EPA Encourages Hurricane Preparedness Across the Southeast for Hurricane Season
ATLANTA (June 1, 2026) — Atlantic hurricane season officially starts today, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is encouraging residents, businesses, and state and local governments across the Southeast to take proactive steps to prepare for potential hurricanes, flooding, and severe weather events.
Advance planning and preparedness can help protect lives, property, infrastructure, and the environment before storms make landfall.
“Preparation remains one of the most effective tools communities have during hurricane season,” said EPA Region 4 Administrator Kevin McOmber. “Taking steps now to secure homes, safeguard hazardous materials, and strengthen emergency response plans can help reduce risks to public health, protect the environment, and support faster recovery efforts after a storm.”
EPA continues to work with federal, state, tribal, and local partners to support emergency preparedness and response efforts throughout hurricane-prone areas of the Southeast. The agency is also reminding facility operators of their responsibilities to prevent, minimize, and report chemical releases that may result from severe weather and storm-related flooding.
EPA’s hurricane preparedness resources provide guidance for:
Preventing and reporting chemical releases during severe weather
Preparing drinking water and wastewater utilities
Managing storm debris safely and effectively
Protecting communities and emergency responders from environmental hazards
Because hurricanes can often be tracked days before landfall, EPA encourages facilities and communities to use that time to implement protective measures and emergency response procedures.
Access preparedness resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at:
English FEMA resources
Recursos de FEMA en español:
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