Be prepared this summer.

Hurricane Preparedness

The Weather Channel (weather.com) predicts an above average 2013 hurricane season (June 1 – November 30). Their pre-season forecast calls for 16 named storms, 9 of which are expected to become hurricanes, including 5 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale). These forecast numbers are above the long-term average from 1950-2012 (12 named storms, 7 hurricanes, 3 major hurricanes) and slightly above the averages for the current active era from 1995-2012 (15 named storms, 8 hurricanes, 4 major hurricanes). With the higher than average hurricane forecast, it never hurts to be prepared.

Plan ahead this hurricane season with the following tools:

• Create a Family Emergency Plan
• Have an emergency kit
• Create evacuation routes
• Before, During and After

Stay Informed

Monitor weather updates through your local TV and radio broadcasts in addition to the following sites:

• National Hurricane Center
• Weather.com