Hurricane Preparedness

Be Ready for the Season’s Peak

With 4 major hurricanes forecast for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, forecasters advise residents to be prepared as the season’s peak approaches.

9 hurricanes are predicted for this year’s Atlantic basin hurricane season, which began on June 1 and extends through November 30, with 4 of those possibly becoming major storms, according to forecasters at Colorado State University’s Tropical Meteorological Project. Mid-August to mid-October is considered the peak time for storm development.

Forecasters encourage people to stay informed about storm alerts and ongoing developments. Use apps or television forecasts with information provided by the National Weather Service or your county’s emergency management agency.

Check off items on a list and consolidate them in an easily accessible place to ensure you are ready if a storm develops that impacts your area.

At the top of a preparedness list is water, 1 gallon per person per day, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health’s recommendations. Next, a 2-week supply of nonperishable food per person, along with a manual can opener, is suggested.

Other Items To Stock and Precautions To Take:

• 1-month supply of prescription medications
• First-aid kit
• Flashlight and batteries
• Radio and extra batteries, or a crank-operated radio
• Clothes
• Personal hygiene items, including soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and feminine products
• Important documents, such as birth certificates, deeds, and bank account information, in a waterproof container
• Make sure your home insurance policy is updated if you have new valuables or housing improvements. Take photos or videos of your belongings in case you have to file an insurance claim.
• Secure outdoor furniture if a storm threatens.
• Sign up for community alerts.
• If you have pets, remember to pack them plenty of food, too.
• Go to an interior room during a storm.
• Never walk, swim, or drive through deep stormwater. Only 6 inches of moving water can knock someone down.
• Remember, ATMs will not work during a power outage, so have some cash on hand.
• Invest in plywood or other materials to protect windows.
• Have a generator in case power is disrupted for several days.
• After the storm, listen for information saying it is OK to begin clearing away debris.