Hurricanes – Living in Florida means lots of sunshine, tons of summertime fun, and the unfortunate potential for hurricanes.

Hurricane season started June 1, and we are now very near the peak of hurricane activity.

Evacuation routes – In a state known for its hurricanes, Florida residents should be aware of the routes they need to take in order to steer clear of dangerous storms.

Flooded homes – In addition to providing assistance and support to victims of floods, the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter has posted vital flood recovery information in English and Spanish on its Web site (www.redcrosstbc.org) and made printed copies available at its Pasco County branch office, 12029 Majestic Blvd., Hudson.

First aid kits – Andrea Mason, emergency planner at the Pasco County Health Department recommends that “everyone assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car if possible.”

Lightning – Florida is known as the lightning capital of the world, and anyone who lives in Florida knows why.

During any given thunderstorm, flashes of lightning dance through the sky, and to the ground, and are followed by loud claps of thunder.

According to the United States Department of Energy, the probability of being struck by lightning is 1 in 600,000.