2023 Hurricane Season – 10 Helpful Tips to Avoid Panic

hurricane coast winds

Hurricanes and tropical storms hit the East Coast of the United States every year, and preparation is key. Learn the top ten tips on how to best prepare for the hurricane season 2023 and what to do in case of emergencies.

Hurricane Season 2023: When and Where?

hurricane preparation winds palm trees

It’s hurricane season once again! The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has precisely defined these interludes of time for each year. In most parts of the world, including the Central Pacific Basin, Caribbean, Atlantic region, and the Gulf of Mexico, hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30. In the Eastern Pacific Basin, it begins on May 15th.

The season marks a time when those near bodies of water can expect everything from tropical storms and tropical cyclones to major hurricanes. This year, most experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) to the Farmer’s Almanac predict that 2023 will be an intense hurricane season. Why the “above average” hurricane predictions? Scientists look at a few major factors. These include the above-average water temperatures, wind pattern from El Nino, which will then turn into La Nina, weaker Tropical Atlantic Tradewinds, and enhanced African monsoons.

What Should You Expect in Hurricane Season 2023?

Given that the NOAA predicts that we will have an above-normal amount of tropical cyclones and hurricanes in 2023, it’s important to be prepared. Many storms remain in the Atlantic Ocean, but others hit landfall. Those who live in one of the risk zones especially need to pay attention to the weather forecast and any unusual atmospheric activity. Since it’s harder to prepare properly if you’re a vacationer or newcomer, we’ve compiled some advice from locals to help you weather the storms.

Ways to Plan for Hurricane Season

As with everything, good preparation starts with a good plan. This is especially true during the hurricane season. Local authorities provide a lot of information about evacuations. You should study their materials thoroughly before you go on holiday or relocate to an area where hurricanes hit.

It’s also crucial to create an evacuation plan for the entire family. To do that, the NHC has set up a website with all the information you’ll need. It is also important to consider pets. Think about what might happen to your cat or dog during an evacuation. This will prevent you from panicking in an emergency. Test the evacuation route a few times in dry weather. Once a Category 3 storm hits landfall, it might be too late.

You should also listen to weather and evacuation plans during the Hurricane Season. Radio and television news will give you all the important information you need. There are also hurricane apps for smartphones that will keep you up-to-date.

1. Buy Supplies for the Hurricane Season.

prepare for a hurricane

During a violent storm, families can often stay in their houses. However, roads can be flooded or paths blocked. That’s why a house in an area threatened by hurricanes should always be well-equipped with supplies. This doesn’t just mean stocking up on canned food or enough toilet paper. You should also have plenty of drinking water and battery-operated flashlights, a First Aid Kit, and radios in your house. That way, you’ll stay covered even when the power and water supply breaks down. Also, make sure that your car has a full tank of gas and that medicines and a first aid kit are available.

You should also pack an emergency backpack for each family member in case you need to immediately evacuate during the hurricane season. It should contain clothes and toiletries as well as essential medicines. Above all, you should carry important documents like your passport and some cash.

2. Make Copies and Backups of Crucial Documents.

If you’re in a hurricane-prone area for a longer time, you need to play it smart. Make copies of all important documents such as certificates, contracts, or insurance policies, and keep them in a safe place. The same applies to electronic backups of all important data. You should also put family photos in a safe place so that these precious memories are not lost forever in the event of a disaster.

Some people use a safety deposit box. Others store valuable items with relatives living outside the endangered region. In any case, you should check before each hurricane season to make sure all backups are current, and copies are still available.

3. Purchase Hurricane Season Insurance.

A catastrophic hurricane can drastically change your life. Therefore, those living in a hurricane zone should have the appropriate insurance. People who don’t live directly on the coast often underestimate the danger of a hurricane. Floods can reach far into the interior of the country and destroy houses. You might want to consider flood insurance if you live here, too.

Car insurance can also be a sensitive topic during the hurricane season. Contact your insurance company if you’re uncertain about your coverage. As a rule, you should store the vehicle in a secure building or outside the danger zone during times of increased storm risk.

4. Prepare Your House for the Hurricane Season.

hurricane damage

Loose roof tiles, defective cellar windows, or a hanging rain gutter – all these shortfalls can become a real problem during a hurricane. Violent storms can tear down any loose items on your house and cause far greater damage. Defective doors and windows let in water. You can prevent all this by thoroughly overhauling your home before the hurricane season and fixing anything that needs it.

If you can, board up your windows and glass doors before the hurricane hits to protect you and your home from falling debris. If you don’t have the extra plywood, get duct tape and make a large X on your windows so they won’t shatter even if you get hit.

5. Hurricane-Proof Your Yard.

It’s also important not to leave anything in the garden during the time of increased risk. Make a habit of monitoring your property every night. Violent winds can blow away outdoor furniture, garden tools, broken wooden slats, or even a child’s bicycle. So make sure to stow everything away. Tightly close shed or garage doors during the hurricane season. Park your car inside a garage if you can!

6. Have a Plan When a Hurricane Strikes.

For the greatest possible safety of your family during a storm, you should follow these rules:

  1. Stay inside and keep away from doors and windows after you’ve locked them tightly.
  • Make sure to close gas taps and disconnect electrical appliances from power outlets.
  • Don’t use the phone and don’t open the refrigerator door unless necessary if you’ve lost power.
  • If the storm gets stronger, go into a safe room. Upper floors tend to be more vulnerable when a hurricane hits, so stay downstairs- provided you don’t have too much flooding.

7. Talk to Your Children About Hurricane Season

Pay special attention to your children during the hurricane season. This is especially important if your little ones have never experienced heavy storms. Talk as a family about the course of a hurricane and the dangers it brings. Have an evacuation plan, and talk about how to stay safe.

8. Pack Fun Things to Do.

You should pack your child’s emergency backpack slightly differently than your hurricane survival kit. Include their favorite cuddly toy for comfort, but plan for their special needs, such as diapers or an extra jacket against the cold. Write your phone number on your child’s arm with a semi-permanent ink pen. This way, emergency crews can contact you if something goes wrong and you get separated.

Otherwise, keep calm and reassure the child. Play a board game that distracts you from the storm and helps pass the time. You can also download a good family app that keeps them busy for a few minutes when you need some time for yourself. Self-care is always important, but especially in exceptional situations – and kids stay calm when their parents are calm, too.

hurricane games

9. Make a Plan for When the Storm Has Passed.

Even after the storm has passed, you might still be vulnerable to hurricane damage. If a storm has taken out electric lines, you could be without power for up to a week. Sometimes heavy rain will loosen the tree roots, making them more vulnerable to falling even after the hurricane’s gone out to sea. So be careful around loose power lines or trees that seem a bit shaky until your neighborhood gets cleaned up.

10. Stay Connected

Brainstorm more good ways to stay safe during hurricane season, and talk things over with your family on FamilyApp. You might lose power and wifi during a storm, so plan ahead. Have you survived a hurricane? What are your best tips?

Similar Posts