Hurricane Season is Here, Here’s How to Prepare

by Sabrina Benedetti - Red Cross communications volunteer

“Here in Northern New England, we are used to our share of bad weather,” said John Montes, Regional Disaster Officer for Northern New England. “We are not immune to tropical weather. We’ve seen torrential rain from these storms hit us hard over the last several years.”

Every year, Hurricane Season on the Atlantic runs from June 1 to November 30. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service predicts a below-normal season. However, below normal does not mean less damage.

Hurricanes cause catastrophes not only to coastal communities but also to those hundreds of miles inland. NOAA is predicting 8-14 named storms, of which 3-6 are forecast to become hurricanes. There will likely be 1-3 major hurricanes of category 3 and higher.

“It is critical that we take this time to be ready to respond as local communities and as a team here at the Red Cross,” Montes advised.

Throughout the year, the Red Cross of Northern New England offers preparedness training to communities and volunteers. Free workshops include the Be Red Cross Ready for adult emergency preparedness and Prepare with Pedro for children.

Amidst an incoming hurricane season, Montes noted, “This is the time when we put it into action to make sure that we're ready to help our community and that we’re present when we’re needed.”

Preparedness may look different if you live in an area where hurricanes are an immediate threat.

Be sure to secure any outdoor items that could be picked up by high winds and cause injury. Additionally, trim or remove trees close enough to fall on your home, get storm shutters or pre-cut plywood to protect windows, and clean gutters. You may also consider installing a sump pump and elevating your heating system, water heater, and electric panel.

If you live in an inland area, it’s critical to get your household similarly ready now. You may need to evacuate quickly with little notice, and it is vital to have two plans: one for evacuating and one for sheltering 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.

The Red Cross is coordinating closely with government officials and community partners to ensure people have a safe place to stay, food to eat, and critical relief supplies when it matters most.

Every day, people rely on Red Cross volunteers for support, and we have an urgent need for new volunteers. When hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters strike, families are left without the basics – food, shelter and comfort. You can be the one who helps them begin to recover. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more and sign up for free online training today.

Find more hurricane preparedness information here.