What do the names Chris, Debby, Kirk, and Nadine have in common?

If you answered that they are all relatives you will see at your next family barbecue…sorry, but that wasn’t the answer I was looking for. The answer is that they are all names of hurricanes or tropical storms that occurred in 2012.

The month of May precedes hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th in the Atlantic Ocean and May 15th to November 30th in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. While hurricanes can pose a great threat to life and property, they also can impact mental health negatively; this can be especially true for people who live in communities that have been through prior storms such as Katrina or Sandy. From the time that a tropical disturbance forms in the ocean and is announced via television or radio, to the aftermath of and recovery from a hurricane, these events can create stress resulting in physical and emotional impacts. These effects can include feelings of fear, anxiety, and psychological distress, or present as elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, or difficulty sleeping.

Taking steps to prepare before a storm can help reduce the stress or worry you may face related to meeting basic necessities, securing your important possessions, and ensuring individual safety. Fundamental planning and preparedness strategies include:

• Start a Conversation. It's important that you know who you are counting on in an emergency and who is counting on you. For some people, that's pretty obvious - parents know that young children depend on them and spouses probably already know that they are in this together. But sometimes who you can count on isn't so obvious - particularly for groups of friends or people without family in the area. So take some time to think about who you are counting on - and who is counting on you - for support during a hurricane. Then take some time to talk with them and make sure you are on the same page.
• Gather Information and Stay Connected: Knowing the unique hazards of where you live will help inform your planning and preparedness priorities; you can also sign up for state-based alerts to stay connected.
• Make a Disaster Plan: Have an emergency plan that covers communication, sheltering in place, and evacuation. Know what to do before, during and after the storm.
• Complete a Preparedness Checklist: This should include things such as having emergency phone numbers and copies of important documents, knowing how to register for programs such as the American Red Cross Safe and Well website, and having a disaster supplies kit.
• Get Your Kids Involved: Involving your kids in a disaster planning now can help them cope with a disaster when it happens. If you have little ones, check out Sesame Street’s Let’s Get Ready! Planning for Emergencies. If your kids are a little older, try FEMA’s preparedness-themed activities. Have your older kids help you plan for a Zombie Apocalypse and they’ll be better able to deal with a real emergency.
• Protect Your Furry Friends: Plans and kits aren’t just for people. Learn what you need to put in your go-bag with the ASPCA’s Emergency Supplies and Traveling Kits Checklist. Also, remember that not all shelters accept pets, so make sure that you have made plans in advance – check out tips from FEMA to help you plan.
• Plan for Older Adults: Older adults often have special needs in disaster, including mobility issues, dependence on medications or other special needs. Not sure what to plan for? Check out Emergency Readiness for Older Adults and Caregivers.
• Practice Your Plan: Having a plan is good, practicing your plan is even better!

While graduations, barbecues, reunions, pool parties, and other outdoor summer gatherings have their own unique hazards (make sure to bring the sunscreen and insect repellent), don’t let these events get in the way of preparing yourself and your family for hurricane season. Getting informed, staying connected, and having a plan will reduce your stress and other headaches in the future.