According to the National Hurricane Center, the 2024 season is expected to be one of the most active on record.

Sally, Katrina, Ivan, Opal…the names of some of history's most powerful hurricanes are well known to the people of Alabama.

With the official start of hurricane season starting June 1, FEMA and Alabama Emergency Management Agency officials urge Alabama residents to prepare themselves, their families and their property now. Forecasts predict a very active season, with global weather patterns and historically high ocean temperatures creating enhanced conditions for tropical development.

"Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem," said Robert Samaan, FEMA Region 4 administrator, cautioning against complacency from non-coastal communities. "Heavy rain, wind, floodwaters and even tornadoes happen far inland from where a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall. That's why it's so important for everyone to know what threats they face and how best to prepare."

Alabamians can take simple steps now to get prepared:

• Type your address into FEMA's Flood Map and assess your risk by going to https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home.
• Evacuate if told to do so; Text SHELTER to 43362 to find nearby emergency shelters in case of evacuation.
• Find your county's emergency manager by going to https://ema.alabama.gov/county-ema-directory/. The manager for Baldwin County is Tom Tyler, and he can be reached at (251) 972-6806 or by emailing bcema@baldwincountyal.gov.
• Download the FEMA App to receive real-time weather emergency alerts for up to five different locations by going to https://www.ready.gov/fema-app.
• Utilize resources from the Alabama Department of Senior Services if needed by going to https://alabamaageline.gov/ or calling 1-800-AGELINE.
• Dial 211 for unmet needs.

"The National Hurricane Center has predicted a very active hurricane season," said the director of Alabama Emergency Management Agency, Jeff Smitherman. "Now is a very good opportunity for Alabama citizens to prepare and be ready should we be impacted."

Bottom line: don't put off your family's safety – get prepared for hurricane season now. Find more information at Ready.Gov/Hurricanes in English or Listo.gov/Huracanes in Spanish.