Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak occurring between mid-August and late October. It is important to be prepared before disaster strikes. This year the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a 70-percent chance that the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season will be near- or above-normal.
Below is valuable information for you and your family on how to prepare for the Hurricane Season and any emergency disaster.
Basic Preparedness Tips
Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.
Put together a go-bag. The disaster supply kit should include a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications, copies of your critical information (deed to home, social security cards, birth certificates, insurance), and NOAA weather radio.Click here to view a fillable Emergency Supplies check list.
Stock up. If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
Make a family emergency communication plan. Your plan should include work, school, and out of town contact information. Click here to view a fillable Family Communications plan.
Sign up for E-Dalgo alerts. This system enables us to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods. Click here to sign up.
Preparing Your Home
Trim trees. Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall, so before hurricane season trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
Secure your home. Make sure you don't have loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property. Reduce property damage by retrofitting to secure and reinforce the roof, windows and doors, including the garage doors.
Get power. Purchase a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages. Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture; and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet.
Build shelter. Consider building a FEMA safe room or ICC 500 storm shelter designed for protection from high-winds and in locations above flooding levels.
