By Samantha Munro

A hurricane is a tropical cyclone – a rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters. It’s considered a Hurricane when wind speed hits a maximum of 74 mph. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, while the eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30. Thus, the best time to prepare is before hurricane season begins.

Develop an evacuation plan: If you are at risk from hurricane impacts, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there.

Assemble disaster supplies: Whether you’re evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy and unpleasant aftermath. Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of 3 days (store a longer than 3-day supply of water, if possible).

Get an insurance checkup & document your possessions: Call your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings.

Create a communication plan: Write down on paper a list of emergency contacts, and make sure to include utilities and other critical services — remember, the internet may not be accessible during or after a storm.

Strengthen Your Home: Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees. Install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass. Seal outside wall openings. Remember, the garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home, so it must be able to withstand hurricane-force winds. Many retrofits are not as costly or time consuming as you may think. If you’re a renter, work with your landlord now to prepare for a storm.

Learn more about hurricane preparedness on the website.

In 2022, the American Red Cross assisted communities affected by Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Fiona, and Typhoon Merbok. Through these storm and their immediate aftermath, American Red Cross disaster workers served as a beacon of hope, providing safe refuge, nourishing meals, sorely needed relief supplies and emotional support to residents facing devastation. Learn more about our work.

Disasters will always be a hard thing to manage, but with more people educated on how to prepare when faced with an oncoming disaster, more lives can be saved! It takes us all working together, the community, law enforcement and national disaster relief agencies to lessen the impact on an already devastating situation! Be part of the relief by becoming a Red Cross volunteer today!