WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Weather Service has declared this week, April 30 – May 6, Hurricane Preparedness Week. The USDA Forest Service is joining in their effort to ask one question: Are you Ready?

The traditional hurricane season is June 1 through November 30. With many Forest Service employees living and working within areas prone to tropical storms and hurricanes, it is time to make a plan to be ready. For those outside of these areas, it is a good reminder that other natural and man-made hazards exist, and the need to be prepared is just as important.

You can start preparing by learning about the types of disasters that may impact your area, setting a goal to make an emergency plan for yourself, your family and friends, and by familiarizing yourself with the state and local emergency management agencies locally available. The resources provided below can be applicable to most types of natural disasters.

Here are a few resources for this year’s Hurricane Preparedness Week:

• Know your risk – Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Impacts from wind and water can be felt hundreds of miles inland. Significant impacts can also occur regardless of the storm’s strength.
  • Consider your threats: Storm surges, flooding from heavy rain, strong winds, tornadoes, rip currents
  • Determine if you live in a flood-prone area
  • Find out if you live in an evacuation zone
  • Identify our home’s structural risks (mobile homes and basements can be especially vulnerable)
• Avoid having to rush through potentially life-saving preparations by getting your disaster supplies now. Supplies may not be available just before a storm arrives. Get an insurance review early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
  • Develop an evacuation plan
  • Assemble disaster supplies: food, water, batteries, charger, radio, cash
  • Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions
  • Create a communication plan with a hand-written list of contacts
  • Strengthen your home
• Understand forecast information before a storm. This can tell you a lot about what is expected, including the storm’s path, rainfall amounts, wind speeds and more. Most importantly, it lets you and your family know what actions to take to prepare, monitor, shelter or evacuate. Visit www.hurricanes.gov for more information.
  • Rely on forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and your local National Weather Service office
  • Know your alerts and the difference between Watch and Warning
  • Focus on potential impacts, regardless of storm size and category
  • Know that deadly hazards occur well outside of the Forecast Cone

• Know what to do during a storm. Whether you’ve evacuated or are sheltering in place, know what to expect from the hazards you may face. Remain vigilant, stay up-to-date with the latest forecasts and alerts, and continue to listen to local officials.
  • Protect your hone: Cover windows, secure doors and loose items
  • Determine sheltering options and consider your pets
  • Ready you go-bag, meds and supplies, charge phones, fill up/charge vehicle
  • Help your neighbors, especially the elderly and other vulnerable people
  • Follow evacuation orders if given

• A key part of hurricane preparedness is understanding the dangers that remain well after a storm. This is not the time to put your guard down. Nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur after the storm.
  • Use caution after storms: If evacuated, only return home when directed it is safe to do so
  • Remain vigilant, as hazards remain: Heat, downed powerlines, floodwaters, etc.
  • Clean up safely: Don’t push yourself and check on neighbors
  • Only use generators outdoors, 20+ feet from your house
  • Prepare for the likelihood that help and communications may not be available

• Do not wait to take action! Start preparing today!
  • Determine your risks from water and wind
  • Begin preparing now, before a storm
  • Learn how to understand hurricane forecasts and alerts
  • Learn what to do before, during and after a storm

Other Resources and Contact Information

Forest Service World of Safety – Emergency Management
Plan Ahead for Disasters – www.ready.gov
National Hurricane Center – www.hurricanes.gov
National Weather Service – www.weather.gov
A Consumer’s guide to Food Safety: Severe Storms
Disaster Assistance

For additional information on preparing for hurricanes or tropical cyclones, contact the Forest Service National Emergency Management Team at SM.FS.EM@usda.gov.