On this sixth day of Hurricane Preparedness Week, government agencies are recommending that people in areas that are vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes should reach out to their neighbors to work together in planning for disaster well before any storm threat arrives.

According to the National Weather Service, many Americans rely on their neighbors after a disaster, but there are also many ways people can help  their neighbors before a hurricane approaches. These include helping neighbors, especially those that are elderly and/or lack mobility and new families with newborns, with getting supplies ahead of a storm’s potential impact.  With traffic likely during large evacuation efforts, car pooling can be key to getting you and your neighbors out on a timely basis. Coordinate with your neighbors to limit traffic by reducing the number of vehicles on the roads. The National Weather Service also reminds people to check-in with neighbors after the storm to see if any help is needed.