The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, and experts report we could see several powerful storms before the season ends on November 30.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts there could be 13 to 19 storms strong enough to be named. Of these, 6 to 10 could become hurricanes with as many as five strengthening into major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher.

It only takes one of these powerful storms to cause overwhelming devastation. Hurricanes like Andrew in 1992, Katrina in 2005, Sandy in 2012, Harvey in 2017, Ian in 2022 and Helene and Milton in 2024 were catastrophic in the damage they caused and the lives they changed forever. These serve as a harsh reminder of how powerful hurricanes can be and how important it is to be prepared.

Hurricanes not only cause problems for people in coastal areas but can also cause damage hundreds of miles inland. If you live on the coast, you are most at risk for extreme winds and flooding from rain and storm surge. Live inland? You are at risk for wind, thunderstorms, flooding and power outages.

Even before the first hurricane forms, the American Red Cross is getting ready to help when the need arises. We’re working closely with government officials and partners to make sure people will have a safe place to stay, food to eat and critical relief supplies if needed. The Red Cross is also recruiting and training disaster volunteers and checking that our nationwide fleet of response vehicles and warehouses are stocked with cots, blankets, comfort kits, cleanup supplies and more, ready to be mobilized.

The Red Cross never stops preparing for disasters because they can happen anytime, anywhere. We urge everyone to get ready now by making a plan to stay safe and knowing how they will stay connected.

 If you live in an area at risk for hurricanes, have a plan to evacuate and a plan to shelter safely at home. Take these simple steps and be ready:

• Your evacuation plan should include knowing where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, and where you’ll stay. Your stay-at-home plan should focus on gathering the right supplies so that you can live safely without power, water, gas, phone or internet for a long time.
•  Families may need to evacuate quickly with little notice. Create a plan that includes how you’ll stay connected with each other.
• Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government, which will include important information such as evacuation orders in an emergency.

Red Cross apps 

• Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector.
• Pet owners can download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app for more information on how to include pets in emergency preparedness plans and step-by-step instructions for first aid emergencies and more.
• Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
• Print out the Red Cross preparedness checklist, available in several different languages.
• Take a class so you know what to do during an emergency. A variety of online, in-person and blended courses are available, including our Until Help Arrives online course.
• Pet owners can take the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course so you’ll know what to do in an emergency until veterinary care is available. People can access the course on their desktop or tablet at redcross.org/catdogfirstaid.