The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an above-average hurricane season in 2024. Hurricane Beryl was the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record, coinciding with near-record ocean temperatures in the Atlantic, La Nina conditions in the Pacific, and reduced Atlantic trade winds.
As a result, NOAA is forecasting 17 – 25 named storms and eight to 13 hurricanes, of which four to seven could be considered major.
With hurricane season active through the end of November, the time is now to start preparing your entity’s plan. Develop an Emergency Preparedness Plan establishing procedures for hurricanes/inclement weather as a specific exposure.
Your plan should include information and guidance on:
- Leadership succession and continuity of operations;
- Mutual Aid Agreements;
- Emergency Management/Disaster Preparedness Committee;
- An alternate operation site;
- Supplies, including emergency power and fuel;
- Communications plans, and more.
VRSA has two documents available for members to utilize in developing their hurricane preparedness plans. The first is a general guide on preparing for a hurricane within your entity. It reviews planning for a potential hurricane and provides tips for what to do during and after a hurricane passes through.
The second is a Hurricane Preparedness Self-Assessment Tool which can be used to review your plans and assess whether additional steps need to be taken for your entity to be fully prepared.
For more information on how you can prepare your entity for hurricane season, contact your risk services consultant at msrs@vrsa.us or 800-963-6800.