TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Hurricane season is just around the corner and the National Weather Service wants you to be prepared.
All week, the NWS is highlighting different ways you can stay safe. Today is the day to develop an evacuation plan.
The first thing you should do is figure out if you're in a hurricane or flood zone.
Even if you're not, you might need to leave if you think your home will be unsafe during a hurricane.
We talked to Leon County Emergency Management, who said to take storm surge seriously.
"Storm surge is the greatest threat to life during a hurricane situation, so individuals who live in a coastal community are more susceptible to storm surge. Our hurricane evacuation zones in the state of Florida in compasses all of our coastal areas," said Kevin Peters, Emergency Management Director for Leon County Emergency Management.
Your family might not be together when a disaster strikes, so it's important that you have a plan for communication, put it in writing, and keep it up to date.
When you're planning your route, you don't need to go far, but it's important to have options.
"You should make sure you have several different evacuation routes and destinations," said Tara Goggins, with National Weather Service. "Remember impacts from tropical storms and hurricanes can extend well inland, so having a variety of places you can evacuate to will help you avoid putting yourself in the path of the storm farther inland."
NWS says make sure you include your pets in your travel plans and do not leave them behind.
Remember to bring things like food, toys, and a secure carrying case.
