Tropical storms and hurricanes are some of the most costly and wide-reaching natural disasters in the United States. In 2024, there were 18 named storms that killed 437 people and caused an estimated $130 billion in damage. Those damages included major impacts to Forest Service employees where they live and work.

As witnessed last year, hurricanes are not just a coastal problem—they can cause far-reaching implications well inland from where they make landfall. Now is the time to prepare—the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s outlook predicts an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season.

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm. This storm caused significant damage to the Florida coast and devastated more than 400 miles inland to western North Carolina, resulting in loss of power, water, sanitation and communications for several weeks in local communities and damage to more than half of National Forest System lands in the state.

At the epicenter, nearly 34 inches of rain came down over the mountains into Pisgah National Forest and the surrounding communities, causing “indescribable” impacts, said Lisa Jennings. Jennings, a recreation and trails program manager for the Grandfather Ranger District, was one of many employees who stepped up to prepare at her local unit.  

She stressed the importance of action. The forest had data on high-risk areas for landslides and flooding at their recreation sites and decided to close roads and evacuate campgrounds several days before the anticipated record rain. This work “saved lives,” Jennings noted, adding that “the timeliness of making these decisions early is critical for safety.”

After the storm, Jennings recognized the urgent need for information sharing and support within her community, having spoken with her neighbors. With years of training as a public information officer and incident support within the Forest Service, she volunteered her skills with the local police department to fill that gap.  

"My story’s just one of many people who were out there in the communities using their Forest Service skills,” Jennings said. Many staff in North Carolina went above and beyond: helping one another, supporting their communities, and addressing critical work on the unit. Local forest leadership supported efforts to meet human needs of local communities. “The passion and the community focus are what gives us all strength to be in this for the long haul,” Jennings continued. “Those communities’ recovery depends on the work that we do in the forest."

Hurricanes bring numerous hazards, including storm surges, inland flooding, heavy rainfall, tornadoes, and strong winds, which can cause significant damage to infrastructure you depend on. Taking the time to gather supplies and prepare your family and home is crucial – do not wait until it is too late. In particular, Jennings highlighted the importance of being ready before the storm with an emergency plan for you, your family, and your pets, as well as the importance of safety once the storm has passed.  Here are additional recommendations:  

• Make a plan. Visit www.ready.gov/plan for information and templates to help you prepare, make a kit, and know what to do if you have to shelter at home or evacuate.  

• Know your risk. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Learn what type of hazards could occur where you live and start preparing for how to handle them.

• Have a way to receive alerts. Being aware of impacts ahead of, during, and after a hurricane may save your life. Have a way to receive alerts should the power go out through a NOAA Weather Radio or Wireless Emergency Alerts on your cellular device.

• Follow guidance from local officials. Evacuate immediately if instructed by local authorities; do not wait.  

• Use caution after the storm passes. Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Standing water may be contaminated and may hide other hazards, such as debris, waste and wildlife, that you may not see. Underground or downed power lines also can electrically charge the water.  

• Help your community. Check on your neighbors, senior adults, and others who may need help both before and after the storm. As a Forest Service employee, your training and experience may be a resource to your community’s recovery.

If you are personally affected by a hurricane or other natural disaster, know there are resources available to you through the Forest Service to include assistance with evacuation, leave flexibilities, and stress first aid. Work with your supervisor to request resources following a disaster.  

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