By Staff
Tropical Storm Cristobal blew up quickly along the East Coast, and Tropical Storm Dolly is headed into Texas.
Welcome back to hurricane season.
So far, we've been lucky in Brewton, and our area saw virtually no tropical activity last year. But the latest named storms are a reminder that, while we've dodged those two bullets, we can't be complacent about hurricane season.
No matter what the experts predict about how calm or how active a hurricane season will be, we always know that the big one - a storm like an Ivan or Katrina - could churn up at any moment.
We have a great emergency management office in Escambia County, but warnings about the weather only go so far - each family needs to be prepared for the worst.
Staying prepared is the best way to stay ahead during storm season. Pay attention to the weather reports so you'll know when and if you will evacuate - and keep in mind where you will go if you have to evacuate, whether that's to a local shelter or a friend's house elsewhere in the state.
Have an emergency supply kit on hand, especially since hurricanes can lead to power outages, as those who lived a week in the heat after Ivan can recall.
A battery-operated weather radio is a must, as are flashlights, bottled water, non-perishable food, important insurance documents and other records, First Aid supplies and other emergency materials.
Hopefully, you'll never have to use those items. But we all know that you never know when it comes to hurricane season.