Hurricane Season Preparations- Active Season Expected
The National Hurricane Center has been suggesting we may have a very active season this year- although their official forecast is pending. Sea surface temperatures are already rivaling that of July in the Atlantic Basin and the Gulf of Mexico. We also have a fading El Niño which is transitioning to a La Niña pattern right now, which usually translates to well above average Hurricane Activity.
One of the 2024 seasonal outlooks that has been released so far suggests 21 named storms are expected, with 11 hurricanes, and 5 major hurricanes. The NHC still has yet to release their official forecast, but so far, the numbers are looking strong from many of the public forecasts that are being released.
How can you prepare? Here are a few things to keep in mind and have on hand:
Supplies:
- Flashlights
- Lanterns
- Batteries
- Candles
- Matches
- Battery Powered Radio
- Cooler
- Rain Gear
- First Aid Kit
- Hand Sanitizer
- Insect Repellent
- Pocket Knife
Food:
- Water for 3-7 days
- Canned Food
- Manual Can Opener
- Non-perishable food for 3-7 days
- Paper plates, cups, plastic silverware
- Instant coffee
- Baby Food
To Do:
- Fill Gas Tanks
- Fill Extra Gas Container
- Fill Extra Propane Tank
- Get Extra Cash
- Freeze Water in Gallon Jugs, leave in Freezer
- Fill bathtub with water
- Fill pitchers with water
- Charge phones and laptops
- Remove Lanai furniture
- Bring Trash into Garage
- Park cars in Garage
- Put important papers in Waterproof bag
- Make sure flood insurance is up to date
- Take pictures of Expensive items
Extra Considerations to have on hand:
- Put up hurricane shutters
- Trim branches close to house
- Grill and charcoal- for cooking
- Portable gas stove
- Extra Propane Tank
- Solar powered walkway lights
- Gas in chainsaw, get cleanup tools in order
- Work Clothes
- Tarps
These are just some things that can make planning for a hurricane and the ultimate recovery a bit more smooth. There of course is nothing you can do to fully prevent life-altering impacts, but you can be as prepared as possible. For a more in-depth list with some added depth, the FEMA list has some additional information, with a printable PDF found here.
Here are a few more helpful resources for Hurricane preparedness. Know your risks about water and wind! Also, here is a more in-depth review about hurricane preparedness from the NHC.
It is also critical that you understand forecast information so that you can make the best decisions for you and your family as you prepare for a hurricane. After that, you must take action to ensure that you are prepared for the storms arrival, and then ultimately staying protected during the storm is very important! If the harsh reality of a hurricane impact is realized for you, and you have cleanup to do, it is important to take proper precautions after the storm moves out as well.
No one knows for sure that we will be guaranteed a very active hurricane season, but many signs are pointing to this being highly likely. So, now is really the time to prepare, as things can begin to happen quickly once the season begins, and even sometimes before the official date that the season starts.
Following even some of the tips above and having supplies on hand, taking necessary precautions will make the difference between a more stressful recovery and one that is more organized and productive.
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Thanks for checking in!
Meteorologist Bo Cole
