As the potential for tropical activity increases with the approaching hurricane season, communities across the coastal and inland United States are marking Hurricane Preparedness Week, observed this year from May 4th to May 10th.
This annual event serves as a critical reminder for residents to review and update their hurricane preparedness plans before the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season on June 1st.
Forecasters are predicting another active hurricane season, underscoring the importance of taking proactive steps now. It only takes one storm to have a significant impact on lives and property, and preparedness is key to mitigating potential risks.
Given the damaging impacts of hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton last year, preparing your landscape and trees for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is particularly important – and the sooner the better.
“Best management practices include supporting soil health through appropriate fertilization, monitoring landscapes and trees for pests and disease, managing tree roots for health and structure etc.,” said Alyssa Vinson, urban forestry agent for UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. “All management that leads to a healthier plant leads to a landscape that’s more resilient to disturbance. That doesn’t mean that a once-in-a-lifetime storm isn’t going to knock down a perfectly healthy tree, just that in normal circumstances a healthy tree is going to fare better.”
Home and business owners can take steps to make sure trees can withstand tropical storm- and hurricane-force winds and rain, Vinson said. They include:
- Young trees need structural pruning more frequently until they are mature, when they may need little to no pruning.
- Look for dying, dead or broken branches.
- Keep an eye on trunks, especially for strange bulges, breaks, wounds or bark shedding.
- Check the ground around each tree and watch for areas of gradual sinking or rising in the soil — or mushrooms growing from the base of the tree, which can indicate a fungal infection. They are the fruiting body of an existing fungus.
- Contact a certified arborist for an evaluation far in advance of hurricane season.
READ: Hillsborough County Seeks Resident Input On Flooding Impacts; South Tampa Session This Week
“Well-established and mature trees are often very resilient,” Vinson said. “If you monitor them for concerns and have them structurally pruned by a certified arborist, you will maximize their ability to withstand storms.”
In addition to pruning your trees, property owners should trim their landscapes, said Lynn Barber, the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) agent with UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. Use pruners, not hedge shears, to cut shrubs back. Cutting back one-third of the plant will improve the aesthetics and health of the plant, Barber said.
FFL Director Claire Lewis also offered some tips for getting your outdoor space ready for hurricanes:
- Bring in bird feeders and furniture.
- Clear gutters of debris.
- Secure plants and yard items.
- Turn off irrigation systems.
- Secure rain barrels to avoid excess water.
“A little prep now can save big headaches later,” Lewis said.
Hurricane Preparedness Week emphasizes a different theme each day to help residents focus their efforts:
- Sunday, May 4th: Know Your Risk – Understand the specific hazards that could affect your area, including wind, rain, and especially the potential for life-threatening storm surge and flooding, which can occur far from the coast.
- Monday, May 5th: Prepare Before Hurricane Season – The time to prepare is now, before a storm is on the horizon. This includes gathering supplies and securing insurance.
- Tuesday, May 6th: Understand Forecast Information – Learn how to interpret hurricane watches, warnings, and forecast graphics to make informed decisions.
- Wednesday, May 7th: Get Moving When a Storm Threatens – Identify your evacuation zone and plan your route and destination in advance.
- Thursday, May 8th: Stay Protected During Storms – Know where to shelter during high winds, whether at home or in an approved public shelter.
- Friday, May 9th: Use Caution After Storms – Be aware of dangers that may remain after a hurricane has passed, such as downed power lines and flooded areas.
- Saturday, May 10th: Take Action Today – Use everything you’ve learned throughout the week to finalize your preparations and ensure your family is ready.
Officials urge residents to take concrete steps this week, including:
- Developing a Family Emergency Plan: Discuss with your household what you will do before, during, and after a storm. This includes identifying a meeting place, establishing communication methods, and planning for pets.
- Building an Emergency Kit: Assemble a kit with essential supplies such as water (one gallon per person per day for several days), non-perishable food, medications, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, and important documents.
- Reviewing Insurance Policies: Understand your coverage, especially regarding flood insurance, which is typically separate from homeowner’s insurance and has a waiting period to take effect.
- Securing Your Home: Take steps to protect your property by trimming trees, securing loose outdoor items, and considering storm shutters or reinforced doors and windows.
- Staying Informed: Sign up for local alerts and warnings and monitor official sources like the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies for the latest information.
Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to prepare. Take action this Hurricane Preparedness Week to ensure you and your family are ready.
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