Living in Florida means we are no strangers to heat, hurricanes and sudden thunderstorms. However, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and unpredictable nationwide.

Understanding extreme weather
Extreme weather encompasses a range of severe natural events, each with its unique dangers and challenges. Understanding these types of events can help you prepare for the specific risks they pose:

• Hurricanes are tropical storms with sustained winds over 74 miles per hour, classified from Category one to five. While stronger categories generally mean more severe wind damage, lower-category hurricanes can still cause devastating flooding due to heavy rainfall.

• Wildfires are fires that spread rapidly. These can start naturally, such as from lightning, or due to human activities, including unattended campfires or faulty power lines.

• Tornadoes form when warm and cool air masses collide, generating rotating columns of air that can reach speeds between 100 and 500 miles per hour. Because tornadoes can change direction quickly and strike with little warning, having a shelter plan and practicing tornado drills are essential.

• Floods occur when water overflows onto normally dry land. Flash floods can develop rapidly – sometimes in minutes – making them extremely dangerous. Flooding can happen anywhere, even in areas far from coastlines, rivers and those not designated as flood zones.

• Extreme heat, while not officially a disaster under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), can also pose serious health risks and affect infrastructure during prolonged heat waves.

Stay informed with reliable information
When severe weather threatens, receiving accurate and timely information is critical and can save lives. Social media is great for spreading news quickly; however, that can also include misinformation, so it’s important to rely on verified sources:

• The National Weather Service (NWS) is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and offers real-time updates on storms, wildfires, air quality and more.
• Local Emergency Management Offices coordinate disaster response and communication for your area. Through Alert Florida, part of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, you can sign up for public safety alerts within your community.
• National Hurricane Center: hurricane and tropical storm tracking.
• National Interagency Fire Center: wildfire tracking nationwide.
• National Weather Service Active Alerts: regional severe weather monitoring.

Build your emergency kit

An emergency kit should cover your and your family’s basic needs for several days, including water, food, medical supplies and communication tools. FEMA has a guide to a complete emergency kit.

Protect your most important documents
In the chaos following extreme weather, have your vital documents protected and accessible. Store originals and copies of critical documents in a waterproof and fireproof container, including:

• Government-issued IDs
• Proof of citizenship or legal residency
• Social Security cards
• Medical records and prescriptions
• Health insurance cards
• Vehicle titles and registrations
• Photos of your home and belongings
• Homeowners or renters insurance, deeds, mortgages or leases
• Financial documents like checkbooks

If extreme weather is imminent and you don’t have time to conduct a complete inventory, take a video of each room in your home.

Recovering after a disaster
Recovering from extreme weather can be a lengthy and complex process that may take months or even years.

Filing your insurance claims promptly is crucial to securing a timely financial recovery. Common post-disaster damages and expenses may include:

• Mold remediation.
• Repairs to gas and electric lines.
• Stabilizing or repairing your property’s foundation.
• Fixing or replacing damaged roofs.
• Repairing windows and doors.

If you need help navigating your claims, the NAIC has a post-disaster claims guide to help you understand the process and your rights. Unfortunately, scammers often take advantage of disaster survivors during this time by posing as government officials or contractors, offering quick fixes. Be aware and minimize your risk by:

• Verifying the identity of anyone who approaches you unsolicited with offers of help
• Always asking to see official identification – government employees always carry IDS
• Knowing that government officials will never ask for money or financial details upfront
• Avoiding anyone who demands payment before work begins, or promises a loan or grant
• Thoroughly checking the credentials to work with reputable, licensed contractors
• Always getting written estimates and contracts before any payment

If you suspect fraud, you can report it to FEMA’s Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov. The National Center for Disaster Fraud also accepts complaints online. Additionally, report scams to local law enforcement and your state’s attorney general.

Being proactive about preparation and recovery is key to protecting yourself, your family, and your property from the increasing threats of extreme weather in Southwest Florida.

For more information on resources provided by Healthy Humans Hendry-Glades please visit HealthierHendryGlades.org.