The Atlantic hurricane season is June to November, with the peak season from mid-August to late October. On average there are 6 hurricanes, three of which are categorized as “major,” each year. History provides important examples of the potentially dangerous impact hurricanes can have and the need to be prepared.

    • The deadliest hurricane in U.S. history,21 referred to as the “Great Galveston Hurricane,” struck Texas in 1900 and resulted in an estimated 11,000 deaths.
  • Since 1851, the top three states for hurricane landfalls are Florida (114), Texas (63), and Louisiana (54), according to data from the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory in Miami.
  • Hurricane Sandy caused 8.5 million power outages across 21 states, the highest outage total ever.
  • 23 days after Hurricane Katrina local utilities had power restored to only three-quarters of their customers.

ESFI offers these safety tips to help you

Prepare for the storm

  • Charge all phone and communications devices
  • Unplug all electronics and move them as high as possible
  • If recommended by utilities or emergency offices, turn off breakers to avoid power surges

Weather the storm

  • Stay indoors during hurricanes and away from windows and glass
  • Never operate a portable generator inside your home
  • Never connect a generator directly into your home’s wiring unless a transfer switch has been installed
  • Always use GFCIs in areas where water and electricity may come in contact

Recover from the storm

  • Do not use electrical equipment and electronics, including receptacles, that have been submerged in water
  • Have a qualified electrician inspect any water-damaged electrical equipment and electronics
  • Stay away from downed power lines. If you encounter a downed power line, stay at least 35 feet away and do not touch the line or anything that may be in contact with the line