Hurricanes are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena. On average, 12 tropical storms, 6 of which become hurricanes form over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico during the hurricane season which runs from June 1 to November 30 each year.

In the Central Pacific Ocean, an average of 3 tropical storms, 2 of which become hurricanes form or move over the area during the hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. Guam, the Northern Marianas and Micronesia experience typhoons all year round but the main season in July through November with a peak from mid-August to mid-September. Over a typical 2-year period, the U.S. coastline is struck by an average of 3 hurricanes, 1 of which is classified as a major hurricane (winds of 111 mph or greater).

By knowing what actions to take before the hurricane season begins, when a hurricane approaches, and when the storm is in your area, as well as what to do after a hurricane leaves your area, you can increase your chance of survival.

Comprehensive Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

Preparing for a hurricane is critical for ensuring the safety of your family and protecting your property. Hurricanes can bring severe winds, flooding, and power outages, making it essential to have a plan in place. This comprehensive checklist will help you get ready for the hurricane season.

1. Create an Emergency Plan

  • Evacuation Routes: Know your community’s evacuation routes and have a plan for where you will stay if you need to leave your home.
  • Meeting Points: Establish a meeting place for family members if you’re separated during the storm.
  • Emergency Contacts: Make a list of important contacts such as family members, doctors, and emergency services.

2. Assemble an Emergency Kit

  • Water: Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
  • Food: A three-day supply of non-perishable food items such as canned goods and energy bars.
  • Medications: Prescription medications and a basic first-aid kit.
  • Flashlights and Batteries: At least one flashlight with extra batteries.
  • Radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed about weather updates and emergency instructions.
  • Important Documents: Copies of personal documents, such as insurance policies, identification, and bank account records.

3. Secure Your Property

  • Outdoor Items: Bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, and garbage cans that could become projectiles in high winds.
  • Windows and Doors: Install storm shutters or board up windows and doors with plywood.
  • Roof and Gutters: Inspect and clean your roof and gutters to prevent damage from heavy rain and flooding.
  • Power Down: Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances to prevent damage from power surges.

4. Stay Informed

  • Weather Updates: Keep track of local weather forecasts and alerts from the National Weather Service.
  • Community Notifications: Sign up for emergency notifications from your community or municipality.

5. During the Hurricane

  • Shelter in Place: If you’re not evacuated, stay indoors away from windows and doors. Find an interior room on the lowest floor.
  • Monitor Alerts: Keep listening to weather updates and follow instructions from local authorities.

By following this checklist, you can ensure that you and your family are prepared for the next hurricane. Proper preparation can significantly reduce the risks and impacts associated with these powerful storms.

Hurricane Hazards

While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depression also can be devastating. The primary hazards from tropical cyclones (which include tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes) are storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive winds, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents.

  • Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm’s winds. This hazard is historically the leading cause of hurricane related deaths in the United States. Storm surge and large battering waves can result in large loss of life and cause massive destruction along the coast.
  • Storm surge can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers, and estuaries.
  • Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from landfalling tropical cyclones. Widespread torrential rains associated with these storms often cause flooding hundreds of miles inland. This flooding can persist for several days after a storm has dissipated.
  • Winds from a hurricane can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Signs, roofing material, and other items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes.
  • Tornadoes can accompany landfalling tropical cyclones. These tornadoes typically occur in rain bands well away from the center of the storm.
  • Dangerous waves produced by a tropical cyclone’s strong winds can pose a significant hazard to coastal residents and mariners. These waves can cause deadly rip currents, significant beach erosion, and damage to structures along the coastline, even when the storm is more than a 1,000 miles offshore.

Prepare Before Hurricane Season

https://www.noaa.gov/prepare-before-hurricane-season

Hurricane Safety Tips and Resources

https://www.nsmn.com/hurricane-safety-tips-and-resources/

National Hurricane Center.

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

JEA

For additional preparation and evacuation resources in your area, check out these links:

Stay safe, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help. Even if I can’t get to you personally, I’ll do everything I can to assist in any way possible. We’re all in this together, and I’m here for you.

Nathan Young

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