Hurricane Preparedness Week Urges Residents to Get Ready Before Storm Season

As hurricane season approaches, officials across the United States are reminding residents to take action during National Hurricane Preparedness Week, observed May 3–9, 2026.

Emergency management agencies and weather experts say the week serves as a critical reminder to prepare before storms develop. The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 and runs through November 30, leaving little time for last-minute planning once a system forms.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other agencies emphasize that preparation now can significantly reduce the risk of injury, property damage, and loss of life. Residents are encouraged to understand their risk, especially those living in coastal or flood-prone areas, and to begin building emergency plans early.

Preparedness efforts include assembling disaster supply kits with essentials such as food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important documents. Experts also recommend having multiple ways to receive weather alerts and knowing evacuation routes ahead of time.

Forecasts for the 2026 hurricane season suggest the potential for multiple storms impacting the United States, with parts of the Southeast—including the Carolinas and Virginia—considered at higher risk. Even a single storm can cause significant damage, making early preparation essential regardless of seasonal predictions.

Officials stress that preparedness is not just an individual responsibility but a community effort. Checking on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with limited mobility, can make a critical difference during emergencies.

The message from emergency officials is clear: don’t wait for a storm to form. Preparing now could save lives later.