By Jake Verga, Red Cross volunteer

We are halfway into the 2023 hurricane season and several storms are brewing off the Atlantic coast. If you lost power after a storm or needed to evacuate, would you be ready?

While it may be easy for residents of the Washington D.C. and greater Chesapeake area to feel a sense of security, the residual effects of hurricanes, including heavy rains, flooding, and power outages, can prove to disrupt lives more than you may expect. The fact that our region does not often experience a direct hit from a hurricane should not overshadow the importance of proactive preparedness.

“We are not immune to hurricanes here,” says Darlene Scribner, disaster services program manager for the Red Cross of the National Capital and Greater Chesapeake Region. “It’s important to take steps to prepare yourself and your loved ones long before a storm is making headlines. We encourage residents to have a plan and gather supplies in case the power goes out and stores are closed. This is especially important for those who may need extra time or help to evacuate.”

Scribner also says that one of the first steps to stay safe during hurricane season is to be aware of the weather and latest information from local authorities. Real-time alerts and safety information is available via the Red Cross Emergency app, available for free by texting GETEMERGENCY to 90999.

The need for hurricane preparedness is even more important as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently heightened their forecast for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. The prediction of above-normal activity, including the possibility of five major hurricanes before the season concludes on Nov. 30, underscores the need for increased preparedness. The agency's prediction is rooted in the current ocean and atmospheric conditions, including record warm water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean. With NOAA now estimating 14 to 21 named storms, as many as 11 could develop into hurricanes, with five potentially reaching major hurricane status.

With months to go before the end of hurricane season, take time now to gather the supplies and knowledge you will need when the storm arrives.

The Comprehensive Approach to Protection

Preparedness is not just for coastal communities; it's essential for everyone. A critical foundation for preparedness is the creation of a family emergency plan. This plan should encompass a range of scenarios, including evacuation routes, communication methods and essential contacts. This also includes having an emergency supply kit. A well-prepared kit can make a big difference in how you weather the storm.

Stocking up on supplies is vital for maintaining self-sufficiency during and after a hurricane. The Red Cross urges residents to assemble two critical kits: a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit. The Go-Kit should include three days' worth of supplies, including essentials like food, water, backup batteries, and chargers. The Stay-at-Home Kit should be designed for two weeks of self-sustainability (stores and pharmacies might be closed), and prepares households for potential outages of power, water, and communication. The importance of these kits cannot be overstated, as they ensure access to necessities when roads may be inaccessible and resources hard to come by.

Embracing Preparedness for All

The American Red Cross encourages a proactive approach for all individuals, especially those with unique needs. Older adults and those with disabilities should create personal support networks, considering potential challenges such as medical needs, power outages and evacuation. The Red Cross provides tailored guidance to empower these groups to adapt to emergency scenarios:

Steps for Older Adults

People with Disabilities

Evacuation: A Lifeline of Safety

When authorities recommend evacuation, following those instructions immediately is incredibly important. "If advised to evacuate, do so immediately and go to a safe place. Know where you will go, how you will get there, and where you will stay. Plan well in advance if you will need help leaving or use public transportation. Mobile/manufactured/trailer homes and recreational vehicles (RVs) cannot provide safe shelter from tropical-storm or hurricane-force winds," cautions the American Red Cross.

Evacuation plans you make must be well-defined, considering routes, transportation and destinations. Even in areas less prone to direct hits, the potential for residual effects could make evacuations necessary.

As the calendar ticks through the hurricane season, a collective commitment to preparedness can lower risks and help communities bounce back in the face of threat from natural disasters.

Be sure to, "Plan how you will evacuate, if needed, and if not, how you will shelter safely at home. Take three important steps — get a kit, make a plan and be informed." Taking these actionable steps can empower residents to rise above the challenges posed by these storms.

In the world of hurricane preparedness, knowledge and proactive planning are the cornerstones of safety in the event of a hurricane.