Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to declare June 2026, as North American Hurricane Awareness Month in the State of New York, at the start of the Atlantic hurricane season

2025 Regular Session

Designate June 2026 as North American Hurricane Awareness Month to boost public preparedness and awareness for hurricane risks in New York.

ADOPTED

Summary of Assembly Resolution No. 1478 (2025-2026) – New York

Purpose

Memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2026 as North American Hurricane Awareness Month in the State of New York, aligning with the start of the Atlantic hurricane season (June 1 to November 30).

Key Provisions and Changes

Formal request to the Governor to designate June 2026 as North American Hurricane Awareness Month within New York State.

The resolution provides contextual information on:

The Atlantic hurricane season duration.
Definitions used by the National Weather Service for tropical systems and hurricane categories (wind speed thresholds: tropical disturbance, tropical depression, tropical storm, and hurricane defined by sustained winds of 74 mph or higher).
Characteristics of hurricane development and structure (eye, size, and rotation).
The scale and implications of hurricane categories, noting that Category 3 or higher is considered major and associated with greater potential damage.

Emphasizes preparedness best practices, including:

Individual and household emergency planning and kit readiness (lists basic supplies: water, food, lighting, radio, first aid, medications, sanitation items, documents, communication plans, cash, emergency blanket, maps).
Evacuation planning steps (family discussion, assigning responsibilities, practicing the plan).
Distinguishing threat levels: hurricane watch (possible within 48 hours) and hurricane warning (expectation of sustained winds of 74 mph within 36 hours).

The resolution frames hurricane preparedness as the most effective form of protection and highlights the harm caused by past storms (e.g., Hurricane Sandy’s impact in 2012).

Who Would Be Affected

The executive branch, specifically the Governor of New York, who would issue the proclamation designating June 2026 as North American Hurricane Awareness Month.

The general public in New York State, through heightened awareness and emphasis on preparedness practices.

Emergency management, public safety, and related agencies may leverage the designation to promote preparedness messaging and public education.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

The bill is an Assembly memorialization (not substantive law) calling on the Governor to issue a proclamation.

History indicates:

Referred earlier and then adopted by the Assembly (Action History shows “REFERRED TO CALENDAR,” followed by “ADOPTED” on May 28, 2026).

No fiscal impact or new regulatory obligations are attached; the measure centers on awareness and recognition.

Practical Impact

Increases public awareness about hurricane risks and preparedness at the start of the Atlantic hurricane season.

Encourages households and communities to implement recommended emergency kits and evacuation planning.

Provides a framework for state-level public messaging and collaboration with agencies and organizations such as the Red Cross.