Global Catholic Disaster Relief Organization Urges Families to Prepare Early for Highly Active Hurricane Season

NEW YORK - May 16, 2018 - PRLog -- Last year was a tumultuous hurricane season of historic significance in the Americas. The Western Hemisphere experienced a powerful trifecta of hurricanes that brought record-breaking, monsoon floods and destructive gale force winds that heavily damaged cities and towns in the United States, and flattened entire islands and countries in the Caribbean.

With increasing water temperatures from El Niño and subsequent global impacts, analysts are predicting a highly active 2018 hurricane season, which officially begins June 1st and runs through November 30th. For families who are still picking up the pieces from last year's disasters, this year would promise to be as catastrophic to their livelihood should a major hurricane pummel devastated areas again.

Traditionally, the bulk of the hurricane activity occurs in mid-August, but Malteser International Americas – a disaster relief organization that last year provided over 20,000 hurricane survivors in the U.S. with bottled water, non-perishable food, kitchen/cleaning/hygiene items, and gas and food cards – urges families to begin their hurricane preparation today.

In advance of the impending season, the humanitarian organization of the Order of Malta is stressing preparation and education, and is providing families easy Hurricane Preparedness Tips, here.  Spanish version is also available here.  

"Last year, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria touched down on U.S. soil causing destruction and irreparable damage for many people who were already marginalized in coastal Texas, Puerto Rico, the Florida Keys and the Caribbean. Everybody who lives in hurricane prone areas should know what to do before, during, and after a hurricane. Preparedness saves lives," said Matteo Cinquemani, Emergency Coordinator, Malteser International Americas.

While Malteser International Americas encourages families to review the Hurricane Preparedness Tips in full, three main protocols to follow before, during, and after a hurricane include:

EDUCATION: Know and monitor the early warning systems available (on radio, TV, internet, cell phone); Have knowledge of the closest government-designated shelter and of your evacuation routes.

EVACUATION: Ensure your vehicle is fueled-up and your evacuation carry-on emergency kit ready in case you need to leave (keep it light: ID, small valuables, cell-phone, radio, flashlight, spare batteries, maps, whistle, energy food & water, small first-aid kit, essential medicines, prescription glasses, adequate clothing and shoes).

HIBERNATION: Store food, water, medical supplies and other basic commodities before the hurricane (to last up to 3 days); Secure your possession/house against high winds: garden/patio tables & chairs and other outdoor furniture, motorbikes, bicycles, signs, fences, doors, gates, external lights; rain gutters, trim dead branches from nearby trees; If your house has no shutters, plan to tape or board your windows to prevent shattering, secure your doors against high winds.

For more information on the humanitarian relief and development efforts of Malteser International Americas, visit www.orderofmaltarelief.org.

About Malteser International Americas:

Malteser International Americas is an affiliate of Malteser International, the global humanitarian relief organization of the Order of Malta. Malteser International Americas provides emergency relief and sustainable, community-based programs focused on health, nutrition, clean water, sanitation & hygiene, and disaster preparedness, to vulnerable people in North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. For over 60 years, the humanitarian organization's focus remains to empower people to live healthier, better, more resilient lives with dignity. Visit www.orderofmaltarelief.org to learn more.