With many storms already occurring earlier in the year, this Atlantic hurricane season is proving to be different- and stronger- than past ones. In the midst of this coronavirus pandemic, FEMA is urging people to prepare as early as possible.
FEMA administrator Pete Gaynor recently stated how disaster plans are being altered accordingly to best work within the current crisis. He explained how having safe shelters for people, as well as testing people for coronavirus before entering these shelters, makes the process more complex than before.
Gaynor expressed how plans are being attempted to be made that implement the least amount of in-person contact as possible, and stressed that while FEMA is here for support, it is ultimately up to local and state officials to make decisions in regards to the best way to work through this coming hurricane season.
There is an $80-billion-dollar disaster fund currently set up for this hurricane season, however only time will tell if this fund will be enough to cover disaster that may arise throughout the season. Many areas are already struggling financially due to coronavirus, and so an impactful hurricane season will only make matters more difficult.
Many necessary precautions are being made by local and state officials as well as FEMA, however people should still make sure they prepare in any way they personally can as well. Including hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial cleaning supplies to your emergency kit as well as making sure you have a safe emergency shelter in place can help you prepare for this hurricane season.
More information can be found at Ready.gov, or on the FEMA app.
