(Lebanon, N.H. – May 24, 2024) Global Rescue, the leading provider of travel risk management services, outlines five hurricane survival tips as National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) officials predict above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30, predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season, a 10% chance of a near-normal season and a 5% chance of a below-normal season, according to officials.

NOAA is forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms. Of those, up to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes, including up to 7 becoming major hurricanes. A Category 1 hurricane generates tropical winds of 74 miles per hour or more along with torrential rain, thunder and lightning. In a Category 5 hurricane, wind speeds can easily double to devastating gusts of nearly 160 miles per hour.

“Weather tracking technology allows people to track hurricanes well in advance of landfall, giving them ample time to prepare their homes and evacuate, if needed,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, the leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services. “Nevertheless, every year there’s are some who stay put because they are unwilling or unable to do otherwise.”

The following five tips will help residents and travelers prepare for a hurricane and post-storm survival:

  • Evacuate if you can. If officials issue an evacuation order, don’t ignore it. Follow instructions issued by local officials.
  • Know where to get hurricane information. You can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your mobile phone from the National Weather Service.
  • Pack a small “go bag” that is easily carried, such as a small backpack, in case you are forced to leave quickly. Make sure it includes a change of clothes, toiletries, extra medications and important personal documents and identifications. Have cash in small denominations on hand. Be sure to inform friends and family of your plans.
  • Know your shelter options. If you do have to evacuate, make sure you know your evacuation routes and your destination. Airports, inland hotels on high ground are good options. If you are sheltering in place, be prepared. Stay away from windows, close the heavy drapes to protect from shattering glass and take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway.
  • Keep your devices charged. Power could go out for days, or longer, following a hurricane. It all depends on the local infrastructure. Wherever you are, it’s imperative to have multiple backups for charging your phone, tablets or laptops so you can stay connected to emergency services.

“Severe weather and emergencies can happen at any moment, which is why individuals and communities need to be prepared today,” said FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik A. Hooks. “Already, we are seeing storms move across the country that can bring additional hazards like tornadoes, flooding and hail.”

Storm surge is the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths. As water from the ocean pushes toward the shore from the force of the winds, storm surges can demolish buildings, undermine roads and erode coastlines. “Even if you’re not located directly on the coast, damage from a storm surge can occur more than 100 miles inland. The results can be catastrophic,” Richards said.

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Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.