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Kick off your hurricane readiness plan on May 1, the start of Hurricane Preparedness Week! This special week has been part of our national calendar since the early 1980s, decided upon by the National Weather Service to raise awareness and promote proactive measures ahead of the hurricane season. While hurricanes may evoke dread, this week serves as a beacon of preparedness, encouraging everyone to empower themselves with knowledge of what to do when a storm hits. So, let's roll up those sleeves and get ready – because staying safe begins at home, and a storm-ready household contributes to a storm-ready nation!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early Hurricane Forecasts</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the late 1800s, meteorologists began to develop rudimentary methods to predict hurricanes and severe weather events.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1960</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Satellite Era Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first successful weather satellite, TIROS-1, was launched by NASA, revolutionizing the ability to track and forecast hurricanes.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Preparedness Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Weather Service established Hurricane Preparedness Week in the early 1980s to promote readiness ahead of the hurricane season.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1992</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"Storm of the Century"</div><div class='timeline-text'>Hurricane Andrew ravages South Florida, underscoring the importance of preparedness and fueling efforts directed at education and safety measures.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Hurricane Katrina Tragedy</div><div class='timeline-text'>The devastation by Hurricane Katrina reaffirmed the importance of hurricane preparedness, leading to a significant increase in national efforts towards hurricane readiness.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Superstorm Sandy Impacts</div><div class='timeline-text'>The widespread destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy led to further advancements in preparedness strategies, ensuring citizens are well-equipped ahead of severe weather events.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organize an emergency supply kit</h3><p class='facts-text'>Essentials such as water, canned food, batteries, flashlights and medicines should be packed and ready at all times. Make sure to check your supply kit once a year during Hurricane Preparedness Week to replace expired items and add any necessities you may have missed.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Conduct a practice evacuation drill</h3><p class='facts-text'>Map out the safest evacuation routes from your home and have a mock drill with your family. Practice makes perfect. Becoming familiar with your plan will lessen panic if a real evacuation order is issued.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Compile a list of local emergency contacts</h3><p class='facts-text'>This could include your local emergency management office, law enforcement agency, public health agency and power company. Take time during this week to ensure you have these necessary numbers on hand and saved into your phone.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Check and secure your home</h3><p class='facts-text'>Dedicate time to evaluate your home’s structural integrity. Make sure all doors and windows have secure locks and functioning shutters, and any loose items outside the home that can become projectiles in high winds are safely stowed away.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Share the knowledge</h3><p class='facts-text'>Encourage friends and neighbors to get hurricane-ready too. Sharing information and resources will strengthen your entire community’s resilience in the face of a storm and foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual aid.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Hurricane Preparedness Week Promotes Safety</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Perhaps the most important reason we love Hurricane Preparedness Week is because it prioritizes our safety. The activities and information are designed to help us protect ourselves, our families, and our homes in case of a hurricane. This holiday aligns with the belief that safety comes first.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Fosters a Sense of Community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Hurricane Preparedness Week encourages community engagement and collaboration. The mobilization of neighborhoods around shared goals is both beneficial and empowering. By sharing information and resources on how to get ready for a storm, we strengthen the resilience of our entire community and foster a spirit of mutual aid.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Encourages Proactivity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Awareness is key when it comes to emergency preparedness. This special week promotes proactive actions like practicing evacuation drills, organizing emergency supply kits, and securing homes, instead of leaving things to chance. It reminds us that preparation is one of the most effective ways to mitigate the potential damage and stress caused by a hurricane.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hurricanes Can Produce Tornadoes</h3><p class='facts-content'>As if hurricanes weren’t dangerous enough, they can also spawn tornadoes. These tornadoes most often occur in thunderstorms embedded in the rainbands, well away from the center of the hurricane.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hurricane Names Can Be Retired</h3><p class='facts-content'>When a storm is particularly deadly or costly, such as Katrina, its name is retired from the pool of names to respect the victims and survivors.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A Hurricane's Eye is Calm</h3><p class='facts-content'>Contrary to the devastating power of a hurricane, the center or ‘eye’ of a hurricane is a relatively calm and clear area. This can be deceptive, as once you cross into the eye wall, conditions rapidly deteriorate.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hurricane Season Peaks in September</h3><p class='facts-content'>Although hurricane season officially begins on June 1, it peaks in early to mid-September. This period tends to have the most hurricane activity, according to the National Hurricane Center.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hurricanes Slow Down at Night</h3><p class='facts-content'>As per the recent research from the National Hurricane Center, the speed of hurricanes tends to decrease at night due to changes in atmospheric conditions. Nevertheless, they remain dangerous round the clock and demand constant vigilance.</p></div></div>
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