Be prepared for weather emergencies

Recent fatal tornadoes and extensive flooding in the Midwest—and the start of another Atlantic hurricane season—should serve as a reminder that now is the time to plan for weather-related emergencies.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, AccuWeather, and Colorado State University's Tropical Meteorology Project are all calling for a near-normal or above-average Atlantic 2008 hurricane season, which runs through November 30.

An average Atlantic hurricane season sees 11 named storms, including six hurricanes. Of the six, two usually reach major—Category 3, 4, or 5—status.

NOAA's 2008 outlook is calling for a 60 to 70 percent chance of 12 to 16 named storms, including six to nine hurricanes and two to five major hurricanes.

AccuWeather is predicting 12 named storms in the Atlantic Basin and expects 40 percent of them—up from the usual 25 percent—to cause tropical-storm or hurricane conditions on the U.S. coastline.

The Tropical Meteorology Project at Colorado State University used "hindcasting" (predicting probability by analyzing past activity) to arrive at its June 3 revised estimate of 15 named storms and a 69 percent chance of a major landfall of a Category 3, 4, or 5 hurricane on the U.S. coastline.

A number of meteorological factors have contributed to the higher forecasts for the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season.

"Water temperatures are warmer in the than normal off the mid-Atlantic and northeast coasts of the U.S.; we're still in the warm phase of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation," notes Ken Reeves, AccuWeather's senior meteorologist and director of Forecasting Operations.

(Reeves also notes that oil production in the Gulf Coast should remain relatively unaffected this year. "This [storm] season doesn't look as potent as 2005, but there could a week to 10 days of disruption to the energy production facilities of the Gulf Coast," he says.)

Preparations after the predictions
Predictions aside, "It takes only one storm making landfall in your area to make it an active hurricane season for you," notes Phil Klotzbach, a research scientist and coauthor of the Tropical Meteorology Project report.

Even if you don't live along the Atlantic or Gulf coast, you could be affected by extreme weather. An active jet stream has helped spawn unsettled weather—including tornadoes that had killed 59 Americans this year as of June 13—according to Greg Carbin, warning-coordination meteorologist at the NOAA's Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma. The conditions result in flood- and mudslide-inducing heavy rains and wildfire-sparking lightning storms across the country.

Smart planning
"People need to have an emergency plan in place," says Gerry Bell, the NOAA's lead seasonal-hurricane forecaster, who adds, "Regardless of the predicted level of activity for the season, you just can't wait until the last minute when the stores are packed with people and the plywood is gone. When the power goes out, the gas pumps and ATMs won't be working."

Our Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and High Winds primer covers ways to protect your windows, doors, roofing and siding from high winds. Also learn how to shore up your home against raging floodwaters.

"When a storm is bearing down, time is a precious commodity, so every moment you take to protect your family is crucial," Reeves notes. "As time passes, your options certainly diminish." Time-savers that could become lifesavers include Storm-A-Rest panels made from a tough fabric that rolls down over your windows (watch the video at right for a CR First Look at the product).

You might also need to deploy a backup generator. Our review of generators gives a good grounding on emergency-power options, while the Ratings (available to subscribers) can help you find the best model for your home.

Bell recommends you stockpile several days worth of food and water and include other essentials. "If you're asked to evacuate, you can grab and go; if you decide to shelter in place, you won't run out of vital supplies." You'll find specific advice on creating "go bags" of essential supplies and documents and establishing rally points for families to gather after a disaster in this story on emergency preparedness.

If you are caught by a storm, Carbin advises you to seek shelter in a basement. "Try to get under something sturdy like a billiard table that will protect you," he says. If an underground space is not available, go to the sturdiest structure around—not a mobile home—and head for an interior room, away from windows.

"What we like to reinforce to people is that they are your first line of defense, not the government and not FEMA," Bell says. "We see so many times that those have prepared fare so much better than those who didn't. There's a lot of good information out there and people should use it."—Gian Trotta

Essential information: Our Storm & Emergency Guide offers advice for protecting your home and family (including your pets), covering your financial assets, and planning an evacuation, as well as smart ways to rebuild in the aftermath of a disaster. Learn more about flood insurance.