
Experts are now calling for a more active hurricane season this year, reporting we may face the most active season in the last seven years. The American Red Cross has steps you can take now to be prepared should a hurricane or tropical storm head for your community.
Forecasters now predict a 60 percent chance of an above-normal hurricane season in the Atlantic, up from 45 percent predicted in May. There could be 14 to 19 named storms and 2 to 5 major hurricanes this year. At present Hurricane Franklin is headed toward Mexico and experts are watching two disturbances which could bring heavy rain to the Leeward Islands, the Bahamas and parts of Florida.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs through November 30. Remember: hurricanes cause problems for people in coastal areas, but can also cause damage hundreds of miles inland. In 2011, tropical storms caused devastating flooding in Pennsylvania and New Jersey hundreds of miles from the coast.
THREE EASY STEPS
If someone already has a disaster kit, now is the time make sure the food and water is still okay to consume and that copies of important documents are up to date. If they already have an emergency plan for their household, they should talk about it again with family members so everyone knows what to do if an emergency occurs.
People should also download the free Red Cross Emergency App to select up to 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts on their mobile device and be able to find a shelter. The content includes expert guidance on what to do before, during and after different emergencies or disasters from home fires to hurricanes. All Red Cross apps can be found in smartphone app stores by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/apps.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.