Today marks the start of what is anticipated to be a particularly active hurricane season.
State and Federal officials have marked the start of hurricane season by releasing a flurry of emergency preparedness resources and other helpful information. Climate change and the state’s miles of coastline give Maryland a particularly acute risk of receiving significant damage from hurricanes or tropical storms. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management‘s (MDEM) Know Your Zone campaign aims to help residents and visitors become more familiarized with evacuation routes in coastal and tidal areas.
According to MDEM:
“Hurricane Ida taught us yet again that you don’t need to live in a coastal community to feel the impacts of tropical systems,” said Maryland Secretary of Emergency Management Russ Strickland. “While coastal storm surge and hurricane force winds are vivid images of hurricanes, in our area, inland flooding and tornadoes can be the biggest threats to life and property.”
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also released several resources aimed at helping coastal residents and visitors prepare before possible storms. According to NOAA:
Be ready for hurricane season. Today you can determine your personal hurricane risk, find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and review/update insurance policies. You can also make a list of items to replenish hurricane emergency supplies and start thinking about how you will prepare your home for the coming hurricane season. If you live in hurricane-prone areas, you are encouraged to complete these simple preparations before hurricane season begins on June 1.
Read the full MDEM Press release.