Above-Average Hurricane Season Predicted for 2017

(Newswire.net — July 30, 2017) Woodbridge, VA — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) is predicting an above-normal number of coastal storms during hurricane season this year.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs through the end of November and forecasters predict a 70 percent chance of 11 to 17 named storms, of which five to nine could become hurricanes, including two to four possible major hurricanes.

Hurricane preparedness means being ready for the impact that hurricanes and tropical storms can have on your family, home, businesses, and infrastructure.

“It is never too early to start preparing yourself, family, home and business for a tropical storm or hurricane,” Amanda Condry, owner of Surviveware says. “Whenever a big storm hits, we see a massive spike in sales, but people fail to realize that it could already be too late to take action. For online shoppers, delivery of products is delayed, while local store shelves are already depleted.”

Major storms can occur at any time, and making emergency and evacuation plans can minimize damage and the impact on public safety. Apart from hurricanes, heavy rainstorms have recently left many without power, and as more storms are on the way, the threat continues.

The American Red Cross shared some advice to make sure the region is prepared in case of a power outage or emergency situation.

“You should always be prepared for any weather emergency,” said Marlene Henderson, executive director of the American Red Cross. “You know whether it’s a thunderstorm in the summer or a winter storm. Pack a to-go bag and put things in it you can use.”

You can be prepared before the 11^th hour by having an emergency plan in case your family needs to take action before or during a storm. Emergency plans should be practiced, and everybody should know their respective roles. Have a family communications plan so family members can stay in touch and find each other in an emergency. An evacuation plan is also key, with details of where to go, how to get there, what to bring and what to do with pets.

Families should also have a shelter-in-place plan, which includes stockpiling items needed to stay comfortable at home.

Emergency kits and to-go bags should also be prepared as strong storms can cause extended power outages, flooding and blocked roads. Kits should include enough materials to sustain families for at least 72 hours.

 Necessary supplies include:

·         Bottled water

·         Food

·         Headlamp or flashlight

·         Radio with extra batteries

·         First aid kit

·         Sanitation items

·         Extra clothing

·         Important documents

·         Cash and a charged cell phone

Depending on needs of specific families, kits should also include medications, extra eyeglasses, medical equipment and supplies, children’s items like diapers and formula, and food and supplies for pets.

In the event of a power outage, the Red Cross suggests keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible, as it will keep foods from perishing and cold for about four hours.

The Red Cross also offers a mobile app for quick access information in emergency situations. It is available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play.