FEMA Blog

Published by: Public Affairs

Earlier today, the National Hurricane Center downgraded Rina to a tropical storm, and their latest forecasts say the storm will have a limited impact on the U.S. mainland or territories. As Rina is losing its strength, we’re also closely watching another potentially developing storm in the south Caribbean.

While it’s good news that Rina isn’t expected to pose much of a threat, the current activity in the tropics is a reminder that the Atlantic hurricane season lasts until November 30. As we near the end of the season, hurricanes and tropical storms are likely to form in the Caribbean, and can affect both coastal and inland areas of the U.S. and its territories.

The time to get prepared is before a tropical storm or hurricane threatens your community. You and your family can get started today by visiting Ready.gov/hurricanes, and by implementing some of these simple tips:

• Create an emergency supply kit that will sustain your family (including pets) for at least 72 hours. Your kit should include water, non-perishable food items, a flashlight, extra batteries, a hand-crank radio, any medical or prescription items you may need, and other supplies. Download the FEMA App (Apple and Android users) to check off items in your interactive emergency kit.

• Review and practice what your family would do during an emergency. We call this an “emergency plan”, and it spells out how you and your family will stay in touch, where you would meet, and who you would contact in case disaster strikes.

• Stay up to date with the latest conditions in your area. Know the TV and radio stations where you can find breaking news for your area. On your computer or mobile phone, bookmark useful websites like the FEMA mobile site, National Hurricane Center mobile site, or the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention mobile site. And find out if your local emergency management agency has an emergency notification system, and how you would receive their updates. (More tips on staying informed at Ready.gov.)