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The National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration’s
(NOAA) Climate Prediction
Center announced today that
projected climate conditions
point to a near normal or
above normal hurricane
season in the Atlantic Basin
this year. The prediction
was issued at a news
conference which urged
residents in vulnerable
areas to be fully prepared
for the onset of hurricane
season, which begins June 1.
In addition, the 2008
outlook indicates a 60 to 70
percent chance of 12 to 16
named storms, including 6 to
9 hurricanes and 2 to 5
major hurricanes (Category
3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson
Scale).
“Living in a coastal
state means having a plan
for each and every hurricane
season. Review or complete
emergency plans now - before
a storm threatens,” said
retired Navy Vice Adm.
Conrad C. Lautenbacher,
Ph.D., undersecretary of
commerce for oceans and
atmosphere and NOAA
administrator. “Planning and
preparation is the key to
storm survival and
recovery.”
The American Red Cross
urges the public to renew
hurricane preparedness,
sensing that it may not be
top of mind after two
uneventful hurricane
seasons. It is recommended
that everyone dust off their
disaster supplies kit and
get better prepared now for
a variety of disasters such
as hurricanes and the high
winds, flooding and
tornadoes that may accompany
them.
“By taking three basic
preparedness actions you can
get “Red Cross Ready” for
disasters and other
emergencies 1) Get a kit, 2)
Make a plan and 3) Be
informed,” said Mary S.
Elcano, Acting President and
CEO of the American Red
Cross. “The Red Cross is
also here to help you get
prepared for specific
disasters like hurricanes.
Even if you took action to
prepare last hurricane
season, it’s important that
you revisit and update your
communication plan and check
your disaster supplies kit
for expired items.”
The American Red Cross
recommends the following
preparedness actions: |
