Here Come the Storms

First-Ever County Hurricane Preparedness Week Comes Amid Record Atlantic Hurricane Season 

By Kathy Knotts 

There’s still 15 weeks to go in the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, which means we are just halfway through what is predicted to be an “extremely active” season according to an August update by NOAA. 

NOAA says conditions are primed to fuel storm development, leading to an 85 percent chance we’ll see 19 to 25 named storms. We have already had 11 named storms, with two more potentially brewing this week. So it makes sense that the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management would dedicate this week to be its first ever Hurricane Preparedness Week. Throughout the week, hurricane preparedness tips have been shared via the Anne Arundel County’s Office of Emergency Management social media accounts.  

As with every hurricane season, the need to be prepared is critically important this year. But there’s another factor to take into account. OEM encourages everyone to keep COVID-19 in mind when making plans for you, your loved ones and pets. 

Some of the reminders OEM is sharing include making a plan and discussing it with family members; monitoring radio, TV and social media channels; listening for emergency alerts; and evacuating when told to do so. Plan on taking cleaning items with you to any shelter or community center if necessary, maintain 6 feet of separation between people you do not live with, and have face coverings for the entire family (over age 2). Items to now include in your “HurriDemic” Go-Kit: face coverings (two per person), disinfectant wipes, soap/hand sanitizer (60 percent or higher alcohol), and personal hygiene items. 

For more information on being prepared this hurricane season or to catch up on daily messages, follow the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter, by phone 410-222-0600 or email [email protected].