The 2023 hurricane season was extraordinarily tame for the United States. While there were 20 storms, seven of them hurricanes and three of Category 3 or more, only one hurricane — Idalia, which battered Florida and South Georgia in late August — directly affected the United States last year.

By contrast, forecasters expect the 2024 hurricane season, which begins June 1, to be “extremely active,” according to The Weather Channel. It cites a prediction from Colorado State University’s tropical meteorology project team that was released in early April. The team forecast 23 storms, 11 of them hurricanes and five reaching Category 3 or stronger.

It goes without saying that we don’t want any of them coming our way — but storms go where they will.

With that in mind, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, in partnership with the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is recognizing this week, May 5-11, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week. This is the ideal time for Georgians to learn and recognize the risks tropical systems pose, as well as plan and prepare for what to do before, during and after a storm.

Each day during the National Hurricane Preparedness Week, GEMA/HS is highlighting one planning recommendation. Georgia residents can follow along and take action all week to ensure their families, homes and pets are safe in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm.

— Sunday, May 5: Know Your Risk: Wind & Water – Find out what types of wind and water hazards could happen where you live. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Impacts from wind and water can be felt hundreds of miles inland, and significant impacts can occur regardless of the storm’s strength.

— Monday, May 6: Prepare Before Hurricane Season – Avoid having to rush through potentially life-saving preparations by waiting until it’s too late. Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.

— Tuesday, May 7: Understand Forecast Information – Prepare for hurricane season by knowing how to understand forecasts. They can tell you a lot about what is expected, including the storm’s paths, rainfall amounts, wind speeds, and more.

— Wednesday, May 8: Get Moving When a Storm Threatens – Do you know what to do when a storm threatens? Prepare for hurricane season by taking the time now to understand the actions needed when time is of the essence.

— Thursday, May 9: Stay Protected During Storms – Be prepared for hurricane season by knowing what to do during a storm. Whether you’ve evacuated or are sheltering in place, know what to expect from the hazards you may face. Remain vigilant, stay up-to-date with the latest forecasts and alerts, and continue to listen to local officials.

— Friday, May 10: Use Caution After Storms – A key part of hurricane preparedness is understanding the dangers that remain well after a storm. This is not the time to put your guard down. Nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur after the storm.

— Saturday, May 11: Take Action Today – Take action today to be better prepared for when the worst happens. Understand your risk from hurricanes, and begin pre-season preparations now. Make sure you understand how to interpret forecasts and alerts, and know what to do before, during, and after a storm.

For more information on how to prepare for hurricanes, visit gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia and https://www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep. To learn about specific risks in our area, contact the local emergency management agency.