Another Grim 2020 Prediction: How To Prepare For an “Extremely Active” Hurricane Season

The year 2020 is shaping up to be one of complete insanity! In addition to the coronavirus that we’ve all had to deal with, hurricane season is looking like it’ll be “extremely active” this season.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much good news when it comes to this year’s hurricane predictions. Two new forecasts now expect as many as 25 named storms, with nearly half becoming hurricanes!  That’s twice the average number of hurricanes in a season.

We are likely to see the rest of 2020 as an “extremely active” hurricane season with more frequent, longer, and stronger storms, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns. Wind patterns and warmer-than-normal seawater have combined to prime the Atlantic Ocean for a particularly fitful year. “Once the season ends, we’ll study it within the context of the overall climate record,” Gerry Bell, a lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, said during an August 6th news teleconference.

With this year looking to be a very active one, if you live in a hurricane-prone area, it’ll be imperative that you start your preparations now if you haven’t already! Here is a guide for things you should do before, during, and after a hurricane.

Before

1. Prepare for a hurricane by making sure you have everything needed to keep your home and family safe. Use a checklist if you need to!
2. Next, you’ll need to make a plan. Hurricanes are unpredictable, so make sure you have a backup plan if you think you’ll need one. Learn the skills necessary to make it through as smoothly as possible. Some of those skills could be simply learning to board up your windows quickly and effectively. Now is also the time to learn from the past.  Try to examine the mistakes you or others have made previously and rectify those, or at least have a solution in mind to work toward.
3. Don’t forget to “prepare” your tech gear as well!  Most of us store at least some irreplaceable information of devices such as our smartphones, so it’s important to make sure you’ve to a plan to keep that data safe!
4. If you or a loved one is dependent on medical equipment that runs on power, ensure that you have alternative means of power or ways to care for them. Check out these tips here.

During

First, if you are directed to evacuate, have all your essential items ready in order to leave quickly to avoid traffic. This could mean packing a bug out bag for all family members and leaving it near the door, just in case.

If you make the decision to remain in your home, follow these tips to help you and your family stay safe during the storm:

1. Plan for the power to go out. That means that television and computers will not work for you when you need to access information. Use a portable radio to listen to important storm updates, information, and instructions.
2. Go to a safe area away from windows, skylights, and glass doors. Many choose an interior room, closet, or downstairs bathroom.
3. Because hurricanes are unpredictable, stay inside the home until there is confirmation that the storm has passed over. As well, be mindful of the destructive force of high winds.
4. If power is lost, keep the refrigerator closed to keep cold air trapped and delay spoilage of perishable food. If you have lost power, try and save your perishable foods with this tip.
5. If you use a portable generator, follow all the manufacturer’s instructions. Generators should be properly grounded to prevent electrical shock and should never be operated indoors, in garages, basements or outdoors near any windows, doors, or vents. Because generators produce carbon monoxide (CO), make sure you have a working CO detector in your home. 

Aftermath

After it is confirmed that the storm has passed and it is safe to go outdoors, you can begin to assess any potential damage to your home and property. Follow these tips after the storm is over:

1. Confirm that your loved ones are safe, especially those who may have difficulties during natural disasters, such as the elderly. 
2. If you were evacuated, return home only after it is safe to do so. Take care to avoid downed power lines and never touch anything in contact with power lines, including water or water puddles that may be near the downed power lines.
3. Be wary of any gas lines that may have been damaged or broken during the storm. If a gas leak is suspected, stay out of the property until the utility company deems it safe.
4. Protect your property from further damage by boarding up broken windows to help deter vandalism or additional weather damage. Arrange for reasonable temporary repairs.
5. Flooding can cause many hazards. Be cautious of such hazards and avoid coming in contact with any water due to flooding, sharp or broken objects, damaged tree limbs, or other structures that may have been damaged by high winds or water.
6. Keep accurate records of your expenses and save bills and receipts from your temporary repairs. (Avoid making permanent repairs until your insurance claim professional has reviewed the damage.) Keep accurate records of any other expenses incurred.
7. Separate and inventory any damaged personal property. Create a list of any damaged contents, including a description of the item, name of the manufacturer, brand name, age, as well as the place and date of purchase, if known. Include photographs, videotapes, or personal property inventories you may already have available.
8. If you think your home might be unsafe due to storm damage, contact your insurance company to discuss finding temporary accommodations.
9. Make sure you can spot scammers to avoid theft or additional loss of property.

Learn more about hurricane preparedness with this primer:

Prepare now, and buckle up! 2020 isn’t over yet, and it’s already promised to be a wild ride!