Preparing for Hurricane Season 2019
Experts Offer Forecasts and Preparation Tips
BOLINGBROOK, IL (May 05, 2019) - With hurricane season right around the corner, experts advise that now is the time to begin preparing. Officially, the season runs from June through November, but hurricanes have been known to strike earlier.
In response to the approaching season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is launching National Hurricane Preparedness Week from May 5-11.
The initiative aims to raise awareness of proper hurricane preparation in coastal areas through educational tours, webinars and other resources found on the NOAA website.
Power Equipment Direct is also preparing the public this week with forecasts, hurricane survival kit tips, and one of the largest selection of emergency prep products in the country.
The forecasts are based on Colorado State University's first Atlantic Basin Seasonal Hurricane Forecast for 2019.
Experts predict five hurricanes, two of which will be major storms with Category 3-5 winds. There is a 28 percent chance that at least one major hurricane will make landfall along the U.S. east coast, as well as the Gulf Coast. Researchers used a statistical prediction scheme with 29 years of data to make the forecasts.
Hurricanes cause devastation in many ways. Winds can range from 70-200 mph, and rainfall totals can exceed 12 inches in 24 hours. The deadliest element, however, is the storm surge, which can be as high as 14 feet, or roughly the height of a one-story house.
NEXT: Shop Hurricane Prep Equipment
Founded in 2002, Power Equipment Direct’s mission is to, “Make Buying Technical Products Simple”. The online retailer offers a wide selection of name-brand power and HVAC equipment, trained product experts on staff and U.S.-based customer service representatives to streamline the buying process.
Preparing for the Storm The most important step in preparing for hurricane season is having a family disaster plan to keep everyone in a household on the same page when a storm hits. Power Equipment Direct recommends the following best practices.
- Keep emergency supply kits in the home and car, which include essentials like nonperishable food, water, and a hand-crank radio/flashlight. Also, have an emergency backpack with these essentials to grab on the go.
- When an evacuation order is given, LEAVE.
- Have a designated family meetup point when evacuating. If separated for whatever reason, everyone should know where to go and how to get there.
- Check for flood insurance. Flooding is the leading cause of damage from hurricanes and is not covered under most home insurance policies.
- Prepare the home. Have a backup generator to power essential appliances like the sump pump and refrigerator. Board up windows and trim trees to prevent damage from falling branches.
- Plan for pets. If staying at home, keep them inside. If evacuating, leave them with family or friends in a safe zone or at a clinic or shelter.