It’s Peak Time for Hurricanes ─ Being Prepared is Critical, Get Ready Now

Hurricanes not only cause problems for people in coastal areas

but can also cause damage hundreds of miles inland.

The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30. But we are about to enter the busiest months ─ August, September and October ─ with September historically the most active month for these storms.

If you live in an area which could be affected by a hurricane and haven’t made your preparations, now would be a good time to get your household ready. Hurricanes not only cause problems for people in coastal areas but can also cause damage hundreds of miles inland. If you live on the coast, you are most at risk for extreme winds and flooding from rain and storm surge. Live inland? You are at risk for wind, thunderstorms, flooding and power outages.

RED CROSS PREPARES The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts there could be 13 to 19 storms strong enough to be named. Of these, 6 to 10 could become hurricanes with as many as five strengthening into major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher.

Even before the first hurricane forms, the American Red Cross is getting ready to help when the need arises. We’re working closely with government officials and partners to make sure people will have a safe place to stay, food to eat and critical relief supplies if needed. The Red Cross is also recruiting and training disaster volunteers and checking that our nationwide fleet of response vehicles and warehouses are stocked with cots, blankets, comfort kits, cleanup supplies and more, ready to be mobilized.

The Red Cross never stops preparing for disasters because they can happen anytime, anywhere. We urge everyone to get ready now by making a plan to stay safe and knowing how they will stay connected.

STEPS YOU SHOULD TAKE TO GET READY If you live in an area at risk for hurricanes, have a plan to evacuate and a plan to shelter safely at home.

• Your evacuation plan should include knowing where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, and where you’ll stay. Your stay-at-home plan should focus on gathering the right supplies so that you can live safely without power, water, gas, phone or internet for a long time.
• Families may need to evacuate quickly with little notice. Create a plan that includes how you’ll stay connected with each other.
• Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government, which will include important information such as evacuation orders in an emergency.

Some people may need extra attention during an emergency. For them, planning ahead is crucial.

• Check out these readiness steps for older adults.
• Disasters can be traumatic for children. Find information here on how to help reduce their fears.
• When an emergency occurs, mobility challenges and hearing, learning or seeing disabilities can add complications. We offer steps to help.
• Don’t forget your pets ─ they depend on you for their safety. Learn how you can protect them.

DON’T FORGET TO: 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.

Pet owners can download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app for more information on how to include pets in emergency preparedness plans and step-by-step instructions for first aid emergencies and more.

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.

Print out the Red Cross preparedness checklist, available in several different languages.

Take a class so you know what to do during an emergency. A variety of online, in-person and blended courses are available, including our Until Help Arrives online course.

Pet owners can take the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course so you’ll know what to do in an emergency until veterinary care is available. People can access the course on their desktop or tablet at redcross.org/catdogfirstaid.