Hurricane season is under way, with three named storms already in 2025, and experts from the National Weather Service predict above normal activity over the Atlantic.
Tropical Storm Andrea, set a record as the farthest north and east a tropical system has formed in the Atlantic during June. The two storms that followed, Barry and Chantal, formed earlier than historical averages.
Virginia Tech Sociologist Liesel Ritchie is leading a team researching hurricane preparedness, building on lessons from Hurricane Beryl, a deadly category 5 storm that hit Texas in 2024.
“People living in regions such as the Gulf of Mexico and the Carolinas are more used to this type of hazard. Therefore, these populations tend to be more prepared than others,” Ritchie said.
“At the same time, hurricane preparedness issues are especially of concern for people living in regions where hurricanes aren’t all that common,” she said. “Furthermore, we all need to think about other types of hazards we face, such as snowstorms, tornadoes, floods and wildfires and to be prepared for those as well.”
Tips for disaster preparedness
Ritchie offers tips to prepare for a disaster event which should ease some of the anxiety associated with storms.
“Being prepared for a hurricane or disaster event helps alleviate uncertainty and can ease the psychological stress that comes with disasters,” Ritchie said.
- Follow official evacuation orders and shelter-in-place guidance
- Have an emergency plan, as well as an emergency kit or “go bag” with essential items such as medicines, cash, cell phone chargers, water and food items, identification, etc.
- Plan an evacuation route and know emergency shelter locations
- Account for elderly household members, people with disabilities, and pets in your emergency plan. Some shelters allow pets, while others do not.
Hurricane prep checklist for homeowners
Preparation is often the key to prevention. From safeguarding your home, to understanding your insurance, “time is your most valuable resource,” said Stephen Bennett with Mercury Insurance.
“A little planning now can save you from serious financial and emotional stress later,” said Bennett. “We want every homeowner to feel empowered — not overwhelmed — when a storm approaches.”
Here’s a hurricane prep checklist for homeowners:
- Review your insurance policy: Make sure your coverage includes wind, flood and storm-related damage — including damage to vehicles. Update your policy if you’ve made any recent home or auto improvements.
- Secure windows and doors: Install storm shutters or use plywood to reinforce glass. Reinforce garage doors with bracing kits if needed.
- Clear your yard: Remove or secure anything that could become a projectile in high winds — like patio furniture, garden tools or decor.
- Trim trees and branches: Cut back any limbs that hang too close to your roof, power lines or parking areas. Falling trees are a leading cause of storm damage to both homes and vehicles.
- Protect your vehicles: Park vehicles in a garage or away from trees and power lines when possible. If flooding is a threat, move your car to higher ground or an elevated parking garage. Never attempt to drive through flood waters.
- Prepare a family emergency plan: Identify evacuation routes, assign a meeting place and make sure everyone has contact numbers.
- Stock an emergency kit for your home and car: Include non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, pet supplies and important documents in a waterproof container.
- Elevate important items: Move electronics, furniture and valuables to higher ground in case of flooding.
- Document your belongings: Take photos or videos of your home’s interior, major items and vehicles for insurance purposes.
- Charge devices and power banks: Make sure phones and backup batteries are fully charged in case of outages.
- Electric cars: Proactively charge your vehicle if an evacuation might be necessary.
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Crystal Graham
