National Hurricane Preparedness Week is coming up on May 5-11, 2024. Understand the risk from hurricanes and begin preparations now. Be sure you understand what to do before, during and after a storm.
The Climate Prediction Center at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting above-average temperatures across the country this spring, as well as above-average precipitation in the central and eastern United States. Tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods – nature will continue outdoors as we respond to, and plan for, the health concerns inside.
Before storms ramp up this season, take some time with your family to become educated on severe weather signs and response, create a household plan and run through emergency drills. There are many sources of information to help educate you and your family members. We recommend the following to learn more about the details of severe weather.
Key Resources
- The National Severe Storms Laboratory – Check out the Education Page for basic material and education modules to learn about weather and safety tips.
- The National Weather Service Safety Overviews and Children’s Education Page – Owlie the Owl
- Make your Plan – Ready.gov’s Emergency Planning Resources
Statistics to Note
- 16 million: Thunderstorms worldwide each year
- 2,000: Thunderstorms in progress at any moment
- 100,000: Thunderstorms each year in the United States
What to Watch Out For
- Thunderstorms, Lightning, Wind and Hail: April showers tend to bring a lot more than flowers each year to much of the U.S. There are about 100,000 thunderstorms each year in the U.S. alone, and around 10 percent reach severe levels, according to The National Severe Storms Laboratory. These most likely take place in the spring and summer but can happen year-round. As you know, thunderstorms can also spur lightning, wind, hail and flooding along with them.
- Floods: The National Severe Storms Laboratory has a dedicated section to flood basics, which states that “flooding occurs in every U.S. state and territory, and is a threat experienced anywhere in the world that receives rain. In the U.S. floods kill more people each year than tornadoes, hurricanes or lightning.”
- Tornadoes: According to The National Severe Storms Laboratory, about 1,200 tornadoes hit the U.S. yearly. Ohio.gov’s Severe Weather Center notes that the state experienced 49 tornadoes in 2023. Tornado season in the U.S. runs from May through July primarily.
- Hurricanes: Hurricane season runs from June 1 – November 30 each year and spring is the time to learn and prepare, according to The National Hurricane Center. The Center shares that over a typical two-year period, the U.S. coastline is struck by an average of three hurricanes, one of which gets classified as a major hurricane with winds of 111 mph.
Creating a Plan
While insurance can lower or eliminate the financial impact of these disasters, planning in advance can help respond to the events and minimize the impact disasters have on your family while expediting recovery.
Our client’s personal safety is of our utmost concern. Reach out to a trusted advisor at RCM&D/SISCO to learn more about how we can help you protect yourself and your families.