As we progress through this year's hurricane season, it's timely for a few reminders about hurricane preparedness and what to do if a hurricane should head our way.

Most importantly, it is imperative that everyone remembers the dangers that surround hurricanes: sustained winds in excess of 155 miles per hour can last for hours with peak winds topping over 200 mph; Gulf and Bay water levels could rise 25 feet or more above normal levels; tornadoes are likely; heavy rains can flood low lying areas and swell rivers over their banks; and homes, utilities, businesses, schools and roads can be seriously damaged.

Hurricane categories are designated by wind speed. Category 1 hurricanes have winds between 74 - 95 mph. Category 2 hurricanes' winds are from 96 - 110 mph; category 3: 111 - 130 mph; category 4: 131 - 155 mph and category 5 hurricanes have wind speeds in excess of 155 mph.

Here's what you should do now to prepare for future hurricanes:

• Prepare your home and yard: have protection available for your windows and doors, your roof should be in good condition, remove dead limbs from trees, know what items in your yard should be brought is or tied down, know how to turn off your utilities Have a Hurricane Plan (see below) and make sure it is understood by all household members
• Prepare a Hurricane Kit which includes a first aid kit, battery powered radio and flashlights, extra batteries, canned or packaged food that requires no refrigeration or heating, water in plastic containers to last three or four days (1 gallon per person per day), manual can opener, tools for temporary damage repair, blankets, candles and waterproof matches for after the storm, and any additional items you may need to sustain your family for at least 3 - 4 days
• Know what to do with your pets should you have to evacuate
• Know the radio and TV stations in your area that will broadcast emergency information: WZEP 1460 AM, WSBZ 106.3 FM, WKGC 90.7 FM, WMBB(ABC) and WJHG (NBC)
• Remember there is a good possibility you will have to fend for yourself for at least 3 - 4 days before outside help is available. Utility services such as water, electricity, gas, telephone, telephone and TV will most likely not be available for an extended period.

Hurricane Plan

• Decide when you should prepare your home for an impending hurricane. Give yourself plenty of time to do what's required - start when a hurricane enters the Gulf
• Have a trigger point which initiates evacuation (at least 24 hours before predicted hurricane land fall)
• Know the safest place to go in your home to weather the storm if you cannot evacuate
• Have a telephone number, outside the area, that each member of your family knows to call should they be separated
• Designate a secure place in your home for a hurricane kit
• Know the telephone number of the Emergency Operation Center to report any emergency information
• Know your evacuation routes
• Know the location of emergency evacuation center in your area
• Make evacuation plans for your pets
• Prepare a list for a kit to take with you should you have to evacuate (similar to a hurricane kit but also to include a cell phone, if you have one, medicines, good shoes with sturdy soles for walking on broken glass and sharp objects from hurricane debris, strong gloves, extra clothing, maps, blankets, pillows, towels, toilet paper, etc.
• Make sure everyone in the home knows the plan
• Keep a check list of actions you should initiate when a hurricane threatens
• Have a hurricane tracking chart

Remember the only way out of South Walton County is over bridges. Bridges heading out of the area close when sustained winds reach 40 miles per hour. Evacuation demands by adjacent counties could force closings of East-West roads at the County line. The are limited roads in the County leading North. Don't wait to evacuate.

Upon returning to the area after an evacuation, give the local authorities time to remove debris from road. You will need proof of residency, ownership or renter and may be asked to provide drivers license showing address, tax bill or rental agreement to re-enter the area. Law enforcement officials may restrict the entry to locally damages areas. It's also a good idea to bring extra water and food when returning. Listen to Emergency Stations for information updates.

-- summarized from the Walton Emergency Preparedness Advisory Committee publication