Prepare for an “Above Normal” 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and now is the best time to ensure you and your loved ones are prepared. Forecasters within the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service predict above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year. The impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities. 

Here are four ways you can stay prepared this year:

1. Reduce Your Flood Risk 

Emergency preparedness starts with knowing your risks. In Arlington, the biggest risk associated with hurricane season is flooding. Hurricane-related flooding could inundate areas with low to moderate flood risk. 

• Explore your property’s flood risk.  

• Know how to shut off the electricity and gas to your house in the event of flooding. 

• Make a household inventory of belongings, especially contents in the basement. 

• If your home needs a sump pump, get a battery backup if the power goes out. Check the pump regularly, especially if it’s more than eight years old. 

• Purchase a flood insurance policy. 

• Save copies of birth certificates, passports, medical records, and insurance papers in a safe, dry place, or store photographs of them in the cloud. Keep original documents in a watertight safety deposit box. 

Learn more about how you can reduce your risk of flooding

2. Stay Informed and Know Who to Call  

Identify multiple ways to stay informed about emergencies. 

• Sign up for free local emergency weather and traffic alerts at ArlingtonAlert.com. 

• Visit the ReadyArlington webpage for free preparedness resources and follow ReadyArlington on X. 

• Follow weather updates from The Weather Channel and NOAA Weather. 

Follow Arlington County departments on social media for additional news and updates: 

• County: X | Facebook 

• Police: X | Facebook 

• Fire: X | Facebook 

• Environmental Services: X | Facebook 

Knowing who to call during an emergency can save lives. Write down important phone numbers and keep them somewhere safe in case of power outages. 

3. Make a Plan 

Ensure you and your family are prepared for hurricanes and major storms by planning ahead. Consider the specific needs of your household such as transportation, prescriptions, language translation, and medical equipment. 

• Key information: Include emergency phone numbers, transportation options, and any special needs. Keep this information safe in case of power outages. 

• Assemble an emergency kit: Gather basic supplies for at least three days, including food, water, and medications (and don't forget to include the needs of pets!). 

• Know evacuation routes: Locate the nearest shelter and different routes to get there. If shelter locations in your area have not been identified, learn how to find them. 

• Talk to your children: Discuss emergency preparedness and what to do in case you are separated. 

• Pet owners: Identify pet-friendly shelters or accommodations. Local animal shelters may be able to offer advice on what to do with your pets in the event of an evacuation. 

Learn more about making an emergency plan

4. Get Involved and Help Others Prepare