When it comes to hurricanes, “normal” isn’t all that comforting.
For the 2023 hurricane season that officially began June 1st, the normal activity levels forecast recently by researchers at NC State University equate to 11 to 15 named storms forming in the Atlantic Ocean.
“The number of named storms predicted is at the higher end of the long-term averages, but at the lower end of more recent 30-year averages … with the possibility of two to three storms becoming major hurricanes,” NC State said.
The potential for major storms amid a “normal” season of activity makes it highly advisable that Community Electric Cooperative’s members prepare for their impacts.
Utility and emergency response experts recommend the following:
- Put together an emergency kit and plan. Communicate the plan with your family.
- Know the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you prepare for the storm surge and any tidal flooding.
- Secure your home: cover all windows with either storm shutters or boards, clear loose and clogged rain gutters, and bring all outdoor furniture indoors.
- Learn your community hurricane evacuation routes.
Because hurricanes and other instances of extreme weather can result in power outages that even the largest electricity providers can’t prevent, Community Electric Cooperative encourages home and business owners to consider installing a backup power source to reduce the stress and avoid the hardships that major storms can cause. Community Electric’s RECORE Energy subsidiary sells standby power generators for residential and commercial use. RECORE provides both Briggs and Stratton and Generac machines that are some of the highest-powered generators in the industry, and they all are covered by a five- to 10-year warranty.
Hurricane season lasts through November. More information on RECORE’s standby power solution is available on the RECORE.energy website. For more tips on planning before, during and after the storm, visit Ready.gov's page on hurricanes.