As the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season begins, the US Coast Guard issued safety tips for the public and mariners, urging them to be prepared for the unexpected. The season runs from 1 June to 30 November, with the peak occurring between mid-August and late October.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a 75% chance the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season will be near or above normal. “Even with this prediction people should always prepare for the unexpected, making sure they are ready for the hurricane season,” USCG notes.
USCG recommends the following for this hurricane season:
- Prepare a kit: Ensure you and your family have a disaster kit ready to go in case of an emergency.
- Get to know your surroundings: Know the elevation of your house and property. Hurricanes often bring storm surge, which is considered the greatest threat to property and life during any tropical storm. Know your communities’ evacuation routes and how you would evacuate to higher ground. For more information on potential storm surge areas visit NOAA’s storm surge site.
- Check the weather: The Coast Guard mobile app for boating safety is a tool to check marine weather from your phone. With the mobile app you can check the weather at nearby NOAA buoys, which provides wind speed and direction along with wave height. Checking weather anytime you plan to get underway and while throughout you time on the water is highly recommended.
- Secure your boats: Review your hurricane plan with your local marina, ensure you have a plan to both bring your boat in and strap it down ashore or ensure it is properly equipped to ride out the storm at the marina.
- Listen to local officials: If told to evacuate, do so immediately. You should consider evacuating if you live near bodies of water, a mobile home or high-rise building.
Capt. Shawn Koch, Coast Guard 7th District, chief of incident management, said:
It’s vitally important to have a hurricane preparedness plan set in place for you and your family. We highly recommend ensuring you have a survival kit with items like batteries, flash lights, radios and water. It’s also critical to pay close attention to weather both ashore and out at sea, and heed the messages and evacuation orders if issued by authorities.
