Although we've officially been in Atlantic Hurricane Season since the beginning of June, fall is typically when storms most seriously affect our area. Don't forget, Superstorm Sandy devastated areas of New Jersey and New York on October 29, 2012. That being said, you may want to prep yourself for a stormy season.
Back in March, experts predicted that this year's hurricane season (June 1 - Nov. 30) would be slightly below the average, meaning fewer storms. According to the Weather Channel, the prediction called for 11 named storms, 5 of which could turn into serious hurricanes. So far, we've had 5 named storms including hurricanes Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, and Eduoard. Tropical storm Dolly also falls into this list.
Remain Prepared
You may hear that the number of hurricanes this season is below average and feel relieved. However, there is actually no correlation between the number of storms and hurricanes that occur and the number that reach land. In fact, some seasons with the highest number of hurricanes never saw a storm reach land. On the other hand, some of the most destructive seasons featured a relatively low number of storms.
That being said, you should come up with a plan in case of weather emergency. What will you do if you lose power for more than a few hours? What if you are powerless for days? If you live on the East Coast, we recommend you stock up on the following to prepare for hurricane season:
- Non-perishable food items
- Blankets
- First-aid kit
- Emergency generator
- Sand to prevent flooding
All of these items will be helpful, but a back-up generator is sure to keep your family comfortable should we experience a repeat of Superstorm Sandy any time soon. These generators kick on within seconds of a power outage. Additionally, they'll save you money on lost food and temporary shelter. If your home operates with a well pump, you can rely on a generator to keep it running.
We still have about seven weeks of hurricane season left, make sure you're prepared. See this article by the Asbury Park Press for more information.
