Be Hurricane Ready

Hurricanes are among nature's most powerful and destructive phenomena. On average, 12 tropical storms, 6 of which become hurricanes form over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or the Gulf of Mexico during the hurricane season which runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. In the Central Pacific Ocean, an average of 3 tropical storms, 2 of which become hurricanes form or move over the area during the hurricane season each year. Guam, the Northern Marianas and Micronesia experience typhoons all year round but the main season in July through November with a peak from mid-August to mid-September

The best time to prepare for a hurricane is before hurricane season begins on June 1. It is vital to understand your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind. Here is your checklist of things to do BEFORE hurricane season begins.

Download Checklist

Know your zone:
- Do you live near the Atlantic or Caribbean Coasts?
- Find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation area by contacting your local government/emergency management office
Put Together an Emergency Kit: (See download checklist)
- Put together a basic emergency.
- Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and storm shutters.
Write or review your Family Emergency Plan:
- Before an emergency happens, sit down with your family or close friends and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go, and what you will do in an emergency.
- Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supplies kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster.
Review Your Insurance Policies:
- Review your insurance policies to ensure that you have adequate coverage for your home and personal property.
Preparation Tips for those with Chronic Illnesses
- “A family member involved in chronic condition management must know how to assess for symptoms of acute patients and notice clinical changes that require more emergent care,” Kirkland said.
- According to Kirkland, people with chronic conditions can take direct steps toward preparing for natural disasters or emergencies, including the following:
- Maintain a 10-day supply of all necessary medications.
- Wear a bracelet that helps first responders identify an individual with a chronic condition or specific care requirement.
- Organize a supply of emergency food, battery-operated flashlights and a change of clothes.
- Have devices at home that monitor vital signs and changes in physical health.
- Ensure family members and close neighbours know how to administer care.
- Develop an evacuation plan, including identifying stable buildings in the community for shelter.
- Sign up for community warning systems for weather alerts.
- Organize communication with family members in the event of lost power.
- Create an updated list of emergency phone numbers for providers and medical facilities, and keep the list somewhere accessible.