The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season started June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a 60% chance of an above-normal season. Preparing for hurricane season is crucial to ensure your safety and minimize damage to your home. When a natural disaster strikes, there’s no time to prepare — only time to respond. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to prepare before disaster strikes.

Creating a plan, assembling emergency supplies, staying informed, and understanding how to respond quickly and effectively in different scenarios will help you prepare for disasters in your area. Knowing evacuation routes, having emergency contacts, and understanding warning signs can help people act quickly and safely. Securing your home, backing up important documents, and understanding your insurance coverage can significantly reduce losses and make recovery easier.

Here are a few simple steps to get you prepared:

1. Identify risks in your area (floods, hurricanes, wildfires, etc.).
2. Set evacuation routes and shelter options.
3. Designate emergency contacts (including one out of town).
4. Plan for your pets and people with special needs.
5. Build an emergency kit that includes:

• Water (1 gallon per person per day for at least three days)
• Non-perishable food
• Flashlights, batteries, first-aid kit
• Medications, hygiene supplies
• Copies of vital documents
• Cash, maps, phone chargers, and radios

6. Stay informed by signing up for local emergency alerts, use apps from FEMA, NOAA, or your state emergency agency, and monitor weather and news regularly during risk periods.

Disaster preparedness is a mindset. It means caring enough about your family and community to act before the worst happens. The time you invest today could save lives tomorrow. Download the hurricane preparedness checklist to make sure you’re ready, especially if evacuation orders come with little notice.

If you find yourself in need of disaster assistance, please apply for an Auxiliary Emergency Fund grant at www.ALAforVeterans.org/AEF. Grants are awarded up to $3,000 to ALA members who have renewed their membership for three consecutive years. 
 
Source: https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes