Hurricane Ian recently slammed the coast of southwestern Florida, which marks the beginning of hurricane season in the United States. Hurricanes are formed by warm and humid air over the ocean, and the season lasts from June 1 until November 30.  Entering the heart of the season, it is crucial that people are aware of why hurricanes occur and how to protect themselves.

          Although Connecticut isn’t as prone to hurricanes as other parts of the world, there are still efforts that all people can make to decrease the likelihood of severe storms.  

          Foran science teacher Emily Lockhart states, “Every time we flick on a light, start a car, or raise the thermostat in our homes, we are sending more carbon into the air.  This is fueling global warming and increasing the likelihood of another hurricane like Ian.”

          Ensuring safety during a hurricane can be a challenge as some people don’t want to evacuate considering their home is everything they have. That being said, there are measures that homeowners can take to increase their chances of safety and prevent serious damage to property.

          According to an article from Tara Energy, “How Do I Protect My House From a Hurricane?,” depending on the severity of the storm, people could cover their windows, strap down their roofs, and bring as many outdoor items indoors as possible.  In addition, trimming trees, caulking around windows and doors, and barricading the door with heavy furniture or sandbags are also effective precautions. 

          Taking these precautions will increase the likelihood of personal belongings being preserved, as well as the overall safety of anybody affected. 

          If a hurricane is approaching, the article also emphasizes, “If you procrastinate, your local stores may run out of non-perishables and your local gas station may run out of gas.”

          Due to lack of trust in weather reports and media in modern day, it may be easy for some people who are prone to being impacted by hurricanes to downplay any warnings or signals that are sent out to the public. Although people should not completely panic, these warnings should be taken seriously. Hurricanes, no matter how severe, can cause plenty of damage in any area that it surrounds. 

          Foran astronomy teacher Mrs. Laura Donovan warns, “It’s really important for people to stay informed about hurricane season because even though hurricanes themselves are not preventable, the damage they produce and the ways that they can potentially affect people’s lives certainly can be.”

          Listening to weather warnings and news broadcasts is the safest possible way to shield from a hurricane’s destruction, as it provides the public with advice and information that can potentially save lives in the event of a weather emergency.