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Preparing For Hurricane Season 2022

As Hurricane Ian approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast, it is important to ensure that you and your family are prepared. Whether it’s your first hurricane season in Florida or your thirtieth, review the effects major storms have on our state to keep your family safe.

Sustainable Hurricane Tips

The number one priority during a major storm is your safety, but preparedness does not need to mean additional waste. Don’t throw your green habits to the impending winds. Instead of purchasing dozens of single-use plastic water bottles, take stock of the containers you likely already have in your home. Large sports coolers, Tupperware, and those water bottles waiting in your recycling bin are just as effective at storing clean water. Avoid long lines at the store, where palettes of water are most likely already sold out, and fill enough drinking water for at least one gallon of water per day for each person and each pet.

Stay aware of your evacuation zone as the storm approaches. If you do choose to leave, ensure you turn off and unplug any appliances or electronics prior to leaving. Not only does this save energy on what may be a strained power grid in your absence, but it will help prevent damage to your electronics.

Side Effects on Florida’s Wildlife

Wild Florida feels the effects of hurricanes as well. These vulnerable species may become more common as they mitigate changes to their environment:

Burrowing Owls

Unusual heavy rainfall can cause flooding in areas where burrowing owls live, particularly open prairies. Burrowing owls may be found in unusual places post-storms as they wait for their burrows to drain. It’s important to give this state-designated threatened species its space as their habitat recovers.

Snakes

You are more likely to see snakes with higher water levels post-storm. Most snakes you will encounter are likely to be nonvenomous and will be more scared of you than you are of them. If you see a snake, stay back. Snakes are not aggressive toward humans unless they feel threatened, but keep your eyes peeled when clearing debris post-storm.

Fish Kills

Hurricanes often lead to an increase in fish kills due to changes in salinity and low dissolved oxygen in the water. Use the Fish Kill Hotline to report major fish kills to FWC throughout hurricane season: 800-636-0511.

Manatees

Manatees can become trapped or stranded during major storms. After Hurricane Hermine in September 2016, seven manatees were stranded in the golf course pond at the Plantation on Crystal River. If you are aware of a stranded, trapped, injured, or dead manatee, call FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

Our Foundation works to address both the societal and environmental losses caused by hurricanes. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Michael, we gave over $250,000 for relief and recovery efforts. Support our efforts to protect Florida’s wildlife by donating here. Check out FWC’s website for updates about wildlife and storms for more information.

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