
Barnstable County’s Emergency Preparedness Director Chip Reilly Urges Residents to Be Ready as Atlantic Hurricane Season Approaches

Atlantic hurricane season officially begins this coming Saturday, June 1 and ends November 30, 2024. National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) meteorologists are predicting 17–25 named storms and 8–13 hurricanes, with 4–7 of those anticipated to be major hurricanes. This year’s seasonal probability of hurricanes is anticipated to be above normal, at 85%. For additional information regarding NOAA’s hurricane activity projections for 2024, visit: NOAA predicts above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In an interview this week with WCAI’s Patrick Flanary, Chip Reilly, Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment’s Emergency Preparedness Director, reminds residents and visitors “all it takes is one” and urges them to partake in some simple personal preparedness activities.
Chip’s tops tips include the following:
- “It all starts with being informed”. Watch weather models and listen to National Weather Service Alerts.
- Build a kit and have an emergency plan for your family. Your kit should contain food, water, first aid supplies, and copies of vital documents.
- Medication is the most important component of any readiness kit, especially for our seniors. You should have at least 30 days of medications and extra assistive items such as a cane or eyeglasses at the ready.
Remember, as Chip mentions, we’re overdue for a “large impact weather event” here on the Cape. A little bit of preparation goes a long way towards making us more resilient as individuals and ultimately, as a community.
Listen to the entirety of Chip’s segment at ‘All it takes is one.’ Prepare for an above-normal hurricane season | CAI (capeandislands.org).
Cape Cod Cooperative Extension’s Coastal Flood and Erosion Agents collaborated with Woods Hole Sea Grant to bring you the Massachusetts Homeowner’s Handbook to Prepare for Coastal Hazards. This free handbook was created to help you prepare for natural hazards, such as hurricanes, so that risks to family and property may be reduced. While it is never possible to eliminate all damage from a natural disaster, you as a homeowner can take action and implement many small and cost-effective steps that could significantly lower your risk. Click Here to Download the Massachusetts Homeowner’s Handbook to Prepare for Coastal Hazards.
Looking for more hurricane preparedness tips and information? Visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Hurricane Preparedness Page for a selection of important themes including:
Prepare Before Hurricane Season
Understand Forecast Information