IAFF Prepares for 2009 Hurricane Season

June 2, 2009 – With the 2009 hurricane season officially beginning June 1, the IAFF will be working with affiliates to review and address emergency response issues in the event of a serious storm.

In its initial outlook for the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season, which through November, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association's (NOAA) National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center calls for a 50 percent probability of a near-normal season, a 25 percent probability of an above-normal season and a 25 percent probability of a below-normal season.

Global weather patterns are imposing a greater uncertainty in the 2009 hurricane season outlook than in recent years. Forecasters indicate there is a 70 percent chance of nine to 14 named storms, of which four to seven could become hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5).

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to work with state, local and federal partners to increase preparedness and coordinate response and recovery in the case of a hurricane or other disaster. FEMA is continuing its emergency notification service and will provide continuous Updates During Disasters to those who subscribe to this service.

The IAFF maintains our Disaster Relief Fund program, where emergency grants are awarded to IAFF members who experience a catastrophic loss of their home, is displaced and in financial hardship as a result of the loss. This program began in 1993 as a nonprofit, tax exempt trust fund to provide immediate cash to IAFF members in time of greatest need. The Disaster Relief Fund was established after the IAFF and affiliates throughout Florida provided assistance to its members following Hurricane Andrew. For more information, click here.