(Washington, DC) The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season with 12 to 15 tropical storms, seven to nine of which will become hurricanes, with three to five of those reaching major proportions according to retired Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator.

Hurricane Isabel, which struck the Washington region in September 2003, caused 17 deaths and more than $3 billion in damages nationwide. DC Emergency Management Director Barbara Childs-Pair advises District residents to begin to prepare now for possible power outages, flooding and other types of damage that frequently occurs as a result of all types severe summer storms, including thunderstorms and tornadoes as well as hurricanes. “Washington, DC is vulnerable to all types of violent summer weather, said Mrs. Childs-Pair. “We should be mindful of this hazard and take steps now to prepare.”

As part of their overall preparedness strategy all city residents should:

• Know the difference between a watch and a warning. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible, usually within 36 hours. A hurricane warning means that a hurricane is expected, usually within 24 hours.
• Create a household disaster plan if you don’t have one already. Plan for family members to meet at a place away from you residence in case you are separated. Choose an out of town contact for everyone to call to say they are safe. Talk to household members and be sure everyone understands the plan and knows where to meet and who to call if you are separated.
• Invest in a weather alert radio. These radios receive digitally encoded weather, emergency and hazard alert messages transmitted from NOAA’s National Weather Service broadcast stations.
• Determine the needs of your household members who may live elsewhere but may need your help in a hurricane. Consider the special needs of neighbors, such as people who are disabled or have limited sight or vision problems.
• Learn how to shut off utilities and where gas pilots and water mains are located.
• Make a record of personal property. Take photographs or videotapes of belongings and store these documents in a safe place.
• Do not rely on being able to use a cordless telephone because it requires electricity to operate. At least one telephone in the home should be a regular touchtone device.