Hurricane Season Begins

From June 1 until Nov 1 the Hurricane Season will be upon us. This does not mean that we can expect a hurricane on June 1. Nor does it mean we couldn't get a hurricane except during the season. Hurricanes are unpredictable, and the purpose of the season is to advise when hurricanes are most likely to occur.

During this season, the height of the chance of a hurricane is late July through the beginning of October. Hurricane Andrew was in late August, however, Hurricane Wilma was October 24. Having a recognition for these weather matters is to cause the public to take action and become prepared.

It is clearly understood that repairs are still not complete from last year. Still we can take reasonable steps to make sure damage is minimized, and that we can survive during difficult times. From May 21 through June 1, we shall be enjoying a sales tax holiday on hurricane supplies. Take advantage of it. Purchase a generator, tarps, bottled water, flashlights, batteries, radios, or whatever you may need as approved under the guidelines. Remember, it is much easier to get it now, then later when everyone wants it because of an impeding storm approaching.

If you are leaving the area, make sure you know what you will need, and where you are going, before getting on the road. Remember, roads will be clogged with a lot of people thinking the same way you may be. Have a written plan for securing your premises. Keep tune to news that is put out by the general media, as well as the city.

During such times I will activate my Emergency E-mail System, and send messages to anyone who has supplied me with their e-mail. To get on the list, just e-mail me at: rkaplan@lauderhill-fl.gov. Also, I will be using this BLOG to submit stories that you may find useful. Finally, we hope to have a low wattage AM radio station in place to broadcast emergencies.

In the last few months, Lauderhill has taken numerous steps to try and address where we can make improvements. Not all of these steps are complete, but we are working to get as many of them in place as possible. At the same time, we are working to put up walls and fences where we can. You may have noticed the process in several areas. Our understanding is that it will not take that long to put up the walls from this point. We do expect them to be done this year, except for Pine Island Road. There we have put up new wood fences until such time we can resolve the issues for the road.

Remember, be prepared today. Not tomorrow when it could be too late.