As Atlantic Hurricane Season Kicks Off, Local Red Cross Advises Residents in Maryland to be Prepared

FREDERICK, Md. (KR)  The Red Cross is offering tips on preparing for Hurricane Season. June 1st marked the first day of the Atlantic Hurricane Season this year.

Beverely Stambaugh, with the Western Maryland Red Cross Chapter, says everyone should have a kit, a plan, and execute that plan when needed.

“Typically we don’t get hurricane-force winds in our area, but we could. If you look to the past, we’ve had a few hurricane things come through, things like Tropical Storm Sandy that came through and did a lot more damage even though we didn’t have the hurricane-force winds. We have to be aware that we live in an area, such as the Chesapeake Bay, where we could receive a lot of flooding,” said Stambaugh.

She said it’s important to know how your local area responds to hurricanes and tropical storms.

“Definitely check in with your emergency preparedness individuals to make sure that you know what the communities response is and where the actual shelters may be located and emergency evacuation routes should roads be closed,” said Stambaugh.

This year, forecasters are predicting an above-normal Atlantic Hurricane Season.

The American Red Cross offers an App to help guide residents on what to do before, during and after a hurricane.