Red Cross Urges Everyone to Prepare for Active Hurricane Season

The 2024 hurricane season is on the horizon and the American Red Cross urges everyone to make their preparations now.

Allison Taylor, Regional CEO of Humanitarian Services, Red Cross North Carolina region tells WLHR News The American Red Cross is taking this year’s forecast for an above-average hurricane season very seriously.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially runs from June 1 through November 30 and early forecasts indicate there could be a near-record number of storms this year – calling for as many as 25 named storms this year with 4 to 6 having a direct impact on the US.

That’s why the American Red Cross is urging people to take steps during National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

There are some simple steps you can take to be prepared:

Create an evacuation plan.

Build an emergency kit containing a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for an infant and pets if applicable, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.

If you already have a disaster kit, make sure the food and water is still okay to consume and that copies of important documents are up to date.

Stay informed. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.

And download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies.

Right now, the Red Cross is also asking for volunteers to help during and after a hurricane disaster because of the growing need for help during disasters.

They also need volunteers to help at emergency shelters and in health services after a hurricane.

If you would like to volunteer with the Red Cross you can go online to their website at https://www.redcross.org/local/georgia/volunteer.html.