Hurricane Season Preparations

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security have been working closely with state and local governments and relief organizations to remind residents and businesses in coastal areas to make emergency preparations.

Preparedness is Everyone's Responsibility

Individual Preparedness

There is no substitute for individual preparedness when it comes to the safety of individuals and their families. By taking small steps, those who can make preparations allow local first responders to tend to those who cannot self-evacuate.

• Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit and Family Emergency Plan:  Individuals and families should prepare emergency supply kits with food, water, battery operated radios and medicines. Families should also make emergency plans that include how and where they would evacuate, shelter-in-place and communicate with one another. For more information on preparing for emergencies, please visit Ready.gov.
• Listen to Local Authorities:  Individuals should pay careful attention to the advice of local authorities. By self-evacuating, the “able-bodied” can allow authorities to devote resources where they are needed the most.

State and Local Preparedness

State and local governments are closest to those affected by natural disasters, and have always been the lead in response and recovery. The federal government acts in a supporting role, providing assistance, logistical support, and certain supplies.  

• Local government is responsible for providing for the safety and security of citizens in advance of a hurricane. That means they are in charge of developing emergency plans, determining evacuation routes, providing public transportation for those who can’t self-evacuate, and setting up and stocking local shelters with relief supplies.
• State government is responsible for mobilizing the National Guard, pre-positioning certain assets and supplies, and setting up the state’s emergency management functions. They are also in charge of requesting federal support though the formal disaster declaration process.

Federal Preparedness

The federal government is responsible for meeting those requests from the state – before, during and after the disaster. This includes

• providing logistical support for search and rescue,
• providing food, water and ice,
• establishing disaster centers and processing federal disaster claims, and
• participating in short and long-term public works projects, such as debris removal and infrastructure rebuilding.

FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security began preparations for this hurricane season months ago and we continue to refine our processes and become better prepared. Steps taken include

• Working with coastal states on more detailed commodity staging plans so federal commodities delivered in support of state supplies are directed by states to the most valuable pre-decided locations. States take ownership of federal commodities and are charged with distribution to individuals.
• Replenishing stocks of critical response commodities and assets to support state response.
• Working with other federal agencies to review and refine coordination of response activities.