As the busiest months of the Atlantic hurricane season unfold, now would be a good time to get your household ready if you live in an area which could be affected by a hurricane.
The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30 with September historically being the most active month for these storms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts there could be 13 to 19 storms strong enough to be named. Of these, 6 to 10 could become hurricanes with as many as five strengthening into major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher.
Hurricanes not only cause problems for people in coastal areas but can also cause damage hundreds of miles inland. If you live on the coast, you are most at risk for extreme winds and flooding from rain and storm surge. Live inland? You are at risk for wind, thunderstorms, flooding and power outages.
STEPS YOU SHOULD TAKE TO GET READY:
If you live in an area at risk for hurricanes, have a plan to evacuate and a plan to shelter safely at home.
- Your evacuation plan should include knowing where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, and where you’ll stay. Your stay-at-home plan should focus on gathering the right supplies so that you can live safely without power, water, gas, phone or internet for a long time.
- Families may need to evacuate quickly with little notice. Create a plan that includes how you’ll stay connected with each other.
- Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government, which will include important information such as evacuation orders in an emergency.
Some people may need extra attention during an emergency. For them, planning ahead is crucial.
- Check out these readiness steps for older adults.
- Disasters can be traumatic for children. Find information here on how to help reduce their fears.
- When an emergency occurs, mobility challenges and hearing, learning or seeing disabilities can add complications. We offer steps to help.
- Don’t forget your pets ─ they depend on you for their safety. Learn how you can protect them.
DON’T FORGET TO: Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector.
Pet owners can download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app for more information on how to include pets in emergency preparedness plans and step-by-step instructions for first aid emergencies and more.
Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
