Hurricane season officially spans June to November, with the peak period falling between August and October. September 10 is statistically the day most likely to see a tropical cyclone form somewhere in the Atlantic basin. Residents of coastal states—especially those along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic seaboard such as Florida, Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina—should treat this time as a high‑alert window.

Know the National Weather Service Alerts

The National Weather Service (NWS) issues three levels of alerts:

• Advisory: Conditions may cause inconvenience or minor hazards but are not expected to be life‑threatening.
• Watch: A tropical storm or hurricane is possible within the next 48 hours. Residents should begin preparations and stay tuned for updates.
• Warning: A storm is expected to make landfall within 36 hours. Follow any evacuation orders from local officials promptly.

Strengthen Your Home Against High Winds

Wind damage accounts for the majority of hurricane‑related losses. Take these steps now:

• Install hurricane‑rated shutters or board up windows.
• Secure garage doors with bracing.
• Anchor any loose, lightweight items—patio furniture, grills, and decorative pieces—inside or fasten them to the ground.
• Trim or remove trees that could fall on the structure.

Consider a FEMA‑Approved Safe Room

If space allows, build a safe room that meets Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) criteria or install a storm shelter certified to ICC‑500 standards. A safe room provides a protected space during extreme wind events and can be a lifesaver when power is lost.

Prepare Essential Supplies

Stock a supply kit that will sustain your household for at least 72 hours:

• Flashlights, batteries, lanterns, and candles.
• Charged power banks and a plan to unplug expensive electronics to avoid surge damage.
• Non‑perishable food items that require no refrigeration or cooking.
• At least one gallon of water per person per day.

Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed during an outage. If power returns within four hours, food is generally safe. A full chest freezer can maintain frozen goods for up to 48 hours; lowering the temperature setting before the storm can extend this window.

Use Generators Safely

If you own a generator—portable or whole‑house—store sufficient fuel and operate it outdoors, away from windows and doors, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Flood‑Proof Your Property

Flooding can cause catastrophic damage. Elevate appliances, seal basement walls, and consider sandbags for especially vulnerable areas. During a surge, even a foot of water can move a vehicle; several feet can inundate a home.

Review Insurance Coverage

Before the season begins, verify that your homeowners policy includes hurricane wind damage and that you have separate flood insurance if needed. Document valuables with photos and receipts; email copies to yourself so you can access them even if your phone is lost.

Follow Local Evacuation Orders

If officials issue an evacuation, pack essential items quickly and leave the area. Staying behind against an order can be illegal and puts you at serious risk. After a storm, wait for official clearance before re‑entering damaged structures.

By staying informed, reinforcing vulnerable points, and keeping a well‑stocked emergency kit, homeowners can protect both their property and their families throughout hurricane season.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.