Preparing for hurricane season is about protecting your household and knowing how to help when a storm hits.
June marks the beginning of Atlantic Hurricane season in the US. While no major hurricane made landfall in 2025 for the first time in a decade, it isn’t a wise gamble to predict a similar outcome this year.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a 10% chance of an above-normal season and a 35% chance of a near-normal season.
Specifically, its 2026 Atlantic hurricane season outlook calls for a 70% probability of between 8 and 14 named storms, 3 to 6 hurricanes, and 1 to 3 major hurricanes. These ranges fall below the “normal” season averages of 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes.
Most of the predicted activity is likely to occur during August-September-October (ASO), the peak months of the hurricane season.
A prudent approach is to focus on preparedness and readiness for the range of possible outcomes.
Just two seasons ago, Hurricane Helene caused significant damage after making landfall in Florida, with impacts felt far inland, including catastrophic flooding, wind damage, and widespread power outages across parts of the Southeast, including Western North Carolina and East Tennessee, not the first places you think of when you think of “coastal” storms.
In preparation for the season, here are some tips taken from both the CDC and American Red Cross about staying safe in case a dangerous hurricane makes an unwanted appearance in your neck of the woods.
Keep in mind this is not a comprehensive list, so please visit the above sites and pay attention to local authorities and resources as well.
Formulate a plan. Keep emergency numbers handy. Locate the nearest shelter, including those that accept animals.
Gather emergency supplies. Include nonperishable food, plenty of water, power sources, and basic tools. Don’t forget essentials such as medication and important paperwork.
Prepare your home. Clear your yard of debris, cover windows and doors, and ensure you have plenty of batteries for important devices such as carbon monoxide and fire alarms.
Fill your car’s gas tank. Fuel may be harder to find once a storm is approaching or after power outages.
Visit the National Hurricane Center. Check the Center’s hurricane watches and warnings for the latest information.
Tips from the Wise Giving Alliance about giving in hurricane aftermath:
Understand what issues the charity is addressing. Is the organization focused on food, shelter, medical care, cleanup or long-term rebuilding? Visit charity websites to learn about the specific activities the charity is engaged in.
Be cautious of in-kind gifts. While well-meaning, the logistics of shipping physical items can be extremely difficult during disasters. Monetary donations tend to be more efficient during emergencies. When making an in-kind contribution it is best to work through charities that have established distribution networks already in place.
Sustained giving is crucial. Remember that charities need money well before and after the storm. Sustained giving can be a good choice as preparedness, cleanup, and rebuilding, doesn’t happen overnight.
Verify charity trustworthiness. Consider giving to charities that meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., BBB Accredited Charities). Visit Give.org to find an organization doing important disaster relief work.
For more information and tips on giving wisely after a disaster, visit our Disaster Relief and Preparedness cause page.
Stay safe, give wisely, and enjoy the beginning of vacation season.
We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:
Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.
