After the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in our area last year, the start of another hurricane season can bring up feelings of worry and anxiety. It’s completely normal to feel this way – but there are healthy steps you can take to care for your emotional well-being as storms approach.

Here are a few helpful ways to stay grounded and emotionally prepared:

• Have a plan—and stick to it. Knowing what you’ll do before a storm arrives helps reduce fear and builds confidence. Make sure your plan includes your loved ones, pets, medications, and important documents. The American Red Cross is a great resource for preparation checklists.
• Stick to the facts. Stay informed with reliable updates so you can make sound decisions, but try to avoid constant exposure to dramatic news coverage that focuses only on destruction – it can fuel anxiety rather than help.
• Lean on your support system. Whether it’s family, friends, neighbors, or others in your program, staying connected can make a big difference. Preparing alongside others helps ease fears and builds a sense of shared resilience.
• Take care of your body. Eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep all contribute to stronger mental health. A healthy routine helps you feel more in control and better equipped to handle uncertainty.
• Support your children. Kids pick up on adult stress. Reassure them with honest, age-appropriate information, limit their exposure to storm coverage, and keep routines as normal as possible to help them feel safe.

No one faces hurricane season alone. ACTS is here to support you before, during, and after the storm. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to your ACTS program team – we’re here to help.