As the 2023 Hurricane Season surges toward its peak, communities are urged to heighten their vigilance and take decisive measures to safeguard their loved ones and property.

Sherrod James, the Director of the National Offices of Disaster Services, underscores the increasing concreteness of extreme weather events, a shift fueled by the relentless march of climate change.

With an intense sense of urgency, authorities and experts alike emphasize the necessity of preparedness as the unpredictable forces of nature grow more formidable. Against the backdrop of a changing climate landscape, Sherrod James maintains that the once-distant specter of extreme weather is now an undeniable reality.

He said the imperative to secure homes, ensure the safety of family members, and fortify communities against impending storms remains more urgent than ever before.

“We need to start looking at my plans for my home because we start with the home and then continue to work from there,” James said.

He encouraged the public to ensure they have emergency kits, a list of allergies affecting family members, ensure the elderly have adequate medication, and download the Cap Cap app to stay connected with the latest weather updates.

“We know people are tempted to go online and look for information from several agencies. However, the met office is the only entity focused on us and what is happening,” James added.

He also explained that training is ongoing for volunteers and others who work with NODS year-round.

The advice from the disaster official comes amidst the updated advisory from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which has increased its 2023 Atlantic hurricane season from “near normal” to “above normal.”

NOAA forecasters now call for 14 to 21 named storms. Of those, it predicts that six to 11 could become hurricanes, of which two to five could become major hurricanes. The update includes storms that have already formed this season.

An “average” season produces 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale defines major hurricanes. This scale only considers wind speed—it does not factor in rainfall, storm surges, or tornadoes. A “major hurricane” is a Category 3, 4 or 5, with a wind range of 111 mph to 157 mph and higher.

A Category 3 or higher can cause catastrophic property damage and power outages, forcing people out of their homes for days to several months.