WEST VIRGINIA (WVDN) – As the East Coast braces for what the National Weather Service has named the most aggressive forecast on record, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) urges all residents to prepare for the peak of hurricane season. With 2024 being FEMA’s Year of Resilience and August being National Resilience Month, the agency proudly recognizes the efforts of towns and cities to protect their communities while urging more of the same as the Atlantic grows increasingly active.
Leaders from FEMA Region 3, which includes West Virginia, are advising residents to remain vigilant. “The July lull in hurricane activity can create a false sense of calm for what may lay ahead,” warns FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “Do not be complacent. Now is the time to prepare for hurricanes and their impacts, whether you live in a coastal or inland community,” she adds.
Among the ways to stay informed of potential hurricane impacts include downloading the FEMA app on your smartphone, signing up for community alerts and finally recognizing your own potential risk. Individuals who live on or near the coast perhaps have the most obvious cause for concern, but individuals who live, work or travel in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding also need to be weather aware. In addition, locations near trees or other objects that may present a threat due to hurricane-force winds should be regarded as high risk.
When it comes to the dangers of a hurricane, flooding remains one of the greatest threats. FEMA stresses the importance of flood insurance due to the fact that only one inch of water can cause $25,000 worth of damage to your home. Aside from the monetary aspect, there are physical dangers present for those who attempt to walk or drive in flood water. The National Weather Service urges everyone to avoid such risks as it takes only 6 inches of water to sweep an adult off his/her feet and as little as 12 inches of water to carry away most cars. If you are asked to evacuate an area, do so as early as possible and by following instructions provided by officials, including using the evacuation route(s) they suggest.
While FEMA has invested in home elevations, a floodwall project, shoreline stabilization and landslide remediation efforts throughout Region 3, the agency continues urging homeowners to take steps to protect their property and help those around them to do the same. By securing outdoor furniture and other large structures, clearing debris from drains, gutters and downspouts and trimming large trees and shrubs, you may be able to help minimize damage. If an object cannot be properly secured outdoors, FEMA recommends storing it inside until all threats from the storm have passed.
Each year, August marks FEMA’s National Resilience Month in which the agency recognizes the significant investments and policies that help our nation build resilience. “Disasters can strike anytime, anywhere,” says FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “The time for communities to prepare is now. National Resilience Month is an opportunity for FEMA to promote the work of communities across the country that make us risk-ready so we can recover more effectively and build back stronger.”
The Atlantic hurricane season extends from June 1 to November 30. For more information or to sign up for mobile updates, visit www.fema.gov.
