Be prepared. It’s been the message long before hurricane season began and especially now as uncertainty lingers in the tropics.
While many heed the advice and get ready early, some longtime Floridians are unfazed and even frustrated over what they call the “hype.”
RELATED: Storm Shield & WPTV app | Get Storm Shield Alerts | Hurricane Guide
Longtime Floridian Michael Smyser isn't taking any chances with the tropics. He was at Home Depot Thursday picking up some storm preparation items like water and batteries.
“It’s the old Boy Scout motto be prepared. You can’t go wrong," said Smyser.
Smyser was living in Miami when Hurricane Andrew hit. He and his family had to evacuate.
"It only takes one time. It only takes once."
After that, Smyser takes every hurricane season seriously.
"Complacency could be harmful,” said Smyser.
But that's not necessarily the motto for all Floridians.
Many locals, like Jermaine Casado, are now unfazed by hurricane season, especially after preparing for so many storms that never end up hitting or having a major impact.
“I’ve spent lots of hours putting up plywood for nothing and I’m done with that,” said Casado.
Casado says he has invested in hurricane windows, but that's the extents of his storm preps.
On the other hand, another Floridian argues, "What do you have to lose by preparing just in case? "I mean, you got batteries forever. They last ten years. You can always drink the bottled water,” said Smyser.
Emergency officials agree, it’s better to be prepared and have those kits and plans in place now.
