The National Ocean Atmospheric Association released its 2023 Atlantic hurricane season predictions on July 1. The climate experts expect 12-17 storms this year, which runs until Nov. 1, with 5-9 hurricanes and 1-4 category 3+ storms in the forecast.

Both NOAA and the Coast Guard provide basic recommendations for getting storm ready now, before disaster strikes. In all cases, consult your local and state resources for up-to-the-minute guidelines before, during, and after a hurricane.

For Boaters:

• Be informed. Track pending storms and current weather online at hurricanes.gov, or on your preferred social media channel - Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, for example.
• Weather can change quickly. Monitor the weather and VHF Channel 16 prior to a boating trip and while you are out on the water.
• Preparation is essential. Before a storm hits, be sure you have the proper equipment, a hurricane mooring plan, or identify a safe place to store your boat.

For Everyone Else:

• Assess your hurricane risk. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Find out how rain, wind, water and even tornadoes could happen far inland from where a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall.
• Make an emergency plan. Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands how you’ll respond in the event of a weather emergency. Consider how you’ll respond with your work, kids’ school/daycare, and other dependent family members who may need assistance. Identify important papers, essential supplies (like daily medication), and equipment you will need to take with you.
• Know your evacuation zone. You may have to evacuate quickly if you live in an evacuation zone. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with your household and pets, and identify where you may stay. Follow the instructions from local emergency managers, who work closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies and partners. They will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and appropriate safety measures.
• Set-up warnings and alerts. Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Sign up for community alerts in your area. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) require no sign up.

For Coast Guard Members:

When a hurricane or other natural disaster impacts an area where Coast Guard members work and live, the Coast Guard Foundation activates its emergency disaster relief program in coordination with the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association. Members complete a simple 1-page application detailing their contact information, emergency needs, and grant request. CGF and CPOA verify eligibility within five business days, and a grant check is issued so the critical work of rebuilding and repairing can begin immediately.

Our 2023 emergency disaster relief program is activated in response to the following natural disasters.

• Atmospheric storms in California
• Flooding in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
• Typhoon Mawar in Guam
• Tornadoes in Mobile, Alabama-area