2021 Hurricane season preparedness should be top of mind now that the Atlantic season is underway. If a hurricane impacts your area, you need to have a plan to act. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is urging residents to make a hurricane season plan now. Residents living in coastal states are at most risk, but inland states are also vulnerable to the dangers of hurricanes.
On the heels of the record-breaking 2020 season, forecasters are again calling for an above-average hurricane season. They are calling for 13 to 20 named storms this year. You can watch NOAA’s full update on the 2021 Hurricane season below.
Making a Disaster Plan this Hurricane Season
Now, let’s begin making a road map to successfully weathering storms this hurricane season:
Your plan should point out the closest evacuation routes and shelters.
You should make sure your family emergency kit is stocked and ready to go. These kits should include necessities like water, non-perishable food, batteries, flashlights, and a first aid kit.
It is a good idea for these kits to include cell phone chargers and battery backups.
You can find a complete list of FEMA’s suggested emergency kit items here.
Equally important, your plan should consider your family’s personal needs. Children’s educational needs, dietary needs, medical needs, and not to mention your pets all need to be a part of your plan. In case you don’t have a disaster plan click here for FEMA’s guide to get started.
In the event the worst happens, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers recovers to help the recovery process along. For example, HUD offers mortgage assistance in areas the President declares a disaster. Similarly, HUD offers housing counseling, not to mention mortgage forbearance in certain situations. You can learn more about HUD’s disaster recovery assistance here.
Generally speaking, the Atlantic Hurricane season begins on June 1st and ends on November 30th.
