CONNECTICUT & RHODE ISLAND - Hurricane season begins June 1st and runs to November 30th. The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services is preparing for the possibility of another active season.

Sal Cretella, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services Director has hurricane preparedness tips to help Connecticut residents stay safe, including tips on preparing your home, assembling a disaster supply kit, what to take with you if advised to evacuate, and much more. Also, information on how you can volunteer right here in your community and other disaster areas when needed.

The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season was a hyperactive and catastrophic hurricane season, featuring 17 named storms, 10 hurricanes and 6 major hurricanes – ranking it alongside 1936 as the fifth-most active season since records began in 1851. The season also featured both the highest total accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) and the highest number of major hurricanes since 2005. All ten of the season's hurricanes occurred in a row, the greatest number of consecutive hurricanes in the satellite era, and tied for the greatest number of consecutive hurricanes ever observed in the Atlantic basin since records began in 1851.

A total of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes are expected this season. This is slightly above the 30-year average of 12 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes. The forecast was released Thursday by the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project. After last year's disastrous hurricane season that included storms like Harvey, Irma and Maria, the U.S. probably won't see much of a hurricane reprieve this year, according to forecasters from the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project.

The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season forecast released Thursday from Colorado State University calls for the number of named storms and hurricanes to be slightly above historical averages, but less than last year.

Before a Hurricane

To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:

• Determine safe evacuation routes inland.
• Learn locations of official shelters.
• Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and battery-powered equipment such as cell phones and your NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards receiver.
• Buy food that will keep and store drinking water.
• Review your insurance policy.
• Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Determine how and where to secure your boat.
• If you have pets, include them in your preparedness plan. Look for pet-friendly hotels or shelters on your evacuation route.
• Build An Emergency Kit

Build An Emergency Kit

An Emergency Supplies Kit Should include:

• At least a 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day)
• At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food
• At least, one change of clothing and shoes per person
• One blanket or sleeping bag per person
• First-aid kit
• Battery-powered NWR and a portable radio
• Flashlight, extra batteries
• Extra set of car keys
• Credit card and cash
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members
• Prescription and non-prescription medicines
• Pet supplies, including carrier, leash, food, tags and licenses

During a Hurricane

If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:

• Listen to the radio or TV for information.
• Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
• Moor your boat if time permits.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

Learn more about The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services