Although our communities continue to focus on managing the impacts of COVID-19, hurricane season is fast approaching and is projected to be more active than usual this year.

Typically, the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November each year. In light of the current COVID-19 challenges, it is more important than ever to prepare to stay safe during a tropical storm or hurricane.

Recommended steps include: signing up for local weather alerts, keeping stock of emergency supplies, identifying evacuation routes at home and work, keep up-to-date with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updates and creating an emergency communication plan to stay in touch with friends, family and coworkers. Know your local emergency shelters and the best routes to get there if you need to.

Make a Plan:

You may need to evacuate your home quickly and travel to a safe location outside the affected area. Check if you can stay with family or close friends outside the affected area. Ask if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or are at higher risk for serious illness. If yes, make other arrangements such as a hotel or shelter and remember to account for pets as some hotels and shelters may not be able to accommodate four legged friends. Ask yourself the following questions when making your plan:

• Have you signed up for local alerts? – Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV station for weather information and the CDC for updates on emergency plans due to the COVID-19
• How will you get there? – Know your evacuation routes and destinations, ask a friend in advance if you need to share transportation and keep your gas tank full
• How will you contact each other? – Establish a communication plan with family and close friends before, during and after a tropical storm or hurricane

Build Emergency Kits:

Based on guidance from public health emergency authorities you may be advised to stay-at-home or evacuate so it is important to prepare for both scenarios.

A Stay-at-home Kit should everything you need to be able to stay at home for at least two weeks including food, water, cleaning and disinfectant supplies, soap, paper products and personal hygiene items.

An Evacuation Kit will be a smaller version of your stay-at-home kit and should be enough to last you and your family for 3 days:

• Water, food (pet food and extra water for pets), first aid kit
• Cleaning and disinfectant supplies (tissues, hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol, disinfection wipes)
• Personal hygiene items
• 1-Month supply of prescription and over-the-counter medications (cough suppressant, fever reducing, etc.)
• Infant supplies (formula, bottles, diapers, wipes)
• Radio, Cellphone, including portable backup batteries
• Flashlight, Matches
• Copies of Critical Documents, Cash or traveler’s checks

Know The Difference:

Hurricane WATCH

Hurricane conditions are possible. Prepare your home, review your plan for evacuation and ensure your emergency kits are ready,.

Hurricane WARNING

Hurricane conditions are expected. Complete storm preparations and follow directions from emergency authorities.

You and your family’s safety is important to us! For more information on emergency preparedness, visit the American Red Cross ( redcross.org/hurricane) website for more information on what to do before, during and after a hurricane.

Source: American Red Cross: How to Get Ready for Hurricane Season During Coronavirus Outbreak