Hurricane Preparedness Week 2022: 12 products to help you stay safe

Items you should have for hurricane season

Over the past 30 years, the U.S. has had an average of 14 named storms per season. This year, forecasters are predicting anywhere from 16 to 20 named storms with up to five of those storms reaching hurricane status. Even though hurricane season doesn’t begin until June 1, it is important to start preparing now so you are ready when the season hits.

Hurricane 101

How and where hurricanes form

Hurricanes are tropical cyclones that begin in the Atlantic or the eastern Pacific Ocean. They need a combination of warm water and wind to form. Once the warm, moist air rises, it creates a central low-pressure zone. Winds start the massive storm system rotating. Once those rotating winds reach a speed of 74 mph, the storm is classified as a hurricane.

When does hurricane season begin?

In the Pacific, hurricane season begins on May 15. In the Atlantic and Caribbean, it begins on June 1.

How to prepare for hurricane season

A hurricane isn’t like a tornado. You will know anywhere from three to five days in advance if you are in its path. The most important thing you can do to prepare is to create a plan of action. This includes making a checklist of supplies you will need (such as flashlights and emergency food), learning where shelters are located, mapping out multiple escape routes (in case you are evacuated and roads are closed) and having a family plan in place that covers individuals with limited mobility and pets.

In the weeks before hurricane season even starts, gather the items on your checklist so you have them on hand when they are needed. In the days leading up to an approaching storm, monitor a NOAA radio so you are aware of the current weather situation. This is also when you should start bringing in or fastening down objects in your yard, securing your windows, checking batteries in your carbon monoxide detector, filling up containers with clean drinking water and more. You do not want to save any activity until the last minute.

If you are interested in learning more about how to be best prepared for hurricane season, finish reading the complete article here.