Hurricane preparedness. 6 easy steps to take now to be ready

Atlantic hurricane season
6 easy steps to take now to be ready

The official start of hurricane season for the Atlantic is June 1 and before we know it, the season will be here.

2021 was another historic hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin. Once again, we used all the names in the list, -all 21 of them! Out of these 21, 7 were hurricanes and 4 of those were major hurricanes. There was a total of 193 fatalities and it was the third costliest tropical season on record.

The 2022 hurricane season has most of the ingredients to be a busy one too. Sea surface temperatures in the Atlanticare warmer than average, and models show that La Niña’s chances of lingering through summer are increasing. This would be a crucial ingredient that would allow tropical systems to grow, supporting their developmental cycle.

In fact, one of the most reliable hurricane forecasts highlighted in recent weeks predicts that we could have up to 19 named storms. The most important fact to remember is that hurricane forecasts are used for guidance, and they cannot point us to where a storm, or hurricane, might land. It only takes one storm to make it a busy (and devasting) season for you.

Since 2000, there have been 12 years, including the last 7 consecutive years, where we have had storms forming as early as April, and even one in January (Hurricane Alex in 2016). An early storm can be as devastating as a regular-season storm if the right conditions and patterns are present.

Don’t let one storm become a problem. Here are some preparations you can do now to save time, headaches, and money in case a storm threatens:

Know your hurricane risk: wind, storm surge, flooding, etc. Remember that tropical systems not only affect coastal areas, but flooding can extend well inland.

Find out if you are in an evacuation zone and, get to know your local offices of emergency management. These are the entities you will need to follow guidance from if a storm threatens.

Be aware of any special needs or additional help you might require, such as extra medication, supplies and caring for members of your household. Make a plan to make sure these are covered first if you are at risk.

Make sure to start, or adjust, any work that your home needs in order to be hurricane strength in case you are not in an evacuation zone. Think about any additional strengthening you can do ahead of time and save money in the process. Look for discounts and offers.

There are lots of nonperishable foods you can start gathering for your emergency supply kit. Perhaps there is a good promotion at the store or good coupons. Take advantage of it!

Peace of mind! Revise your insurance policy. Many times, insurance companies will not allow changes once the season starts or if there is a storm nearby. There i’s a 30-day waiting period for FEMA flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program to become effective. Now is the time to make sure your risks will be covered.

Irene Sans

Hurricane preparedness. 6 easy steps to take now to be ready

Atlantic hurricane season6 easy steps to take now to be ready

Atlantic hurricane season
6 easy steps to take now to be ready