WATCH: How to Prepare for Atlantic Hurricane Season
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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Some wet weekend weather is ushering in the start of hurricane season.
Atlantic Hurricane Season kicks off Wednesday, June 1.
With two named storms already this year, experts say they expect it to be a busy season. According to NOAA, there’s a 70 percent chance there will be 10 to 16 named storms this year. Four to eight of those storms could become hurricanes. Of those hurricanes, officials say one to four could be a category three, four or five.
The hurricane season runs until November 30.
The Red Cross is offering up a few tips to make sure you and your family are prepared should severe weather strike:
- Build an emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for an infant if applicable, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.
- Create an evacuation plan. Practicing the plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.
- Be informed. Learn about your community’s hurricane response plan and use the South Carolina Hurricane Guide to “Know Your Zone” for evacuations. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for pets.
- Download the free Red Cross Emergency App to select up to 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts on their mobile device. The content includes expert guidance on what to do before, during and after different emergencies or disasters from home fires to hurricanes. All Red Cross apps can be found in smartphone app stores by searching for American Red Cross. They can also be found here.
You can also find tips on preparing for severe weather on ready.gov.
