Hurricane season is here. Are you ready?

By NASA Goddard Space Flight Center,
courtesy of Flickr
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Hurricane season has arrived in the U.S. In fact, one may form in the Gulf of Mexico this week. As you’re checking your TV, radio and phone for weather updates, remember to look out for hurricane warnings.

A hurricane warning is a signal that a hurricane has already started and could affect your local area. Hurricanes are predictable, but that doesn’t mean you should wait until they’re coming to prepare.
Getting ready for a storm takes a lot of planning and organization. It can take some time, and it might be stressful. You’ll need important supplies, such as a flashlight, batteries, bottled water, food and a first-aid kit.

And don’t forget to stock your car with supplies too! It’s important to have a car emergency kit in case you need to evacuate. This can include things such as an emergency kit, booster cables and printed maps. If you need to stay home, make sure you take steps to protect your space. Covering windows and tying up outdoor furniture are two things you can do to protect your home.

Talk to your family about the ways you can prepare for a hurricane. You can sit down and map out evacuation routes to your nearest shelter and contact them to make sure they’ll take your pets. After a hurricane, be aware of hazards like standing water in roads, wet electrical devices, damaged buildings and fallen power lines.

Stay safe and informed this hurricane season!