The official 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season began June 1 and continues through November 30, so now is the time to be certain you are prepared.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts this season to be above normal. The reason is due to warmer than average ocean temperatures which provide more energy to fuel storm development and forecasts for weak wind shear, which enable the storms to develop with little disruption.
“Forecasters within NOAA’s National Weather Service predict above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year.”
NOAA is forecasting 13 to 19 named storms (winds of 39mph or greater) with six to 10 of those forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater).
“This outlook is a call to action: be prepared,” said NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. “Take proactive steps now to make a plan and gather supplies to ensure you're ready before a storm threatens."
Hurricanes can cause major damage from storm surge, strong wind damage, rip currents and flooding. Therefore, to be prepared for storm season and potential hurricanes, follow these guidelines:
- Know Your Risk and Start Preparing Now.
It’s never too early to prepare for an emergency, and storm and hurricane preparation includes having all the necessary supplies ready-before an emergency happens. Begin by making a list of all the supplies you may need. This list should include water (one gallon per person per day for several days), hydration mixes, non-perishable food, first aid kits, and any medication that is or might be necessary.
- Make an Emergency Plan.
Make a detailed emergency plan and ensure everyone in your office, work site or family knows and understands the hurricane safety plan(s).
A workplace weather safety plan must include shelter locations, policies to account for all workers, procedures for dealing with hazardous materials, and maps showing evacuation routes. Materials and training should be in a language that every worker understands.
- Know Your Evacuation Zone.
Know ahead of time where you will go if you must evacuate. Practice the evacuation route with family and pets or coworkers and know where to stay. Be sure to follow the instructions of local emergency agencies for appropriate safety measures. Additionally, fill your vehicle with gas prior to a storm because there may not be places to obtain gas along your evacuation route.
- Gather Supplies.
Check your list of necessary supplies and have enough (to last several days) of those supplies stored in the trunk of your vehicle or your household. These supplies should include pet supplies, medications, and disinfectants.
Assemble disaster supplies, including food, water, batteries, chargers, radios, and cash and have enough for at least a week. Additionally, generators are becoming more popular with the ever-increasing risk of damage from storms or hurricanes that can last hours, days or weeks. United Tool and Fastener sells Generac Generators in a variety of sizes, including portable and standby, which can get you through loss of power for hours or days.
Emergency supplies UT&F also carries include pallets of water, batteries, first aid kits, batteries, flashlights, whistles and dust masks.
Further storm preparation information can be found at www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep. To learn more about the various storm preparation products UT&F sells, please call or stop by one of our showrooms: in Houston at 713-692-2323; in San Antonio at 210-495-8665; or College Station at 979-731-8665.
