Healey declares week of July 7 ‘Hurricane Preparedness Week’

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — Gov. Maura Healey declared the week of July 7 to July 13 Hurricane Preparedness Week in Massachusetts.

Healey’s office said that the reason for the declaration is to “emphasize the importance of planning and preparing for hurricanes and other tropical systems.”

Hurricanes mostly affect Southern New England in August and September, and the governor’s office cited the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration prediction for 17 to 25 named storms to occur in the 2024 hurricane season.

“During Hurricane Preparedness Week, I urge all residents to take stock of their emergency supplies and to plan and prepare ahead of peak hurricane season,” Healey said. “Near-record warm ocean temperatures are expected to fuel more frequent and intense tropical storms, meaning there may be increased likelihood for us in Massachusetts to experience a hurricane.”

The governor added that residents prepare themselves for hurricanes by learning their evacuation zone, making an emergency plan, building an emergency kit, and listening to state emergency alerts.