The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30. With the risk of more frequent and stronger storms increasing each year, ensuring your household and businesses are prepared is critical. Team IEM wants you to take the necessary proactive steps to stay informed, prepare your household, and be ready to weather future storms.
Use this page to help you strengthen your hurricane readiness with tips from our experts.
What to Do | What to Know | Before, During, and After a Storm
2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season in Review
The 2024 hurricane season has wrapped up. Since its start on June 1, this hurricane season proved to be as active as predicted, with above-average activity affecting regions across the Caribbean, Gulf Coast, and Southeast United States, as well as Central America.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton were the strongest to impact the U.S. this year, with Beryl, Debby, and Francine also causing significant damage earlier in the season. In total, this hurricane season we saw:
- 18 named storms
- 11 hurricanes
- 5 major hurricanes
What To Do – Preparing Your Household
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Preparedness is key during hurricane season. Ensuring your family and home are prepared this season is vital in mitigating your risk, reducing recovery time, and increasing resilience.
Here are some first steps you can take to begin your household readiness efforts:
- Know your risk – Determine what risk you face in your home and the places you frequent. Remember to check if you live in or frequent flood-prone areas.
- Create an emergency plan – Determine the steps your household should take in response to disasters and other emergencies. Make sure everyone is familiar with your plan.
- Build and maintain an emergency kit – Stock up on emergency supplies including food, water and medications for everyone in your home, including pets. Maintain the kit by regularly replenishing used items and replacing expired items.
- Sign up for & enable alerts – Sign up for local weather alerts and enable emergency alerts to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and news
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Being prepared for hurricane season means knowing the threats and risks you face. Don’t be caught off-guard by tropical storms or hurricane threats.Team IEM encourages you to know your risk:
- Determine if you are at risk of flooding or storm surge. Check FEMA’s flood maps regularly to keep up with flood zone updates.
- Check your risk at home and at places you frequent, including your workplace, school, daycares, gyms, etc.
- Remember even locations far inland can be affected by tropical storm and hurricane conditions.
- Stay up to date with weather forecasts and alerts to know when storm impacts are imminent.
Before, During, and After a Storm
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What do you do if a tropical storm or hurricane is headed your way? You make sure your household is prepared. When a storm is forecast to impact you in the imminent future, stay safe and be storm-ready with these last-minute preparation tips:- Check your emergency kit to ensure you are well stocked with food, water medications and other emergency supplies.
- Charge your devices, including cell phones, portable batteries, rechargeable flashlights, and any medical equipment
- Clear your patio and yard of any debris and unsecured items, including furniture, trash bins, and potted plants.
- Check your emergency plan for your evacuation routes and potential emergency shelters.
- Listen to directions from local officials regarding evacuation orders, road closures, and safety recommendations.