Be Prepared for Hurricane Season
Promote Healthy Indoor Air and Safe Flood Recovery
The 2024 hurricane season has begun! Forecasters predict above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin, with a range of 17 to 25 total named storms, including 4 to 7 major hurricanes. While forecasters are predicting below-normal hurricane activity in the eastern Pacific this year, it is still beneficial to be prepared.
After a hurricane, there are many things to consider. Is my home safe to enter? How do I save and clean up my possessions?
 Flooding, storm surge, and wind damage from hurricanes can introduce new hazards indoors and worsen existing ones. Flood waters can carry biological and chemical contaminants indoors, and standing water and wet materials can become a breeding ground for viruses, bacteria, and mold. Exposure to these contaminants can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the flood.
Be Ready!
- Make an emergency kit and a family emergency plan.
- Cover windows with storm shutters and plywood.
- Know how to turn off your gas, electricity, and water in case you need to evacuate.
- Check your carbon monoxide (CO) detector's battery to prevent CO poisoning.
- Secure outdoor items.
- Designate a shelter area if you can’t evacuate. Rooms without windows are best.
- Ensure chemicals, such as paint, cleaning agents, and pesticides are secured or stored properly to prevent them from becoming released during hurricanes.
- For local information, listen to the radio, television, or your mobile news app, or check your cell phone for text alerts from the emergency alert system. Follow instructions from local officials.
 Learn more about steps you can take to prepare for a hurricane.
Learn How to Safely Recover and Clean Up Your Home
EPA’s Flooded Homes website, which is also available in Spanish, features short videos with step-by-step guidance on how to safely clean up your home. You can also search for answers to many of your questions about flooded homes using the webpage’s search bar and by visiting the Frequent Questions about Flooded Homes.
Take a moment to check out these resources and the videos below to prepare for the next hurricane. (NOTE: If you need Spanish captions, click the CC button on the player to turn them on.)
Coming Home
Doing It Yourself
Protecting Your Health
Additional Resources
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