FEMA Encourages People to Prepare Now for 2018 Hurricane Season

ATLANTA, Georgia, May 8 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:

With the 2017 historic hurricane season in the rearview mirror, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is asking residents in the southeast to begin preparing for 2018.

"While the Atlantic hurricane season officially starts June 1, the best time to make preparations is now, before the Atlantic and Gulf become more active and a storm threatens," said FEMA Regional Administrator Gracia Szczech.

"Simple actions such as: developing a family plan, being financially prepared and downloading the FEMA app will help you get ready--not just for a hurricane, but for any type of disaster that might occur."

Remember that hurricanes and tropical storms are not just a threat if you live near the beach or in a floodplain. These weather systems can cause serious damage to coastal and inland areas, including storm surge, heavy rainfall, coastal and inland flooding, high winds, and tornadoes.

Make A Plan: Speak to your family about how they will communicate with each other during a significant weather event when you are separated, or during an evacuation order.

Be Financially Prepared: An emergency savings account, along with insurance will help you to recover from a disaster more quickly.

Download the FEMA App: The FEMA App contains important information on what to do before, during, and after a hurricane. Use the App to receive weather alerts from NOAA's National Weather Service, including lifesaving safety tips, and other disaster resources. The App is available in the Apple App store or the Google Play store, and is also available in Spanish.

To learn more on how to prepare before, during, and after a hurricane and other tips and resources, visit www.ready.gov.