People Get Ready, Wildfire, Hurricane Seasons Just Ahead

The 2024 wildfire and hurricane seasons are on the horizon and the American Red Cross urges everyone to make their preparations now.

Experts predict a slow start to wildfire season because vegetation that typically feeds wildfires is wet, and in some areas, under snow. However, the story could change in late May and continue through the summer as fuels dry out, leading to an above-average risk for wildfires in the Southwest and Great Basin, namely Arizona, New Mexico, Idaho, Nevada and Utah. Hawaii also faces an above-average risk for fires.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially runs from June 1 through November 30 and early forecasts indicate there could be a near-record number of storms this year. Experts even warn that the first named storm could form before the season begins. They are calling for as many as 25 named storms with 4 to 6 having a direct impact on the U.S.

CLIMATE CRISIS The effects of the climate crisis continue to mount a devastating toll. This year’s outlook is part of a years-long trend of more frequent and intense hurricanes and wildfires related to climate conditions. In the last 10 years, the number of billion-dollar U.S. disasters has increased 85%. And hurricanes have accounted for eight of the 10 most costly weather disasters. 

GET READY NOW If you live in areas prone to hurricanes or wildfires, now is the perfect time to get prepared. May is Wildfire Awareness Month and National Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 5-11. There are simple steps you can take to be prepared:

1. Create an evacuation plan. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and if you have to evacuate. Coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans. Plan multiple routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for pets. If you already have an emergency plan, update it and review with household members so everyone knows what to do if an emergency occurs.

2. Build an emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for an infant and pets if applicable, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information. If you already have a disaster kit, make sure the food and water is still okay to consume and that copies of important documents are up to date.

3. Be informed. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.

Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

In addition to taking these preparedness steps, we also have important safety information available for you on hurricanes and wildfires.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Because of the climate crisis, the Red Cross is now launching nearly twice as many relief operations for major disasters than we did a decade ago. This growing need for assistance is prompting us to increase our volunteer capacity so we can continue responding on a near-constant basis.

The need to help during disasters has never been greater. Join us to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to sign up for opportunities with your local chapter. Our most-needed disaster positions include supporting shelters and providing health services.

• SHELTER SUPPORT: Help at a shelter during a large disaster by welcoming and registering residents, serving meals, setting up cots, distributing blankets and personal hygiene kits, and providing information and other assistance to people in need.

• HEALTH SERVICES: We also need volunteers who can use their professional skills as a licensed health care provider to deliver hands-on support, including care and education to people staying at a shelter during a large disaster. Qualified licenses include RN, LPN, LVN, EMT, Paramedic, MD, DO, PA, NP and APRN.

• DISASTER ACTION TEAM: While big disasters get the most news coverage, smaller emergencies, such as home fires, are no less devastating to those affected. Join your local Disaster Action Team to help families in need by providing food, lodging, comfort, recovery assistance and other support.