Forecasters from the Climate Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), have predicted that the United States should have a near-normal hurricane season in 2019. Although Hurricane Season did not officially start until June 1st, we have already witnessed the first named storm of the year, Sub-tropical Storm Andrea. This storm is just one of the 15 predicted named storms for this season. Of these 15, forecasters are calling for four to eight to become hurricanes, with two to four of them developing into major storms that could heavily affect the US. A major hurricane is defined as one that reaches Category 3 or above. Those storms carry winds of 111 mph and above.
Here are a few preparedness tips from the Department of Homeland Security:
- Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you
can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information. - Put together a go-bag: disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate
- If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
- Make a family emergency communication plan.
- Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications. To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the Internet with your town, city, or county name and the word “alerts.”
Visit the following helpful sites for more information on the 2019 Hurricane Season and Hurricane Preparedness: