NOAA predicts above normal 2022 hurricane season – Are you prepared?

The 2022 hurricane season is officially underway. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season began on May 15, while June 1 marked the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season and will extend until November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) 2022 forecasts makes it the seventh straight above-average hurricane season with a range of 14 to 21 named storms, which means storms with winds 39mph or higher and 3 to 6 major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5).

Hurricanes are the most powerful weather event on earth and are even faster than a cheetah, the fastest animal on land. They produce winds of 74 miles an hour or more and can cause major damage from storm surge, wind damage, rip currents and flooding. They can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Storm surge historically is the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. Early preparation and identification of local support by individuals are key elements for communities to become hurricane resilient.

“Hurricane Ida spanned nine states, demonstrating that anyone can be in the direct path of a hurricane and in danger from the remnants of a storm system,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “It’s important for everyone to understand their risk and take proactive steps to get ready now by visiting Ready.gov and Listo.gov for preparedness tips, and by downloading the FEMA App to make sure you are receiving emergency alerts in real-time.”

VA encourages everyone to become hurricane resilient by following the actions below to help you and your family to become better prepare for the next storm.

• Find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone.
• Locate the nearest shelter if you need to leave your home.
• Review/update insurance policies.
• Plan to protect your home.
• Create or be familiar with your family plan.
• Stay informed with the latest information.
• Build or replenish your emergency kit with hurricane supplies.

Evacuation plan

Hurricane preparedness checklist

The first thing you need to do is find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone. If you do, now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there. You do not need to travel hundreds of miles but you should have multiple options. Your destination could be a friend or relative who doesn’t live in an evacuation zone. If you live in a well-built home outside the evacuation zone, your safest place may be to remain in your home. Be sure to account for your pets and adjust the plan based on the latest health and safety guidelines. For more information on the hurricane preparedness, please click on the following links below:

FEMA Hurricane Preparedness

National Weather Service Hurricane Preparedness Page

Find Your Evacuation Zone

Assemble Your Supplies

Get an Insurance Check-up

Strengthen Your Home

Help Your Neighbor

Complete Your Plan

Veterans Assistance

Every year, hurricane season seems to get busier and more powerful than the last. It is up to you to protect yourself, your loved ones and your home by staying informed with the local authorities, and to have an evacuation plan and emergency go kit should you need it in the next storm. Stay safe!