The State of Florida recognizes the week of February 2 through 6 as Severe Weather Awareness Week and Escambia County Emergency Management is encouraging you to learn more about the potential weather hazards that threaten our area.
The first important lesson concerns lightning. With an average of 1.4 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes each year, no other state in the country experiences more lightning strikes than Florida. The key to remaining safe from a lightning strike is to keep an eye to the sky and watch for darkening skies on the horizon along with distant rumbles of thunder. Being outside is never safe during a thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, then you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Always remember, when thunder roars, go indoors.
The second area of concern is marine hazards and rip currents. Fair weather and fine seas treat Florida beachgoers to very agreeable conditions most of the time. However, weather and water can change rapidly. Dangerous rip currents, waves, lightning and waterspouts are among the marine hazards facing anyone who enjoys Florida’s beaches. Rip currents can pull unprepared swimmers away from shore and into deeper offshore waters. Always check beach warning flags before swimming and remember, if caught in a rip current, don’t fight, swim left or right.
The third lesson emergency managers would focus on is tornadoes and thunderstorms. Florida has more thunderstorms than anywhere else in the United States. All thunderstorms are considered dangerous because they contain lightning and can also produce damaging winds, heavy rain which may cause flooding, tornadoes and hail. Florida tornadoes come in all shapes and sizes and can occur year-round, although most occur in the summer during the afternoon. It is important to know be aware of weather forecasts for your area and know what you would do in the event of a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch or warning.
As the people of Escambia County know all too well, hurricanes and flooding can prove to be some of the most dangerous weather conditions. The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and continues through November 30. Although the number of tropical storms and hurricanes typically peaks during August and September, it is important to remember that Florida can be impacted by tropical weather systems any time during the six-month-long season. Hurricanes and tropical storms can bring dangerous weather, including strong winds, storm surge and coastal flooding, inland flooding and tornadoes. Be sure to have a family and business disaster plan ready and emergency supply kit prepared.
The final lesson concerns temperature extremes and wildfires. Florida sees a peak of activity beginning in January and continuing until the onset of more frequent rain during the wet season, usually in June. However, wildfires can occur at any time of year. A typical year in Florida will see more than 4,600 fires burn nearly 110,000 acres of land. Florida is also home to a wide variety of temperatures that can reach dangerous levels. Always take necessary precautions if you will be exposed to extreme temperatures. Pay attention to fire weather warnings, know what you should do to make your home “firewise” and NEVER play with matches.
For more information on Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week, please visit www.floridadisaster.org
For the latest updates on Emergency Management in Escambia County, please visit www.bereadyescambia.com and follow the Escambia County Division of Emergency Management on Twitter @BeReadyEscambia.
