, with areas like Taylor County experiencing historic storm surges that caused severe damage. Lessons learned include the importance of preparation, evacuation plans, and reinforcing infrastructure.

How is the power infrastructure being prepared for the upcoming hurricane season?

Power companies like Tri County Electric Cooperative and Swani Valley Electric Cooperative are taking proactive measures by moving power lines closer to roads, investing in storm-hardened facilities, and prioritizing critical infrastructure such as hospitals for restoration.

What precautions should be taken when using gas-powered generators during a hurricane?

Generators should be placed at least 30 feet away from homes to avoid harmful exhaust fumes. It's also important to regularly check that they run smoothly before the hurricane season begins to prevent malfunctions during an emergency.

What are the key steps to prepare for a hurricane if you live in an inland area?

Residents should stock up on non-perishable food, water, batteries, and other essential supplies. They should also create evacuation and communication plans, strengthen their homes, and be aware of flood risks, as seen in Valdosta, Georgia during Hurricane Adalia.

How are coastal areas like Wakulla County preparing for potential storm surges?

Wakulla County has a system to help residents determine their evacuation zones and offers transportation assistance for those needing help to evacuate. The county also opens shelters in case of storms below Category 3, with residents encouraged to evacuate for stronger storms.

What changes are being made to the National Hurricane Center's forecast cone for 2024?

The forecast cone will now include inland hurricane or tropical storm watches and warnings, which are issued by local National Weather Service offices. This change aims to better communicate potential impacts beyond the traditional cone, such as wind, storm surge, and flooding.

What advice is being given to neighborhoods like Taylor County to better prepare for the 2024 hurricane season?

Taylor County is focusing on enhanced community coordination, communication plans, and emergency preparedness tailored to specific areas. Residents are encouraged to have food, water, generators, and backup communication methods, such as the General Mobile Radio Service.

What should people do if they are forced to shelter in place during a hurricane?

People should stay in a room with no windows and put as many walls between themselves and the outside as possible. They should also stock up on essential items like food, water, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit, and consider having entertainment options like board games.

How can schools serve as shelters during a hurricane, and what should residents expect?

Schools in areas like Leon County can be converted into shelters, offering 20 square feet per person, enough for a blow-up mattress or cot. Residents will be alerted to shelter openings via the emergency alert system and the county’s Citizens Connect app.

Outlines

00:00

🌪️ Kicking Off the 2024 Hurricane Season

The 2024 hurricane season is forecasted to be more active than average. After witnessing the devastating effects of Hurricane Adalia in 2023, neighborhoods in the Big Bend and South Georgia are encouraged to prepare. The special segment, '2024 Prepare Now Hurricane Special,' begins by emphasizing the importance of being ready, as it only takes one storm to change a community forever. Meteorologists from ABC 27 provide steps and insights for preparation, revisiting the damage caused by Hurricane Adalia and lessons learned from that storm.

05:00

💧 Storm Surge Devastation in Big Bend and South Georgia

Hurricane Adalia's impact is recounted, with a focus on the storm surge that flooded areas of the Big Bend, especially Taylor County. Steen Hatchy, a coastal town, was hit hard, with 7-12 feet of storm surge affecting homes and businesses. Residents like Anna Samero and Denil Norwood share personal stories of the damage, the cleanup, and the emotional toll the storm took. Despite the damage, residents remain hopeful and committed to rebuilding their communities and preparing for future storms.

10:01

🔌 Power Providers Preparing for Storm Season

Power companies in rural parts of Jefferson County, Florida, are ramping up their preparation efforts ahead of the hurricane season. Tri County Electric Cooperative and Swani Valley Electric Cooperative have been upgrading infrastructure to better withstand storms, moving power lines to safer locations, and reinforcing their control centers. The focus is on restoring power efficiently, starting with critical infrastructure such as hospitals and emergency services, before moving to individual homes and businesses.

15:02

⚠️ Generator Safety During and After Hurricanes

Generators can be lifesavers during power outages but come with risks. Ashley Engle reports from Havana on how to safely use generators, emphasizing the importance of placing them at least 30 feet away from homes to avoid the dangers of harmful exhaust fumes. Aaron Hall, from Faith Funeral Home, shares how essential generators are for maintaining refrigeration in funeral homes. Fire chief Nathan Yuso provides tips for checking and maintaining generators before the hurricane season begins.

20:03

🏞️ Flooding and Recovery Efforts in Valdosta and Southern Georgia

Valdosta, though 80 miles from where Hurricane Adalia made landfall, still experienced significant flooding and wind damage. Diane Satbback and other residents recount their experiences and the ongoing recovery process. The local Public Works team removed large amounts of debris, while emergency services distributed vital supplies such as water, hygiene kits, and tarps. Local authorities continue to encourage storm preparedness by promoting evacuation plans and home fortification efforts.

🏫 School Shelters and Evacuation Plans in Leon County

Leon County Schools have been repurposed as shelters during storms like Hurricane Adalia. Kendall Brand reports from Lincoln High School, one of several schools in the area that serve as storm shelters. Each shelter is prepared to accommodate evacuees in small spaces. Pedro Rabelo, school safety analyst, explains how quickly these shelters are activated, and how residents are notified through the emergency alert system. Residents are encouraged to stay home if it's safe to avoid overcrowding shelters.

🌊 Preparing Coastal Communities for Storm Surges

Residents of coastal Wakulla County, including Panacea, are well aware of the dangers of storm surges. Kenzie Creger reports on the efforts of emergency leaders to keep these communities safe, including evacuation zone plans and transportation assistance. Cyer Rlo, a business owner in Panacea, shares his concerns about his buildings’ ability to withstand future storms. The county has tools available for residents to identify evacuation zones and shelters, particularly in the event of a Category 3 or stronger storm.

🌀 Changes to the Hurricane Forecast Cone

Meteorologist Riley Winch discusses upcoming experimental changes to the National Hurricane Center’s forecast cone. Traditionally, the cone has been limited in showing the full extent of a storm's potential impacts, like wind and storm surges. The new cone will include inland hurricane or tropical storm watches and warnings issued by local National Weather Service offices, giving a clearer understanding of a storm’s impact beyond the immediate coastline.

🏠 Lessons from Taylor County's Recovery After Hurricane Adalia

Taylor County, which was hit hard by Hurricane Adalia, has learned important lessons from the 2023 storm and is preparing for the upcoming season. Maya Sergeant reports from Perry, where community coordinators are now being set up to relay specific needs from neighborhoods to emergency management. Doctor's Memorial Hospital is upgrading its emergency capabilities, and local leaders are focused on maintaining communication during emergencies. Residents are advised to have backup communication methods.

🛡️ Building a Safe Room for Hurricane Season

For those unable to evacuate, Alberto Kamaro outlines how to stay safe by sheltering in place. He advises residents to create a ‘safe room’ by putting as many walls between themselves and the outside as possible. Additionally, people are encouraged to stock up on essential items like non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, and first-aid kits. Alberto also mentions the importance of keeping family entertained during long periods of sheltering with board games or puzzles.

Keywords

💡Hurricane Season

A hurricane season is a period during which hurricanes are most likely to occur in a certain region. In the context of the video, it refers to the upcoming period of increased hurricane activity in 2024, which is forecast to be more active than average. The video emphasizes the importance of preparation during this time to mitigate potential damage and danger.

💡Storm Surge

A storm surge is a rise in sea level that occurs during a hurricane or other intense storm events. It is a significant threat as it can cause extensive flooding in coastal areas. In the script, storm surge is highlighted by the impact of Hurricane Adalia, which sent feet of water inland, affecting neighborhoods and businesses.

💡Hurricane Adalia

Hurricane Adalia is mentioned as a historic storm that had a significant impact in 2023. It serves as a cautionary example in the video, illustrating the importance of preparing for the upcoming hurricane season and learning from past events.

💡Prepare Now

The phrase 'prepare now' is a recurring theme in the video, urging viewers to take action in advance of the hurricane season. It emphasizes the proactive steps individuals and communities can take to protect themselves and their property from potential storms.

💡Forecast Cone

The forecast cone is a graphical representation used by meteorologists to display the probable path of a tropical cyclone. The video discusses changes to the forecast cone for the upcoming season, aiming to provide clearer information about potential impacts beyond the traditional path.

💡Evacuation Plan

An evacuation plan is a strategy for moving people out of harm's way in anticipation of a disaster. The video underscores the importance of having an evacuation plan in place, especially for coastal residents who may be at risk from storm surges and flooding.

💡Generators

Generators are portable devices that provide electricity during power outages. The video discusses the proper use of generators, cautioning against the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning if not used correctly, and emphasizing the need for regular maintenance.

💡Emergency Supplies

Emergency supplies are items such as food, water, and medical kits that are stored for use in the event of a disaster. The video advises viewers to stock up on these essentials in preparation for the hurricane season.

💡Storm Hardened Facility

A storm hardened facility is a structure designed to withstand severe weather conditions. The video mentions such a facility at Swani Valley Electric Cooperative, which was established to sustain power restoration efforts during hurricanes.

💡Community Coordinators

Community coordinators are individuals who play a role in disaster management by liaising between communities and emergency services. The video mentions the establishment of these roles in Taylor County to improve communication and community-specific emergency planning.

💡Safe Room

A safe room is a secure area within a building designed to protect occupants from severe weather events. The video provides tips on how to create a safe room in one's home, such as choosing a windowless room and stocking it with essential supplies.

Highlights

2024 hurricane season forecasted to be more active than average.

Hurricane Adalia's impact in 2023 was devastating, emphasizing the need for preparation.

Residents in neighborhoods from the Big Bend to South Georgia are advised to prepare early.

ABC's hurricane special aims to guide viewers on how to prepare for the upcoming season.

Hurricane Adalia made landfall in Katon Beach, causing significant damage.

Lessons Learned from Hurricane Adalia include the importance of preparation and community support.

Storm surge from Adalia caused extensive flooding in Taylor County.

The Big Bend area is particularly vulnerable to high water due to its geography.

Businesses in Steen Hatchee are recovering but still face challenges post-Adalia.

Storm surge warnings and watches are critical for coastal areas.

Power outages can last for days or weeks after a hurricane, affecting thousands.

Power suppliers are preparing for the season by improving infrastructure and planning.

Generators are essential for recovery but must be used safely to avoid dangers.

Inland areas are also at risk of flooding from tropical storms.

Valdosta and surrounding areas in southern Georgia experienced significant flooding last year.

Emergency plans and community preparation are key to recovering from storms.

Schools may convert into shelters during hurricanes for community safety.

Knowing evacuation zones and having a plan is crucial for coastal residents.

The forecast cone will undergo changes to better represent potential storm impacts.

Taylor County is focusing on planning and preparation after the impact of Hurricane Adalia.

Creating safe rooms within homes is advised for those who can't evacuate.

The first to know weather team will monitor storms and assist with preparation.

Transcripts

the 2024 hurricane season is about to

begin a season that's forecast to be

more active than average we've been

through a couple storms following

hurricane adalia's historic impact in

20123 oh it was heartbreaking people in

neighborhoods from the big bin and South

Georgia need to prepare now for what the

season could bring we'll show you what

you can do now to be ready because it

only takes one storm to change

neighborhood forever the 2024 prepare

now hurricane special begins right now

on ABC

[Music]

27 our coverage starts right here in the

Katon Beach neighborhood where hurricane

Adalia made landfall less than a year

ago I'm first to know chief

meteorologist Casanova Nurse and I'm

first to know meteorologist Elizabeth

copelan for the next half hour we take

you through steps you can take now to

prepare for the upcoming hurricane

season we'll also revisit the

neighborhoods hurricane Adalia impacted

last year and show you Lessons Learned

for the next time a storm moves our way

we've got team coverage from the Big Ben

Coast to South Georgia the neighborhood

reporters on your screen are working to

keep you safe no matter where you live

this season we're tracking anything that

develops over the Atlantic C and of

course anything that enters the gulf

that tries to head our way many

longrange forecasts are calling for an

active season ahead so let's take a

closer look at the

numbers taking an average of 14

different outlooks available 24 Nam

storms are projected for the season

ahead with 12 hurricanes expected to

form and five of those becoming major

hurricanes across the Atlantic

Basin we were reminded last year that

only takes one storm to set a

neighborhood back years and hurricane

Adalia storm surge sent feet of water

inland in Taylor County this area of the

Big Bend especially vulnerable to

Dangerously high water while the storm

made landfall here in Katon beach in

August 15 miles down the coastline storm

surge flooded businesses and homes I

took a trip down to Steen hatchee to see

how neighborhoods are recovering well

you don't walk through it you're sliding

through it we had to shovel it out Anna

samero remembers the water damaged

hurricane Adalia left behind in Steen

Hatchy well I was born and raised here

in Steen Hatchy and so I I bought this

place and then in 3 weeks after I bought

it hurricane hit that hurricane brought

feet of salt water right into her

business bubsy's bait and tackle the

store stands just feet from sehi River a

Dio surge sent 7 to 12 feet of surge

onto normally dry ground along the coast

because of our shallow Coastal shelf and

flat Inland Coastline more water can be

pushed Inland by Hurricane strength

winds that surge swamp SE Hag Marina and

Steen Hatchy too yes it was it was 7 ft

deep so you know you're looking at this

this kind of height denil Norwood walked

me through the damage she found after

the water returned to the river we've

been through a couple storms so we we

always just try to take a very good

positive attitude she told me at the

peak of the storm surge water levels got

as high as this white Mark here on this

pillar and that was at low tide in the

months after the storm the business

operated out of these trailers I

definitely feel Steen Hatchy strong all

the businesses um some of them actually

went out of business but everybody who's

still here is supporting everybody in

every way we possibly can so this was

just a hopefully just a bump in the

road as business owners prepare to we

whatever else Mother Nature brings to

town lay there and cry which I did for

weeks um but after I got myself together

I was like I'm going for this again it's

whether you you go for it or you don't

and I'm not a quitter remember a storm

surge watch is issued about 48 hours

before flooding potential and a storm

surge warning is issued for those

Coastline areas about 36 hours before

flooding is possible the dangers of a

tropical system can go far beyond the

coastline as we saw with hurricane

Adalia last year high winds can knock

out power to thousands for days ABC 27

shamaria Morrison is checking in with

power suppliers to see how they're

getting ready for the season

ahead our neighbors in Jefferson County

are all too familiar with widespread

power outages after a hurricane I'm

shamaria Morrison your neighborhood

reporter in monacello and I'm on on the

ground tracking how power providers are

preparing ahead of hurricane season

during a hurricane power is

compromised and it's up to people like

linemen dispatch and teams like this to

get power back to you Tri County

Electric Cooperative gave me a behind

the scenes look into its facilities and

training prep for Hurricane Season CEO

Julius Hackett tells me about the

challenges they faced we have power

lines that cross ponds we have just huge

live oak trees that we battle with

they've been working to be more

proactive for years we are taking power

lines that may be cross country out in

the woods where we're bringing a lot of

those power lines back to the road Tri

county is part of a co-op network that

provides electric services for some of

the most rural parts of our

neighborhoods at Swani Valley Electric

Cooperative we're in their Ops bunker

everything we would need to sustain

power restoration here the storm

hardened facility was born out of a

previous hurricane after Irma we

realized hey we we really had you know

one area to do this work if if we had

something happen or anything got damaged

we would be out of a location to work

investing in control centers that would

sustain major hurricane Forest winds

directly impacts restoration planning

and when it comes to Restoration power

companies are going to start with the

most critical infrastructure those are

are hospitals and Emergency Services

after that they'll check out any major

lines that feed to substations across

our neighborhoods after that crews are

then going to go from those substations

to the infrastructure that leads the

power to homes and businesses and that's

around the time you can expect power to

be restored in your neighborhood for ABC

27 in monacello I'm shamaria Morrison as

many neighbors learn in Adalia power

alleges can last for days or even weeks

and gas power generator are a great help

for recovery but they can also pose

their own dangers neighborhood reporter

Ashley angle walks us through the steps

you should take to stay safe while

keeping the lights on generators can

keep the lights on during and after a

hurricane but if not used properly they

could put you in danger I'm Ashley Engle

your Havana neighborhood reporter well

every hurricane season it's it's a

serious matter for us a season that

Aaron Hall from Faith Funeral Home in

Havana says they don't take lightly we

are entrusted with individuals family

members Paul says having generators on

property for a funeral business is

crucial our first and foremost is the

deceased and so we have refrigeration on

property and it does happen from time to

time people will set the generator

inside their home Midway fire chief

Nathan yuso says generators set off

harmful exhaust fumes if you're running

yours indoors your health could be at

risk now here are a few things you can

do right now to prepare your generators

for the for this upcoming hurricane

season first and foremost give that baby

a checkup what I mean by this is let

your generators run turn them on for a

little bit and be sure they run smoothly

and they don't have any kinks in them

lastly check to see if your generator is

at a safe distance away from your home

this means at least 30 ft away in the

Havana neighborhood I'm Ashley angle ABC

27 yeah those generator fumes can be so

dangerous but it's not just power

outages tropical downpours from these

storms can cause floodings even Inland

in valdasta and other neighborhoods in

southern Georgia they experienced that

high water last year with Adalia our

neighborhood reporter Malia Thomas

checks in on Val daon surrounding areas

to see how they recovering and what the

community is doing to plan ahead for

this

season even though balasta is about 80

miles from where hurricane idalia hit

landfall last August the aftermath is

still felt months later one reason why

neighbors are preparing for Hurricane

Season Diane satb back's home has seen

damage in multiple storms since

hurricane idalia last year so many

people got hit twice she's bracing

herself for future storms by stocking up

on on perishables and emergency supplies

but she tells me there's not much she

can do beyond that you just have to be

patient and just wait patience is not my

strong suit valdasta saw unprecedented

damage in eolia flooding rain and

Powerful wind impacted neighbors across

the community the city's Public Works

team at outside assistance removed over

260,000 cubic yards of debris their

Emergency Restoration plan had

distributed

3,838 cases of water over 1,000 hygiene

kits 440 cleaning kits and 249 tarps

after the historic storm we just stay

prepared um nothing has really changed

on our level Mak Barwick County

information officer tells me that their

response to hurricane damage hasn't

changed since EOL

but the county has still been educating

the public on storm preparedness in the

event of another major storm here's how

EMA louns is encouraging neighbors to

prep make an evacuation plan assemble

disaster supplies create a communication

plan and strengthen your home ahead of

Eddie storms the last of which Diane

tells me she's getting a head start on

much as I love trees I'm taking those

four pine trees

down and just you know trying to trim

things up that needs that need triming

up in vasta I'm Malia Thomas reporting

for ABC 27 our coverage is just getting

started you're very likely familiar with

this the forecast cone I'm first to know

meter Al just Frid the winch in the

college toown neighborhood and coming up

we'll let you know about these changes

and what it means for you when

hurricanes threaten neighborhoods in the

big bin some school districts convert

schools into shelter for your safety

neighborhood reporter Kendall brand

checks in with Leon County schools to

see what their plans are for this

hurricane season you could end up at a

school near you I'm Kendall BR at

Lincoln High School one of the several

schools in our area that turns into a

shelter when we see storms like

hurricanes take a look at this map it

shows all of the shelters that were

activated last year during Hurricane

Adalia school safety analyst Pedro

rabelo is one of the people responsible

for turning these Leon County schools

into a safe haven it usually doesn't

take that on this past season we were're

able to activate 11 sites and within six

hours of uh of and being fully

operational by by the end of the of the

school day once neighbors get to that

school they will have a small space of

their own it's about 20 square ft just

enough room for a blow mattress or a cot

and some extra space and that's required

by state law once those shelters are

activated the Emergency Management will

send out a notification via the

emergency alert system and the Young

County Citizens Connect app if it's safe

to stay home save the shelter resources

for your neighbor in southeast

Tallahassee Kettle BR

abc27 and having that evacuation plan

and knowing your evacuation zone is so

important especially if you live along

the coast Panacea is one of those places

neighborhood reporter Kenzie creger

checks in with neighbors who have

weathered storms there and emergency

leaders who work to keep all of Wakulla

County

safe neighbors who live along the coast

in Wakulla County know just how fast

that water can come up here I'm your

neighborhood reporter Kenzie creger cyer

rlo owns golf specimen Marine Lab in the

Panacea neighborhood these buildings

weren't designed for what the storms of

the future are going to be each

hurricane season rlo worries about its

ability to withstand these

storms and now he's been preparing for

the next hurricane so that means we need

to have bigger and stronger buildings

many neighbors in Waka County live on

the coast where storm surge can threaten

lives just look at how high the water

got at shello during Hurricane Michael

in

2018 that threat is why it's important

to know your evacuation zones so you

don't want to wait till the last minute

and we've had that happen especially if

you need any type of assistance with

Transportation early on after we call

for that evacuation order we can provide

assistance if people need help getting

out of the county if they need help

getting to a shelter that's out of our

County or even if we open within our

County then we can provide that

Transportation Waka county has a portal

where people can type in their address

to find their evacuation zones the

county also opens up Crawfordville

Elementary as a shelter if the storm is

below a category 3 hurricane if it's a

category 3 or above we do not open

shelters in Wakulla that's when

neighbors are told to go to other

shelters in surrounding areas like Leon

County while she works to help keep

people safe neighbors like rlo will be

working working to prepare no matter

what the forecast says there's always

going to be a hurricane and they're just

going to be bigger here in Panacea it

only takes about 4T of storm surge to

flood this area so if you're told to

evacuate don't wait until that becomes a

problem in Panacea I'm your neighborhood

reporter Kenzie creger with ABC

27 emergency managers usually rely on

the forecast cone to determine where a

storm will go and what kind of Mexican

half yeah and the leaders at the

National Hurricane Center are making

changes to the cone this year for the

season ahead first to know meteorologist

Riley winch has a closer look at what

changes you can expect the experimental

changes coming to the forecast cone

which will help keep you safe I'm first

to know meter I'll just drive you Wich

in the college town neighborhood at

Florida State University I'm checking in

with the National Weather Service and

National Hurricane Center about the

changes to the upcoming forecast cone

and what it means for you one of the

drawbacks the limitations of the cone is

that it's not an impact graphic Robbie

Berg is the warning coordination

meteorologist at the National Hurricane

Center he says the traditional cone

doesn't give a clear picture of how a

storm could impact your neighborhood

whether it be wind storm surge heavy

rainfall tornadoes any of those haard

can extend well beyond the bounds of the

cone itself take hurricane Michael for

example while much of the Big Bend was

removed from the cone the day before

landfall strong winds and storm surge

still impacted much of our area so

forecasters are making an adjustment

what we're going to be doing

experimentally this year starting around

mid August is we'll be including any

type of inland hurricane or tropical

storm watches and warnings that may be

in effect and those are actually issued

by the local National Weather Service

offices as you guys have one in

Tallahasse the new forecast cone will

debut on August 15th from the college

toown neighborhood I'm meteorologist

Riley winch it's a community full of

neighbors still recover cing from

Hurricane Adalia I mayor sergeant in

Perry I'll show you the lessons Taylor

County learned from one storm and

preparing now for the season

ahead one neighborhood that spent nearly

a year rebuilding after Hurricane Adalia

Perry in Taylor County it's a

neighborhood that really took the brunt

of adalia's core neighborhood reporter

Maya Sergeant has been tracking their

recovery for months and now she's

returning to see how they're prepping

for the season ahead using Lessons

Learned From from one storm to get ready

for the next but now at least I know

that we know how I'm mayor sergeant in

Perry I'm tracking how Taylor County is

preparing for the 2024 hurricane season

after Hurricane Adalia left a historic

impact on this community we get a cat

five it all boils down to planning

preparation have food have water have a

plan have generators and collaboration

good folks and a good team to support

you is is

Monumental these factors help Neighbors

in Taylor County get through hurricane

Adalia in

2023 with the help of City County state

and federal support John La the director

of Emergency Management with the Taylor

County Sheriff's Office says they're

focusing on them even more this season

including setting up new roles called

Community coordinators that we can

communicate with that can tell us

specific needs that that Community has

as well as creating Community emergency

plans tailored to each area stuff that

people organically did during or after

the hurricane these preparations are

extending to many parts of Taylor County

including doctor's Memorial Hospital

just getting everybody ready ahead of

time is the biggest thing that I think

we can do to prepare from a structural

standpoint Sarah Grambling and Lauren FZ

and Clark tell me they've moved to fiber

optic cabling for their internet

connectivity their emergency room is

also getting a half a million dollar

upgrade when there is an emergency we

want people to trust us and want to know

that you can get the same quality of

care here as you can in Viger

communities neighborhood commitment

across the county that has these area

leaders confident they're ready the

magic of rural communities is the way

people pull together John advises

everyone to have a secondary form of

communication so you can stay in touch

with them and your neighbors he

recommends The General Mobile Radio

Service he says they have several

repeaters set up in the county in Perry

mayor Sergeant ABC

27 if you choose to stay home during a

storm the least you can do is be

prepared I'm Alberto kamodo in colleg

town I'll show you how to turn your home

into a fortress during the upcoming

hurricane

season if a storm is threatening your

neighborhood you may not have a way to

get out call Town neighborhood reporter

Alberto kargo looks at ways that you can

build a safe room within your

house not everyone has the chance to

evacuate when a storm is threatening

your neighborhood I'm Alberto kamaro

your college town neighborhood reporter

when a storm forces you to shelter in

place there are important steps you can

take to stay safe follow me inside

people living in the area are keeping a

close eye on the forecast this hurricane

season including Emily Rock we all just

like huddled into our apartment and just

like closed the doors and made sure that

everything was safe she lives in a

college town apartment I asked her if

she knows what to do if a storm forces a

shelter in place situation I would

suggest staying in a room that doesn't

have any Windows filling the bathtub up

with water and if it's a really bad

hurricane just putting a mattress over

everything like over you and your entire

family first and foremost you need to

put as many walls between you and the

outside as you can a room with no

windows is best

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as we saw earlier this year winds can

drive debris into windows and doors and

shatter glass putting you in danger

here's what you're going to need to

stock up on before the storm hits

food several days worth of non-p

perishable food water at least 1 gallon

per person per day this is for both

drinking and sanitation a flashlight in

case your power ever goes out speaking

of which batteries and portable chargers

you can never have too many to keep your

Basics powered up and last but certainly

not least a first aid kit in addition to

these Necessities think about stocking

up on prescription and over-the-counter

medications baby formula baby food pet

food and personal hygiene items

something else you might not think about

entertainment grab a handful of board

games puzzles or a deck of cards to help

pass the time in Collegetown Alberto

kamaro ABC 27 first first to know

weather team will stay on top of any

storms as they develop and we'll help

you prepare before the storm arrives I'm

first to know meteorologist Elizabeth

Copeland and I'm first to know chief

meteorologist cast Nova nurse thanks for

watching stay safe and prepare now for

hurricane season

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