Be Prepared for Hurricane Season
Be Prepared for Hurricane Season
The Hampton Roads region has been lucky in recent years to avoid the worst when it comes to hurricanes and hurricane season – typically June 1 through November 30 – but some experts are predicting that 2024 will be a busy year for named storms — hurricanes and tropical storms that meteorologists give names to so the public can keep track of them.
Forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)are expecting the formation of the La Niña weather pattern to form by fall, which could increase the severity of hurricane season along the Atlantic Ocean.
While there’s little we can do about the actual formation of hurricanes, we can prepare ahead of time. Being prepared can provide some protection for our family and our loved ones, and limit the direct impact such storms can have on us.
Here are a few tips:
*Be alert and be aware. Pay attention to the news and the weather forecasts. Being informed and in the know increases the chances of a successful response.
*Plan and make preparations now. Don’t wait until a hurricane is a few days away. Make your plans now and share them with your family.
*Have a plan to evacuate the area (if necessary). During the best of times traffic in Hampton Roads can make getting around a challenge. If there are additional vehicles on the highways, you’ll need to be ready quickly and know where you’re going before leaving home.
*Have an emergency communications plan and share it with your family. Disasters and emergencies can negatively impact cell phone service and other methods of communication. Make sure to identify alternatives for your family and meeting locations if you’re unable to contact each other.
*Have enough supplies in your home should you be forced to shelter in place for an extended period. Non-perishable food, bottled water, and first aid supplies are critical should a hurricane take down our infrastructure. Likewise, don’t wait until a storm is in the forecast to start gathering these supplies: Last-minute rushes will deplete available supplies quickly.
*Make sure your home and property are insured and important documents are safe and protected.
*Prepare your home for a hurricane. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has a helpful page loaded with tips for homeowners. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has a helpful page loaded with tips for homeowners.
*While forecasts can vary, NOAA's outlook for 2024outlook for 2024 is predicting 17-25 named storms (14 is the average), 13 hurricanes (seven is the average), and four to seven that are expected to be Category 3 or higher (three is the average).
To learn more, visit this National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)page. Preparedness starts now.
Content credit: Real Estate Information Network Multiple Listing Service REIN MLS
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