NOAA Forecasts an Intense Hurricane Season

Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November, although August, September, and October are the most prevalent months.

This year the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 2013 hurricane season outlook expects more and stronger hurricanes than average. The outlook calls for a 70 percent chance of an above normal season.

Forecast models estimate a 70 percent probability for the following ranges of activities during this year’s June through November Atlantic hurricane season:

• 13-20 Named Storms
• 7-11 Hurricanes
• 3-6 Major Hurricanes

Even unnamed tropical storms in Southern Maryland carry the potential of power outages and hazardous conditions. The St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services and Technology reminds residents that now is the time to prepare.

To help sustain yourself and your family during a disaster residents are encouraged to create an emergency kit including food, water, medications, flashlight, radio, and batteries. These items will help if you are asked to stay home for as long as three days. This kit may also be useful in case you are asked to evacuate your home.

Your emergency kit should include the following items:

• Water – one gallon per person per day for at least three days
• Food – a three day supply of non-perishable food
• Can Opener – manual hand-cranking
• Radio – battery powered or hand-cranking
• Flashlight – with extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Medication – a three day supply
• Toiletries – for personal hygiene
• Copies of Important Documents – insurance policies, identification, and bank accounts in a waterproof container
• Other Items (depending on the household) – infant formula and diapers, extra clothing, books or games for children

Tip:  prior to an emergency fill a large bowl with water and place it in the freezer and let it freeze. If you lose power, the ice will melt providing you with another source of water.

For information on how to assemble an emergency kit, please visit the St Mary’s Emergency Management site and Ready.Gov