The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) recently updated its 2013 Hurricane Season Outlook. Because the season has already produced several named stormsin the Atlantic hurricane region, NOAA now predicts an above-average hurricane season, with the possibility of being very active.

This season is expected to produce 13-19 named storms, of which 6-9 are expected to become hurricanes and 3-5 to become major hurricanes. The season ends November 30 but peak season runs mid-August to late October.

While the Eastern Pacific hurricane season is expected to be below normal, it only takes one hurricane or tropical storm to cause a disaster which can occur whether a season is active or mostly quiet.

Therefore, people are urged to prepare for every hurricane season regardless of the outlook. In addition to having an emergency kit and family communications plan, you should:

• Learn your community evacuation route;
• Have paper maps on hand in case cellular networks are down;
• Cover your home’s windows with storm shutters or plywood; and
• Get flood insurance protection.

Hurricanes can produce heavy rains that may cause extensive flooding. Homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage. To learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself contact the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration.

For more tips on hurricane preparedness, click here.

Excerpt with permission from the FEMA publication:  Individual and Community Preparedness e-Brief August 22, 2013