Hurricane Preparedness
Take Action to Prevent the Risks Posed by Hurricanes
JUNE 5, 2024
Updated June 5, 2024
It’s that time of year again. The sun is shining, the weather is changing. As many in the northern hemisphere look forward to the summer season approaching, another season is upon us – hurricane season.
WHAT ARE HURRICANES?
What exactly is a hurricane? In simple terms, it is a rotating low pressure weather system whose maximum sustained winds reach 74 miles per hour (or 119 kilometers per hour). Severity is measured on a category scale from one to five, increasing as those maximum sustained wind speeds increase. This type of storm, though the same in characteristics, takes different names based on location, such as:
- Hurricanes in the North Atlantic, Central North Pacific and Eastern North Pacific,
- Cyclones in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean,
- Typhoons in the Northwest Pacific.
Exact names or characteristics aside, these storms can bring heavy winds, rains and floods, and generally cause significant damages to the areas they hit.
Hurricane season in the Atlantic starts officially on June 1 (May 15 in the Pacific) and runs through November 30. Still, storms may form earlier and later, and sources indicate the season is increasing in length.
CHANGING HURRICANE PATTERNS IN OUR SHIFTING CLIMATE
Historical trends over the past decades have shown increases in the frequency, intensity and duration of tropical storms globally, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other experts. A number of factors, including rising temperatures and sea levels, have contributed to these changes. Trends indicate they will continue in the same direction as we continue to face major issues of climate change across the globe.
The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season ranked fourth for having the most named storms in a year (20, following 14 in 2022). It met the average of seven hurricanes, three of which became major hurricanes. Hurricane Idalia was the only major hurricane to make U.S. landfall, which struck the Big Bend region of Florida as a Category 3 on August 30. While severe impact from Atlantic basin hurricanes was lower than previous years, it was still the most active El Niño season on modern record.
In the Pacific, the season showed signs of unprecedented activity, with above-normal activity in the Eastern basin. This was evidenced by Hurricane Hilary, which brought significant amounts of rain to Mexico and the Southwest United States, as well as Hurricane Otis, which rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm, making landfall in Acapulco as the strongest Pacific hurricane on record. Hurricane Dora, which reached Category 4 in the central Pacific basin, brought extreme winds that contributed to the devastation of the Hawaii wildfires in August 2023. All Hands and Hearts (AHAH) responded to impacts of all three of these events.
Climate scientists note the distinctions between El Niño and La Niña, two opposing climate patterns. 2023 was a strong El Niño year, which typically suppresses activity in the Atlantic but heightens it in the Pacific, while La Niña typically does the opposite. Forecasters currently predict a movement away from El Niño in 2024 with a 69% chance of La Niña forming between July and September, which could cause even more Atlantic hurricane activity.
THIS YEAR PREDICTED TO BE AN “ABOVE NORMAL” HURRICANE SEASON
NOAA is currently predicting an 85% chance of an “above normal” Atlantic hurricane season in 2024, with 70% confidence there will be 17-25 named storms, of which four to seven can become major hurricanes. These numbers are significantly higher than the 2023 predictions.
BE PREPARED
As we know, it only takes one storm to produce devastating impacts and leave communities recovering for years and even decades. AHAH will be on standby, ready to respond when these storms hit. Still, it is important to take personal precautions for your safety. Being prepared is just one step to protect yourself and your family from these potential impacts.
BEFORE THE STORM
Here are actions you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones:
Review your local authority’s plan to prepare and respond to hurricanes so you are aware of how the plan impacts you and your family.
Create a plan that includes: how you will receive emergency alerts and warnings, a shelter plan, your evacuation route and your family/household communication plan. You can find more guidance on creating a plan for your family here.
Sign up for your local emergency management alert system using apps like FEMA, GDACS, My Radar and NOAA.
Follow any evacuation mandates in your local area and any advisories or guidance around leaving your home. If a storm is predicted, consider staying with a loved one or moving to a local shelter. Guidance on finding shelters in your area may be found here.
Stock up on emergency supplies to support you, for a minimum of five days, should you need to shelter-in-place; don’t forget things like medications and pet supplies.
Prepare a “go-bag” in case you need to evacuate with short notice. Your bag should have important documents, medicines, bottled water, a small first aid kit, blankets, flashlights, cash in small bills, a portable phone charger/cables and anything else your family might need in an emergency.
Prepare and protect your property by clearing drains and gutters, installing check valves in plumbing to prevent backups, trimming or removing trees close enough to fall on your home and consider hurricane shutters. If you live in the US and have NFIP flood insurance for your property, your policy may cover up to $1,000 in loss avoidance measures, such as sandbags and water pumps. Click here to get more information.
Prepare financially by reviewing insurance policies, understanding the exclusions and considering how you would cover any gaps. Consider how you would access funds if you are directly affected by a storm.
We are often able to predict hurricanes as they are forming. By following sources such as the National Hurricane Center marine forecast you can stay updated and may have a few days’ notice if a major storm is likely to develop. However, rapid intensification can happen without warning, and prediction of storms often cause panic buying and supply shortages, so please, make sure you prepare ahead of time.
DURING THE STORM
Here are actions you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones when you face a direct threat from a hurricane:
Stay aware and connected, frequently checking storm updates and local evacuation orders.
Review your plan with your family to make sure everyone in your household knows what to expect and how they will respond when the storm hits. Expect that you may lose communications when it does.
Double-check your emergency supplies and restock if needed; ensure all of your important documents are in order and your “go-bag” is ready.
Protect valuable possessions by storing any irreplaceable items, safe from wind damage and floodwaters; putting electronics and documents in water-tight containers and ziplock bags is recommended. Photographs contain priceless memories, and we’ve found that the loss of them can be painful; don’t forget to protect any cherished photo albums.
Take stock of your home; take photos of the outside and inside of your home, consider the likely impacts to the home, such as losing power and the consequences of that (e.g. food spoiling in the fridge) and try to lessen the effect of the impacts wherever you can.
Prepare your vehicle by filling your gas tank in case you need to evacuate and stocking it with your emergency supplies and changes of clothes. If there isn’t a mandatory evacuation, consider parking your vehicle on higher ground in case of flooding.
Protect your property by installing plywood or storm shutters over your windows and checking the property for any loose objects that could become projectiles during the storm and securing them.
Charge your cell phone so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.
Practice dynamic risk assessment during the storm. This means you constantly monitor the situation and identify potential hazards and threats, putting controls in place to protect yourself and your family. This could include decisions such as moving to a secure location, like the basement.
AFTER THE STORM
Here are tips if you can’t get immediate professional help and your home, or a home of your loved one, is impacted during this hurricane season:
Return to your home only once you have been instructed by your local authorities, and you are confident it is safe. Disconnect services such as electricity and gas until they can be certified safe by a professional. Inspect the property for structural damage from wind or floodwaters. Inspect the outside in its entirety before beginning any internal inspection. If you are not sure if your home has had structural damage, wait for a professional or an inspector to certify the building is safe.
If you choose to enter your home wear appropriate respiratory protection masks (N-95), rubber gloves and boots. Flood water contains pathogens and could carry rodents, spiders and snakes. There may also be airborne threats, such as mold.
If your home has been impacted, clearly document any damage with a series of photographs including the water level, the house exterior and the damage to personal belongings before you start cleaning up. These pictures will be used for insurance or federal assistance claims.
Reducing mold growth is a priority. You can do that by:
- controlling the moisture in your house (with a dehumidifier or air conditioning unit). If your electrics were not flooded and you still have power, keep any A/C constantly running at a low-temperature setting;
- removing any water-damaged or damp materials and belongings such as dry-wall, carpets, rugs, bedding, furniture, etc. When disposing of materials on the curb follow these guidelines;
- checking for any active roof leaks. Inspect the attic (if you have one) or check the ceiling for any visible water stains. Active leaks bring moisture into your home, which contributes to mold growth. They should be repaired as soon as possible.
Unplug any appliances and do not open your refrigerator; if it has been flooded, it will no longer work. Food rots quickly and once freed, its smell lingers. Before moving your fridge, make sure you tape the door shut.
If you think you can salvage dishware or cookware, place it under a tarp to clean outside of your home. Some items such as porcelain, glassware and metals can be disinfected with a bleach solution.
Even if you are not in a hurricane-prone location, share this information with your friends and loved ones so they are prepared for this upcoming hurricane season. If you are in a hurricane-prone location, make sure your neighbors and community are also prepared.
You can find more information about Hurricane Preparedness at Ready.gov and NOAA.
