This is national hurricane week and I just attended the 2019 East Coast Hurricane Awareness tour that took place at Quonset Point in Rhode Island.

The 2019 hurricane season begins June 1st and ends November 30th.  We all remember how devastating the last two seasons have been, especially in Puerto Rico, Texas and North Carolina. 

My area, southern new england, is a high risk zone mainly because we are overdue.  Our estimated average is one major landfalling hurricane in 25 years.  Our last landfall, Bob, was in 1991 -- that's 28 years ago.  You do the math.

Here is some further information to seriously think about:  (source "The ProJo" May 10, 2019)

"In the years since the 1938 and 1954 (Carol) hurricanes, sea level rise and development along the coast have exacerbated the threat to people and property in southern New England, according to public safety officials."

"Hurricanes don't have to make a direct hit or pack as much wallop as the Hurricane of 1938 and Carol to wreak havoc on the region.  Hurricane Bob hit Rhode Island as a Category 2 hurricane in August 1991.  Hurricane Sandy was a post-tropical cyclone when it hit land at Atlantic City, New Jersey in October 2012, but the storm surge was powerful enough to ravage much of the Rhode Island coastline."

Here are some preparation tips from the experts:

"Find out if you live in a zone that's likely to flood.  You can check on the National Hurricane Center website."

"Put together an emergency kit and check emergency equipment such as flashlights, generators and storm shutters."

"Make and review a family emergency plan.  Before an emergency happens, sit down with your family or close friends and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go, and what you will do."

"Get more information on making a plan at the Department of Homeland Security's website."

"Review your insurance policies to ensure that you have adequate coverage for your home and personal property."

"Consider flood insurance and remember water damage can happen well away from the coast."