Experts forecast very active wildfire and hurricane seasons this year ─ predictions that are already proving to be true. The American Red Cross urges everyone to make their preparations now.
The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reports there are 62 large wildfires burning across the country. In the west, there are multiple blazes burning in Oregon, and California has already seen 20 times more acres of land burned than at this time last year. The latest NIFC potential wildfire outlook states more and larger areas are expected to experience significant fire potential in July. Some of the areas that could be affected include Alaska, Alabama, Mississippi, the central Appalachians, MidAtlantic, portions of the Carolinas, southern Nevada, southwest Utah, and southeast California.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30 and we’ve already experienced Hurricane Beryl and its devastation in the Caribbean and Texas. Beryl was the earliest major Atlantic hurricane in 58 years. Forecasts indicate there could be a near-record number of storms this year ─ as many as 25 named storms with 4 to 6 having a direct impact on the U.S.
CLIMATE CRISIS The effects of the climate crisis continue to mount a devastating toll. This year’s outlook is part of a years-long trend of more frequent and intense hurricanes and wildfires related to climate conditions. In the last 10 years, the number of billion-dollar U.S. disasters has increased 85%. And hurricanes have accounted for eight of the 10 most costly weather disasters.
GET READY NOW To prepare for disasters that may impact your community, make a plan to stay safe and know how you’ll stay connected. Contact your local office of emergency management to learn what hazards may affect your community.
Depending on the emergency, you may need to stay where you are or go somewhere else to stay safe. If you need to leave, think about where you will go, how you will get there, where you will stay and what you’ll take with you. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation. Don’t forget to include pets in your plans.
Plan how to reconnect with loved ones if you are separated or if the phone or internet is down. Write down important phone numbers on a contact card and carry it with you. Plan how to monitor local weather and news reports even if the power goes out. Have a backup battery or another way to charge your cell phone, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
GATHER SUPPLIES It’s important to gather critical supplies like food, water and medicine and organize them into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. Your go-kit should include three days of supplies that you can carry with you. Include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.). Your stay-at-home kit should have two weeks of food and water, and a one-month supply of medications and medical supplies.
Customize your kit to meet your household’s specific needs. If you have pets, include leashes, carriers, food, water, bowls, litter, litterbox and photos of you with your pet in case you are separated. Keep personal, financial and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up). Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.
GET RED CROSS APPS Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts, open shelter locations and expert advice in both English and Spanish. For more information on how to assemble a pet first aid kit and take care of your pet during emergencies, download the free Red Cross Pet First Aid app.
Consider taking a first aid, CPR and AED course, so you’ll know what to do in an emergency if help is delayed. Visit redcross.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to register for a class today.
In addition to taking these preparedness steps, we also have important safety information available for you on hurricanes and wildfires.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.