When the call to evacuate comes – whether due to a hurricane or other natural disaster – minutes can feel like seconds. Do you know where your family will meet? Is everyone clear on the plan?
Spring is here, and along with flowers and beautiful days comes seriously unpredictable weather. And when those severe storms introduce hurricanes, things can get dicey for us, our furry friends, and our homes.
The news isn't great. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Weather Service forecasters predict above-normal hurricane activity for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
Between June 1 and November 20, the agency is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 6-10 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3-5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).
"As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities," said Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm in a news release.
What to grab:
If you need to leave in a hurry, there's no time to run around and find all the items you need, and in doing so, you're more likely to forget something. So, build a go-bag in advance. Find a detailed list here of all the basics you'll need, how to maintain that kit and the best place to keep it.
Importantly, make sure everyone in your household knows where the bag is kept.
Get news fast
In an emergency, things happen quickly. You'll want to know the latest details to protect yourself and your family.
- Sign up for alerts from your local emergency management agencies and the National Weather Service that will provide updates on threat conditions, shelter locations, and other important safety information.
- Download the FEMA App, where you can receive real-time weather alerts, locate emergency shelters in your area, prepare for common hazards, and more.
Before you leave
If there's time, take a moment to secure your home.
- Unplug electrical equipment such as TVs and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding.
- Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
- Check with neighbors who may need a ride.
- Bring in anything outside that could blow away, such as trash cans, patio furniture, and toys.
Practice makes perfect
Just like fire drills at school, practicing an evacuation plan is very important. Having that plan in place then forgetting the details doesn't do any good. Talk through the plan with your family.
Don't wait for a storm to be on its way to be prepared.
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center will update the Atlantic seasonal outlook in early August, before the historical peak of the season.
"In my 30 years at the National Weather Service, we've never had more advanced models and warning systems in place to monitor the weather," said NOAA's National Weather Service Director Ken Graham in the news release. "This outlook is a call to action: be prepared. Take proactive steps now to make a plan and gather supplies to ensure you're ready before a storm threatens."