Hurricane Season

Hurricane season begins June 1st and with forecasters predicting an active hurricane season, it  is important to be sure that you and your family are prepared. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is joining thousands around the country who are pledging to prepare and are taking action to be ready for this hurricane season. 

As we saw last year with Hurricane Isaac and Hurricane Sandy, hurricanes ravage communities. There were 13 presidentially-declared disasters in the Gulf and along the East Coast from Maine to West Virginia for Hurricane Sandy alone.

Even as long-term recovery efforts continue from these storms, we must prepare for the approaching hurricane season. It takes the whole community’s engagement to build resilient neighborhoods. Being prepared begins by knowing your risk and taking the appropriate actions before, during, and after a hurricane strikes. You can start by visiting ready.gov/hurricanes.

Hurricanes are powerful storms that can bring with them severe coastal and inland flooding, dangerous storm surges, high winds, tornados, and heavy rainfall that can trigger evacuations and prolonged power outages. The effects of these storms can be devastating to entire communities and can have long-lasting consequences, including loss of life and property. 

With these risks in mind, you can join your friends, neighbors, businesses, and community in pledging to be prepared for hurricane season by taking the following steps: 

·         Know your risk: Understand how hurricanes and tropical storms can affect where you live, work, play, and worship. You should check the weather forecast regularly when storms are approaching. Sign up for local alerts from emergency management officials and obtain a NOAA Weather Radio.

·         Take action: Actions can be small, simple, and quick. One way is to pledge to develop an emergency plan; then practice how and where you will evacuate if needed. Sit down with your family and build and emergency communications plans. You can download FEMA’s mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before, during, and after a hurricane. Learn about the National Hurricane Center’s warning and alerts

·         Be an example: Once you have pledged and taken action, be an example by talking to your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors on what you have done to prepare. You could inspire others by posting your story on your Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter account. Or you can even post the hurricane widget on your social media profiles.

Pledge to prepare at ready.gov/hurricanes.