Hurricane season demands our attention, especially after last year's devastating storms that impacted Florida. Jessica McCracken, Pinellas County's Whole Community Readiness Coordinator, shares crucial insights about preparing for the next hurricane season with particular emphasis on the lessons learned from recent storms.

Most residents don't realize that Debbie, Helene, and Milton weren't direct hits to Pinellas County, yet caused significant damage. This sobering reality highlights why proper preparation matters regardless of a storm's projected path. Jessica breaks down three essential hurricane preparedness steps: knowing your risk, making a plan, and staying informed.

A critical misconception Jessica addresses is the difference between evacuation zones and flood zones. Evacuation zones are based on storm surge models, while flood zones determine insurance requirements. The entire state of Florida sits in a flood zone—the question is simply whether you're in a high-risk or moderate-risk area. This distinction matters tremendously for insurance coverage, as standard homeowner policies don't cover flood damage. Many residents learned this lesson the hard way during recent storms when areas outside traditional flood zones experienced significant flooding.

Property preparation follows the simple ABCs: anchor, brace, cover, and strap anything that could become windborne during a storm. For condo and HOA residents, Jessica emphasizes the importance of understanding both personal and community-level emergency procedures, including what happens with elevators, common areas, and trash facilities during evacuations.

Perhaps most valuable is Jessica's practical evacuation advice: "Go tens of miles, not hundreds." Often traveling just beyond evacuation zones provides sufficient safety while avoiding long-distance traffic congestion. And don't rely solely on the "cone of uncertainty" when making evacuation decisions—it only shows the potential path of a storm's center, not its size or impact area.

Register today for your county's emergency notification service (like Alert Pinellas) to receive critical information before, during, and after storms. This simple step connects you with life-saving alerts and resources when you need them most.

Are you prepared for hurricane season? Take action now to protect your home, family, and peace of mind before the next storm arrives.