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Last year was a tumultuous hurricane season of historic significance in the Americas. The Western Hemisphere experienced a powerful trifecta of hurricanes that brought record-breaking, monsoon floods and destructive gale force winds that heavily damaged cities and towns in the United States, and flattened entire islands and countries in the Caribbean.

With increasing water temperatures from El Niño and subsequent global impacts, analysts are predicting a highly active 2018 hurricane season, which officially begins June 1st and runs through November 30th. Traditionally, the bulk of the hurricane activity occurs in mid-August.

For families who are still picking up the pieces from last year's disasters, this year would promise to be as catastrophic to their livelihood should a major hurricane pummel devastated areas again.

Last year we provided over 20,000 hurricane survivors in the U.S. with bottled water, non-perishable food, kitchen/cleaning/hygiene items, and gas and food cards. With a volatile season expected, we urge families to begin their hurricane preparation today.

In advance of the impending season, the humanitarian organization of the Order of Malta is stressing preparation and education, and is providing families easy HurricanePreparednessTips.

"Last year, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria touched down on U.S. soil causing destruction and irreparable damage for many people who were already marginalized in coastal Texas, Puerto Rico, the Florida Keys and the Caribbean. Everybody who lives in hurricane prone areas should know what to do before, during, and after a hurricane. Preparedness saves lives," said Matteo Cinquemani, Emergency Coordinator, Malteser International Americas.

PROJECT GALLERY