Officials: Prepare For Hurricane Season
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Are you prepared? The Atlantic hurricane season has officially started and emergency leaders want to make sure you're ready when a disaster strikes.
Tracey Leong has the urgent message.
Even though the season starts today, we've already seen two named storms: Hurricane Alex in January and Tropical Storm Bonnie this past weekend, showing it's always a good idea to be prepared all year long.
Hurricane Joaquin ripped through Ocean City this past October.
"Everyone has to take this seriously. Mother Nature is unpredictable," said Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan.
And before that, Superstorm Sandy unleashed her fury on the coastal town in 2012. More than a decade back, one of the most damaging tropical cyclones hit the Baltimore and DC area: Hurricane Isabel in 2003.
"Catastrophe. In another sense, neat to see Mother Nature's work. Amazing what water can do," said one Dundalk resident.
With the 2016 hurricane season upon us, now is the time to plan ahead.
"So important to make sure that every American and every family participates actively in being prepared," said President Barack Obama.
Low-lying areas like Fells Point are prone to flooding and it only takes a few inches to create a dangerous situation.
"The best way to protect your family is to plan ahead and listen to the experts," said Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz.
The Baltimore County Emergency Management team urges the public to make a plan before severe weather strikes.
"It is still unpredictable. It can be very disruptive and downright dangerous," Kamenetz said.
In addition to creating an evacuation plan for your family and pets, it's also important to stay connected in order to follow emergency updates and warnings. Also, create a readiness kit, including enough non-perishable items to last you family for three days, at least one gallon of water per person to last three days and protect important documents like passports in waterproof containers.
The hurricane season lasts five months and typically ends in November. The peak is around the end of August through September.
