The Atlantic Hurricane Season starts today and runs until November 30, and another active season is expected. In fact, the first tropical storm or hurricane of the season is possible in the Gulf of Mexico late this week. The American Red Cross urges everyone to make their preparations now and is issuing a call for more people to volunteer to respond to these emergencies. 

For the seventh consecutive year, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is predicting above-average Atlantic hurricane activity, continuing the trend of more frequent and intense climate-driven disasters. The forecast calls for 14 to 21 named storms, of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes, including 3 to 6 major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher.

HOW TO GET READY

Follow these steps to help make sure your family is ready to either evacuate or shelter in place if a storm threatens your community.

• First, create an evacuation plan. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency or if you need to evacuate. 
• 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 infants or pets, 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. 
• Stay 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 Emergency app to have severe weather safety information right at your fingertips. The Emergency app provides real-time weather alerts and tips on how to stay safe during severe weather and countless other emergencies. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The relentless pace of severe disasters has created additional and ongoing emergency needs, especially for families who have been displaced year after year by extreme weather events. As the growing number of climate disasters threatens lives on a near-constant basis, the Red Cross is growing our volunteer capacity to respond to these emergencies. 

The need to help during disasters has never been greater — join us to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org to sign up now. These are our most-needed disaster volunteer positions:

• SHELTER SUPPORT: Help at a shelter during a large disaster either locally or across the country 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. Training and travel costs are covered by the Red Cross. 
• HEALTH SERVICES: Use your 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 either locally or nationwide. Travel costs are covered by the Red Cross. Qualified licenses include RN, LPN, LVN, EMT, Paramedic, MD, DO, PA, NP and APRN.
• DISASTER ACTION TEAM: While big hurricanes get the most news coverage, smaller disasters such as floods, tornadoes and home fires are no less devastating to those affected. Join a Disaster Action Team to help local families in need by providing food, lodging, comfort, recovery assistance and other support. 
• DUTY OFFICER: Volunteer from home to dispatch local Red Cross volunteers to meet with families impacted by home fires and other disasters so they can provide temporary relief such as a safe place to stay, food and clothing.

Again, visit redcross.org to sign up today.

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.