Next week, May 22-28, is national Hurricane Preparedness Week.

NOAA hurricane outlook indicates an above-normal

May 19, 2011

With all of the severe natural disasters being thrown at the USA in the past several weeks it is also time to start thinking about this years Hurricane season which will begin in just a couple weeks from now.

The Atlantic basin is expected to see an above-normal hurricane season this year, according to the seasonal outlook issued by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center – a division of the National Weather Service.

Across the entire Atlantic Basin for the six-month season, which begins June 1, NOAA is predicting the following ranges this year:

•12 to 18 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which:


•6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including:


•3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher)
Each of these ranges has a 70 percent likelihood, and indicate that activity will exceed the seasonal average of 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

Now it is true that the US doged the bullet in last years Hurricane prone months even though the fronts that came through were especially harsh on marine and mammal life in the Gulf of Mexico which was compounded by the sheer intensity of the already contaminated and oxygen depleted waters due to the BP disaster.

“The United States was fortunate last year. Winds steered most of the season’s tropical storms and all hurricanes away from our coastlines,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “However we can’t count on luck to get us through this season. We need to be prepared, especially with this above-normal outlook.”

Please take this warning as serious as it was intended to be and have you evacuation plans ready now while there is still time to make those plans in a calm and clear headed way.

Climate factors considered for this outlook are:

•The continuing high activity era. Since 1995, the tropical multi-decadal signal has brought ocean and atmospheric conditions conducive for development in sync, leading to more active Atlantic hurricane seasons.
•Warm Atlantic Ocean water. Sea surface temperatures where storms often develop and move across the Atlantic are up to two degrees Fahrenheit warmer-than-average.
•La Niña, which continues to weaken in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, is expected to dissipate later this month or in June, but its impacts such as reduced wind shear are expected to continue into the hurricane season.
“In addition to multiple climate factors, seasonal climate models also indicate an above-normal season is likely, and even suggest we could see activity comparable to some of the active seasons since 1995,” said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.

Everything we have learned from past hurricanes can help you to survive with just a few simple rules to follow and that is what this weeks preparations are all about.

Survival preparations from hurricanes are not limited to coastal areas as we have discussed here at ATS as we followed past dissasters and saw first hand how the patterns can send cataclysmic energy signatures across the entire country or at the least several states with tornadoes, straightline winds and a number of other life threatening situations related but not limited to the hurricanes themselves.

Take this new report seriously!

“Now is the time, if you haven’t already, to get your plan together for what you and your family would do if disaster strikes. Visit ready.gov to learn more. And if you’re a small business owner, visit www.ready.gov/business to ensure that your business is prepared for a disaster,” added Fugate.

Next week, May 22-28, is national Hurricane Preparedness Week. To help prepare residents of hurricane-prone areas, NOAA is unveiling a new set of video and audio public service announcements featuring NOAA hurricane experts and the FEMA administrator that are available in both English and Spanish. These are available at www.hurricanes.gov...

The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. It operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy. Visit us online at weather.gov and on Facebook

One more thing to consider is that with all of the earth quake drills which happened last month, and the intense flooding coupled with record rainfalls, this could potentially cause an increase in possible earthquakes.

As much as we would love to think that FEMA and other coordinated efforts could save our lives in a major disaster, it is just not possible to serve everyone in a timely manner in order to save lives when mass casualties are at their peak.

It takes days even weeks to reach survivors, and for many the help may arrive but too late, dont let yourself be caught in that trap if you can avoid it.

Take a minute and read this link as well as the links it provides and ask yourself in all honesty if you are prepared.

www.noaanews.noaa.gov...

Just bumping this info up one time before i head off to bed. it really is an interesting link in the Op as we dont always get such warnings about the upcoming hurricane seasons but 70% chance of some big ones is very telling as to what we can expect. I just think of that last bigish one off the Gulf coast when we saw horrible weather from Texas to the Dakotas, back down and all the way to Florida, in Missouri we could smell the salt air and that was not even close to what they are predicting this season.

Thanks for posting.
I had the feeling, because of what's going on now with the weather and hurricane seasons being calm for the past two years or so... that this season may bring about serious disasters. As a survivor of Hurricane Andrew(still not the worst but it leveled Homestead), seeing the tornado damage brings back bad memories as well as fears even where I live now... More so I'm concerned for my family members in FL and the East Coast.

I know locals get used to tropical storms and hurricanes, being common, often prepare -at least a bit anyway-anyway. Though maybe not enough, and for new people who have moved by areas that can be affected. Prepare way before hand, because trying to buy supplies in an already emptied store, for ex., is nerve wracking. As well as if you live in areas not often hit, also make sure to prepare.

Hurricanes are SERIOUS. Get all you insurances lined up, especially flood insurance. Get ur supplies ready. And pls take care of those pets. i live 55 miles off the Gulf of Mexico , and we get hit hard rain, hail and tornado wise even off a tropical storm. Be prepared, and dont ride out a storm if your in a coastal city. June 1st hurricane season.

good luck down south.

i have a feeling the northeast may be hit this year as well, it has been almost 30 years since we got our feathers ruffled here, that was Gloria.

be safe

Found this rather interesting, a company which serves to protect large corporations and infrastructures in the event of disasters man made and natural is ramping up for this seasons hurricanes that according to their statistics are far more probable this year than in the past decade.

From some of the other links on their website it seems they even serve to protect the highest priority "bunkers".

I know I know as if we don't already have enough to worry about with the worst tornado outbreaks in the US in this century and possibly even the last several...

Take it from those who have survived the hurricanes of the past and begin to take your preps to the next level.

There should be a hurricane preparedness thread created by those member who have as in the posts above been through this themselves and can help others to remain safe or in some cases have that place available to go to in the event of a major hurricane.

Anyway really wanted you to take a good look at the data below which shows a significant rise in chances of some pretty serious hurricanes this season.

Inland Fiber & Data
Inland Fiber and Data (IF&D) is a technology park located in Winter Haven, Florida that covers approximately four city blocks and currently includes over 300,000 square feet of data center, colocation, telecommunications, and technology space as well as corporate and medical offices. IF&D was designed and developed with the needs of the mission-critical end-users in mind and is situated in the geographic center of Florida between rapidly growing Tampa and Orlando markets with ease of access from both coasts as well as South Florida. Its protected inland location at 168 feet above sea-level and outside the 500 year flood zone along with its carrier grade facilities and fiber rich environment make IF&D a unique offering in the Florida market where your company’s critical infrastructure needs to be located.

Colocation Data Center Inland Fiber & Data Prepares Organizations for Upcoming Hurricane Season
Monday, May 23, 2011
As the June 1st start of hurricane season approaches, data center operator Inland Fiber & Data (IF&D, www.inlandfiber.com...) announces availability of preparation facilities, providing data center resources for backup server colocation, enabling disaster recovery for organizations seeking uninterrupted IT operations in the event of damage to their primary data center locations.

1) Entire U.S. coastline: 72% (average for last century is 52%)
2) U.S. East Coast Including Peninsula Florida: 48% (average for last century is 31%)
3) Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle westward to Brownsville: 47% (average for last century is 30%).

IF&D, www.inlandfiber.com...

We just moved to the Gulf Coast of South West Florida.

We've just begun to assemble our hurricane preparedness kit.

I guess if you are among the rich and well educated, the non ignorant, you could be party to the massive preps being instituted now for this upcoming hurricane season which looks as if has already been considered to be a high risk for major disruptions...

FBCC is the ideal facility for organizations seeking a secure, inland location for temporary staff relocation and continuity of business operations.The FBCC offers critical and affordable workforce recovery, telecommunication, and unique data center services with geo-diverse and dedicated contract options for clients. The FBCC is within easy reach from all parts of Florida, yet located away from the risks associated with coastal locations. Its location at 168 feet above sea level is outside both the 500-year Flood Zone X and maximum wind-borne-debris areas associated with land-falling hurricanes. Fully-appointed facilities include 250 fully equipped workstations with available advanced call center capabilities, on-site technical support, private offices, conference rooms, kitchen and break room, equipment storage space and full bathroom and shower facilities.

This was from last year but seems to relate more to this year...
FBCC to Exhibit at the Governor’s Hurricane Conference
Tuesday, May 18 2010

www.fbccdr.com...

Even FEMA has taken a firm and less than usual stance on this seasons hurricane predictions for zone III. It is a good time to remember that just because you live away from the coastal areas you are not safe during hurricane season and need to take precautions now to be self reliant and not plan to find yourself in need or expecting help to come from outside sources in the days and even weeks in the aftermath of these highly likely events which can cause flooding, storm surges, tornadoes, straight line winds to mention just a few of the possible scenarios.

As we discovered in the above posts, there can be disruptions in power, communications, and commerce for an extended period of time to a large area or areas.

Rather looks as if it is more possible than not according to the statistics and scientific data. If you were a Government entity or globally based corporation these plans would have you already prepared, but as an individual citizen all you can do is to make plans within your budget and ability. You may not have access to a bunker, but you can plan now as to where you will go if you cannot remain in your home.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region III office is making preparations for an above-normal hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1 and runs through November 30. Region III's jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Residents, particularly those in coastal areas, are urged to pay close attention to weather forecasts during hurricane season. While federal, state and local emergency officials are fully engaged in preparation for storms and flooding, FEMA strongly recommends individuals take ownership of their safety by preparing now during National Hurricane Awareness Week. Being prepared is everyone's responsibility.

"When hurricanes affect our area, they present regional challenges-evacuations, displaced populations, sustained winds, flooding, and power outages can affect all our states and jurisdictions," said MaryAnn Tierney, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region III. "Citizens and all levels of governments must prepare for this upcoming hurricane season."

If a storm is predicted to strike Region III, FEMA will do the following:

Work in conjunction with state and local partners to pre-position life-saving and life-sustaining supplies within the mid-Atlantic region. Food, water, cots, blankets, and tarps will be pre-positioned to reach impacted areas as quickly as possible.
Activate the 24-hour Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) to oversee the response effort and to monitor the needs of the impacted state. Federal agencies assigned to Emergency Support Functions will be activated to work in the RRCC to help fulfill requests for assistance. Through mission assignments, support can range from helicopters, generators and Disaster Medical Assistance Teams.
Deploy personnel and teams, such as Liaison Officers and Incident Management Assistance Teams to facilitate operational planning between the regional office and state agencies.
Place Preliminary Damage Assessment Teams on standby. These teams work jointly with state officials to conduct damage assessments that will determine eligibility for a presidential disaster declaration, which triggers the release of federal disaster funds.
Place Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) on standby. DRCs are temporary facilities that provide on-site disaster assistance to victims, allowing them to register for temporary housing, grants and other aid.

Citizen Preparedness

Personal preparedness is critical. Individuals and families should be ready to take protective actions even before a storm is forecast.

FEMA wants the public to make sure it has provisions for at least 72 hours after a storm strikes. This includes food and water as well as other needed supplies, including a battery-powered radio to receive important response and recovery information should electricity service be interrupted.

In addition, if citizens are told by local officials to evacuate, they should do so without hesitating and should take copies of important papers with them including:

checkbooks
driver's license
credit card information
birth certificates
social security cards
other forms and documents proving ownership/identity
Everyone should know the local evacuation routes, and if available, the location of nearby safe shelters. Individuals and families need to have a communication plan in place in order to contact or find each other. As the storm approaches, residents should listen to and closely follow instructions from local and state authorities. For more information on preparing for disaster emergencies, please visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes and www.floodsmart.gov. Business owners and managers can learn how to prepare their businesses by visiting www.ready.gov/business.

Dont find yourself in need of waiting on help to come from FEMA or any other outside source! Learn from what we have seen in past disasters and start now to fill water, have extra food, pet supplies and get your important papers together now.

Have your bugout bag at ready, and plan for much more than the 72 hour minimum that FEMA suggests.

I cannot stress this enough, in all parts of the US, we are all vulnerable to this years hurricane season.

Please please be prepared.

www.whptv.com...

While searching for other Hurricane preparedness weeks from past years to see if there is difference in how they presented I did discover this Proclamation...

For Immediate Release May 20, 2011
Presidential Proclamation--National Hurricane Preparedness Week

National Hurricane Preparedness Week highlights the importance of planning ahead to protect our families and secure our communities and homes in advance of the upcoming hurricane season.

Hurricanes are powerful storms that can create severe flooding, dangerous storm surges, high winds, and tornadoes. The effects of these storms can be devastating to entire communities and can have long-lasting consequences, including loss of life and property. In addition to threatening coastal areas, hurricanes significantly impact inland locations. Our Nation has seen devastating hurricanes and storms, and we must not let our guard down as we prepare for this year's hurricane season. With tens of millions of Americans living in coastal communities, preparation can enhance our ability to respond to and recover from any natural disaster we might face.

Our Nation's weather forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Hurricane Center continue to improve the accuracy of their hurricane forecasts. However, we cannot prevent a hurricane from making landfall, and awareness of the threat is not enough -- we must translate this knowledge into action, and work together to develop prepared and resilient communities. My Administration recognizes that we must move from a government-centric approach to disaster management to a community-oriented approach that includes all levels of government, the private sector, volunteers, community and faith-based organizations, and the public. A whole
community effort is needed to effectively prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against any disaster.

During National Hurricane Preparedness Week, we emphasize the need for individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and families to prepare emergency plans, create emergency supply kits, and learn evacuation routes. More information on hurricane hazards and details on how to secure buildings and belongings is available at www.Hurricanes.gov/Prepare and www.Ready.gov.

America has seen the heartbreak a hurricane can leave behind. By working together, government, private and nonprofit organizations, emergency responders, and private citizens can help save lives and reduce the damage caused by these storms.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States,

do hereby proclaim May 22 through May 28, 2011, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week. I call upon government agencies, private organizations, schools, media, and residents in the coastal areas of our Nation to share information about hurricane preparedness and response to help save lives and protect communities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

Wow sitting here kind of bored hoping for a discussion about this, anyone reading?

I just cant stress stong enough how important it is to have your true preps at ready including a bug out bag for mobility on this next Hurricane season.

I am not going to keep embarrasing myself by posting here hoping to catch anyones attention.

It would be great to discuss this, especially with those who have survived past Hurricanes and tropical cyclones...

reply to post by antar


You are completely correct antar. If you wait around for FEMA to come help you then it's already too late. Take care of you and yours first don't rely on others to come find you after it's over. If folks learned anything from Katrina hopefully it would be this. That was a while ago though and people are back into their "american idol' mode so many will be caught off guard again.

reply to post by HoldTheBeans


That and it could be that people ahve seen so much disaster in the past 5 years and even longer if you count 911, that it is easy to be in a state of denial and continue on mentally as if everything happens to other people in other places. These are probably the people who when emergencies do strike will either perish or be in a world of hurt in the days and weeks to follow. One thing for sure they are not reading this post nor listening to the clear cut warnings being put out by the Governement and Scientific communities.

Check out the Hurricane Hunters Association!

This would be the most awe inspiring career...

Amazing site to say the least.

www.hurricanehunters.com...

Not sure if this comes through or not but wanted you to hear it from a professional that hurricanes can cause much more damage than simply the hurricane alone.
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I think that awareness is such an important sense to establish in ones life. Just tooling around the internet found this e-article on it and wanted to share as it made me think of this thread.

Awareness is the state or ability to perceive, to feel, or to be conscious of events, objects or sensory patterns. In this level of consciousness, sense data can be confirmed by an observer without necessarily implying understanding. More broadly, it is the state or quality of being aware of something. In biological psychology, awareness is defined as a human's or an animal's perception and cognitive reaction to a condition or event. Awareness is a relative concept. An animal may be partially aware, may be subconsciously aware, or may be acutely aware of an event. Awareness may be focused on an internal state, such as a visceral feeling, or on external events by way of sensory perception. Awareness provides the raw material from which animals develop qualia, or subjective ideas about their experience. Also used to distinguish sensory perception is the word "awarement." "Awarement" is the established form of awareness.

tamil-fm.com...

Just another reminder about Hurricane season this year as it promises to be one to remember, I cant shake the thoughts about how emergency services gave plenty of warning about tornado risks and now we barely get a breather before its all about hurricane preparedness!

Hurricane season has begun

MIAMI (AP) - Coastal residents, you've been warned: Hurricane season has begun.

The six-month Atlantic hurricane season begins Wednesday and continues through Nov. 30.

2011 Hurricane Coverage: www.orlandohurricane.com

Federal forecasters say they expect three to six major hurricanes from an above-average storm season.

Major hurricanes are storms with top winds of 111 mph and up. No major hurricanes have made a U.S. landfall in five years, but forecasters warn that luck might not last.

Emergency managers from Texas to Maine urge residents to develop disaster plans and determine whether they live in evacuation zones.

The administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency also wants residents to make social media part of their disaster plans, now that FEMA posts on Twitter and the National Hurricane Center has a Facebook page.

___

Online: National Hurricane Center, www.nhc.noaa.gov...

www.myfoxorlando.com...