Just because you don’t live near the coast doesn’t mean you and your property are not at risk of injury or damage due to the effects of tropical weather systems. It only takes one storm to change your life and community, especially during this new and unique COVID-19 environment.
Planning for hurricane season and other potential disasters can be stressful, and because the 2020 hurricane season comes during the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be especially so.
Preparing for a Hurricane in PA during a Pandemic
What hasn’t changed?
The Atlantic Hurricane Season is June 1 through November 30. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and their remnants are a real threat to Pennsylvania. Flooding rain, wind, and tornadoes are the most common threats for the state.
What has changed?
How we prepare for hurricanes during a pandemic requires each of us to review our hurricane emergency plan and consider some of the pandemic guidance that may alter that plan.
We review some of these considerations for the plan below.
Pandemic Considerations for Your Emergency Plan
Evacuations
Flooding or power outages caused by tropical weather could force you to leave your home for higher ground. Or, you may host friends or family who need to evacuate their homes for any reason, so you should consider the need for additional emergency supplies and plan for physical distancing measures to protect family or vulnerable loved ones.
Additional changes to your evacuation or sheltering plans during a pandemic may include:
- Are there any family members that are particularly vulnerable to the virus?
- Will the hotel in which you plan to shelter be available?
- Are animal shelters and pet-friendly hotels still available?
To help you get ready, visit the CDC's Tips to Prepare to Shelter.
Supplies
With the pandemic, the supply chain for food and resources is continuously shifting based on varying factors.
Review your hurricane plan for purchasing and storing food, filling prescriptions, and other needs to see how it may be altered during the pandemic. Also, ensure you have enough:
- Masks
- Cleaning supplies
- Hand sanitizer
- Soap
There is no need to overstock but be sure to consider your needs in the event of utility outages.
Learn More
Learn more about planning for severe summer weather and hurricane season during COVID-19.