Press Release  ‘Be Proactive and Prepare Early:’ Atlantic Hurricane Season is Underway

FRAMINGHAM — June 1 marks the start of Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs through November 30, 2024. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) strongly recommends that residents, visitors, and businesses in Massachusetts take the necessary steps to prepare in order to help lessen the likelihood of individuals being caught off-guard in the event a hurricane is expected to impact the area.

“Hurricanes and tropical storms can have devastating impacts across all areas of Massachusetts, both along the coast and inland,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “Be proactive and prepare early. Doing so can help mitigate the impacts of these storms, protect property, and – most importantly – can help save lives.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center anticipate an above-normal 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season with a range of 17-25 named storms. Last year’s Atlantic hurricane season was the fourth-most active Atlantic hurricane season on record, according to NOAA.

Impacts of tropical systems such as flooding, damaging winds and storm surge, can impact communities all around Massachusetts. You can prepare by learning important weather warning terminology, finding out if you live or work within a hurricane evacuation zone, signing up for emergency alerts, making an emergency plan for you or your family, and building an emergency kit. If you or someone you know is an older adult or has a disability, you may need to take additional steps to prepare.

Steps to Prepare:

Know the difference between a Watch and a Warning - To alert the public of hazardous conditions, the National Weather Service issues Hurricane Watches and Warnings. A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours. A Hurricane Warning means that sustained winds equal to or greater than 74 miles per hour are expected to affect a specific area within 24 hours. 

Stay Informed - Emergency alerts play an important role in making sure you and your family can stay safe during a disaster or emergency. Make sure you have emergency alerts enabled on your cell phone and are signed up for any public safety alert system available in your community. It’s important to have multiple methods for receiving emergency alerts. Listen to your local news and NOAA radio and follow public safety accounts on social media. Learn more about different types of alerting and information tools, including the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, social and traditional news media, Mass 2-1-1 and local notification systems on MEMA’s website.

Know Your Evacuation Zone – Evacuation zones are areas known to be particularly prone to flooding. If you live in an evacuation zone, it’s important to have a plan in place. You can view MEMA’s interactive map to learn if either your home or workplace lies within a hurricane evacuation zone. Visit www.mass.gov/knowyourzone. Consider where would you go and how would you keep in contact with friends and family if you needed to evacuate. If you may need assistance evacuating due to a disability or lack of transportation, plan with family, neighbors, and friends who may be able to assist, and contact your local public safety officials to make them aware of your needs.

Make an Emergency Plan – An emergency plan can help keep you and your family safe during a disaster. A plan should address how your family would communicate, evacuate, and shelter in place if needed. Be sure to account for the needs of all your family members, including older adults, children, individuals with disabilities, and pets. If you receive medical treatment or home health care services, work with your medical provider to determine how to maintain care and service if you are unable to leave your home or have to evacuate.

Build an Emergency Kit – Having an emergency kit is essential for making sure you and your family are prepared. Build an emergency kit that will sustain your household for three to five days without power. Kits should include water, food, flashlight, batteries, prescription medications, supplies for your pets and important documents.

MEMA will share accessible preparedness and safety information throughout hurricane season. For more resources, visit the Hurricane Safety Tips section of MEMA’s website at mass.gov/MEMA/hurricanes.

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