FALMOUTH, Mass. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — June 1st marks the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season, a five-month stretch where we keep a close eye on the tropical Atlantic. Forecasters are predicting 19 storms to form this season, nine of which will become hurricanes and four of which will reach category 3 status or stronger. That’s above the 30-year average for both hurricanes and storms. And while people who live on the coast are accustomed to preparing for these powerful weather events, it’s crucial to remember that the impact of a hurricane can extend far beyond the coastline. We saw that firsthand last year when hurricane Helene caused deadly flooding as far inland as the mountains of North Carolina. Today, we focus on how parents can take proactive steps to ensure their families are prepared, not panicked, for whatever this season may bring. Hurricane prep
The tropical Atlantic is heating up again and the forecast calls for an active hurricane season. These hurricanes could be more intense than usual. One key reason is the dramatic warming in the arctic.
“We’re making global warming somewhere between 25 and 40 percent worse,” stated Jennifer Francis, atmospheric scientist at Woodwell Climate Research Center.
The melting arctic ice leads to darker ocean surfaces that absorb more of the sun’s heat. This contributes to warmer ocean temperatures globally.
“And that ocean heat is what fuels hurricanes,” explained Francis.
For parents, not panicking and being prepared, no matter where you live, is important. Hurricane prep
“Different communities are being affected by the climate crisis in different ways,” said Francis.
That’s why each family’s plan will be different. But all plans should include a communication plan with an out-of-state contact and diverse communication methods like walkie-talkies and satellite phones. It also means knowing primary and alternate evacuation zones and routes, including specific plans for pets. Finally, it requires a comprehensive emergency kit stocked with water purification, dietary-considered food, a full first-aid kit, solar chargers, battery-operated headlamps, cash, and water-sealed copies of essential documents, in addition to the standard water, food, medications, and radio. Taking these immediate preparedness steps can provide a sense of control and safety for your family when the storm strikes.
Preparing for hurricane season is vital, no matter where you live. Beyond immediate preparation, experts remind us that addressing the root causes of a changing climate, by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and protecting natural carbon-absorbing ecosystems like forests and wetlands, is crucial for mitigating the long-term impacts on our weather and our future.
Contributors to this news report include: Marsha Lewis, Executive Producer; Matt Goldschmidt, Videographer; and Bob Walko, Editor.
Produced by Child Trends News Service in partnership with Ivanhoe Broadcast News and funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
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