How You Can Prepare

As with every hurricane season, the need to be prepared is critically important this year. Social distancing and other CDC guidance to keep you safe from COVID-19 may impact the disaster preparedness plan you had in place, including what is in your go-kit, evacuation routes, shelters and more.

An above-normal 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is expected, according to forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.

For 2020, NOAA predicts:

• 13 to 19 named storms
• Six to 10 of which would become hurricanes
• Three to six of which would become major hurricanes

According to the Insurance Institute, here are a few things you can do to ensure you’re prepared all season:

Plan your evacuation route well ahead of time
If you live on the coast or in a mobile home, you may have to evacuate in the event of a major storm.

While you’ll no doubt get instructions from the local government, it’s wise to create your evacuation plan well before a disaster strikes. This way, you can know ahead of time about the nearest shelters, take your pets into account in your plan, make sure to take important papers and make a trial run.

Keep non-perishable emergency supplies on hand
When a hurricane warning is issued, people run for the stores. As much as possible, get ahead of the rush having the following on hand:

• Extra batteries
• Candles or lamps with fuel
• Matches (keep these dry)
• Materials and tools for emergency home repairs–such as heavy plastic sheeting, plywood, a hammer, etc.
• Prescription drugs
• A three-day supply of drinking water
• Food that you don’t have to refrigerate or cook
• First aid supplies
• A portable NOAA weather radio
• A wrench and other basic tools
• A flashlight

If you need to evacuate, you’ll bring these supplies with you. As expirations dates approach (for example, food or batteries), use the items and replenish your emergency stash.

Visit III’s Hurricane Preparedness website for more information.