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BOSTON (WBZNewsRadio) - The good news is the horizon is clear of any tropical storms of hurricanes, but as we enter peak hurricane season, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency officials are urging residents to make sure they're prepared.
"We're really getting into the peak of hurricane season. Late august into September is really the peak hurricane season in New England, when those storms have occurred." Public Information Officer with MEMA Chris Besse said.
Earlier this week Governor Baker declared July 11-16 Hurricane Preparedness week. Right now, ahead of peak season is the perfect calm before the storm to make sure your family is prepared for the worst. Families should have an emergency kit on hand that will last 3-5 days.
Every family is different and your emergency kit should reflect that, but there are some essentials everyone should make sure they have on hand.
The core list includes: Bottled water, non-perishable food items, any medicine you might need, food and medicine for household pets and essential personal hygiene items. Those with specific medical needs or disabilities may need to take additional steps to prepare as emergencies can cause disruptions in treatments or home health care services.
If you don't have these items readily available, don't worry, purchasing them doesn't have to break the bank.
"Buy a little each week, buy one extra bottle of water each week and put it aside." Besse told WBZ's Nichole Davis, "And the other thing is, with some of these supplies, if people buy them, they can rotate them into use overtime."
It's also important to remember, even if you're living inland, it doesn't mean you're immune from the worst a hurricane or tropical storm has to offer.
"You should be prepared for power outages no matter where you live." He said.
For those living in coastal communities, Besse said you should 'know your zone' on the state's Hurricane Evacuation Zone Map. Also important is having an evacuation plan.
"Making sure you've got the supplies, maybe a little check list if you did need to evacuate your house, what you're going bring with you. an idea of where you'd go, a friends house, a family members house a shelter." Besse said.
For more information on how to prepare, you can head to MEMA's website.
WBZ's Nichole Davis (@NicholeDWBZ) reports
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