Jun 1, 2009 5:54 pm US/Eastern
Hurricane Season Officially Underway
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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The 2009 Atlantic hurricane season begins in just a few hours and so far, nothing major is brewing.
CBS
Monday marks the official start of the hurricane season. Though the experts say we'll only get an average amount of storms, as
Mike Schuh reports, local disaster planners say it only takes one.
Nine to 14 hurricanes or tropical storms are predicted for the Atlantic this year. Those who try to manage disasters look to the Boy Scout motto: be prepared.
"It can happen here," said Bob Maloney.
It fact, it has. Isabel wasn't even that strong but it cost millions.
"That would come up the bay unobstructed would wreak some pretty good devastation," Maloney said.
"Whether or not the Atlantic basin has a strong or weak season, it's what hits us here in Baltimore," said Chris Strong with the National Weather Service.
"We want everone to go 72 hours without our help," Maloney said.
So beside the usual emergency kit, consisting of water, first aid supplies, a flashlight and a radio, you may want to add some more items.
It's going to cost you probably $20 to $40, but there are a number of things you can do absolutely free. For instance, checking on your neighbors, going to get all your meds together and then also having a list of your emergency telephone numbers, anyone you want to call.
Maybe we'll be spared, but keep this in mind.
"The people who are prepared have a better chance," Maloney said.
The hurricane season ends in November.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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