March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 40 F

Annapolis Prepared For Hurricane Season

2013_hurricane_map_Mar_271The National Hurricane Center announced that the 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins June 1 and ends November 30.  Peak season in Annapolis generally occurs from mid-August to late October.  The hurricane season outlook, issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), forecasts an “active or extremely active” season this year.

Hurricanes pose a threat to life and property. The City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Preparedness & Risk Management (EPARM) encourages residents to 1) stay informed 2) make a plan 3) make a kit.

One way to stay informed is the City’s CodeRED emergency notification system.  The public can sign up at http://www.annapolis.gov/eparm by clicking on the CodeRED logo.

EPARM has already met with community associations to discuss how residents can prepare for the hurricane season and severe weather.  Community groups interested in having EPARM staff attend a meeting should call (410) 216-9167. All families and businesses should have a disaster preparedness plan and an emergency kit for the start of the hurricane season to stay ahead of any storm.   For more information on what to include in a hurricane kit, visit http://www.annapolis.gov/eparm

When a storm or other major event impacts the City of Annapolis, EPARM manages City resources and coordinates emergency response and recovery efforts.  City Departments and County agencies work together to support Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations throughout all phases of a hurricane.

According to NOAA’s Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook, there is a 70 percent likelihood of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 7 to 11 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher).

These ranges are well above the seasonal average of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.

The City Council unanimously adopted the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, which reduces the impact of disasters before they occur, and makes Annapolis eligible for disaster reimbursement funding.

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