Are You Prepared? Mayor Craig A. Moe would like everyone to stay in the know and be ready for an active 2022 Hurricane Season, which lasts from June 1st to November 30th.

Due to an ongoing La Niña and above-average Atlantic temperatures, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts, for the seventh consecutive year, an above-average hurricane season. This is for overall activity and not a landfall forecast.

NOAA says, “For the 2022 hurricane season, (we are) forecasting a likely range of 14 to 21 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; with winds of 111 mph or higher).“ To learn more about the 2022 Hurricane Season, visit NOAA at https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-predicts-above-normal-2022-atlantic-hurricane-season.

• Know your zone: Do you live near the Atlantic Coast? Find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation area by visiting the evacuation site website at the link provided.
• Put Together an Emergency Kit: Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators, and storm shutters.
• Write or review your Family Emergency Plan: Sit down NOW with your family and friends and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go, and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supplies kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster. Start by visiting the emergency plan webpage at the link provided.
• Review Your Insurance Policies: Check to make sure you have adequate coverage for your home and personal property.
• Download and learn NWS forecast information and notifications.
• Preparation Tips for those with Chronic Illnesses.
• And remember to include your four-legged family members in your emergency preparations. Visit /em/pet-preparedness-month for tips.

The Office of Emergency Management recently held a Hurricane Webinar with some great information about insurance, so be sure to watch a replay of that event at Laurel TV’s YouTube channel found here> https://youtu.be/6xtlENhhQ-M.

Mayor Moe and the Laurel City Council want to ensure that the citizens of Laurel have as much information as possible to help them better prepare for emergencies as they happen. Please take advantage of these tips from Laurel’s Office of Emergency Management to be ready in case of a natural or man-made disaster.

If you haven’t already, make 2022 your year to prepare!