Here's what you need to know about Hurricane Jose — without the alarmism

Hurricane Jose is still churning several hundred miles away in the Atlantic Ocean, but already reports indicate that the fifth named storm of the 2017 hurricane season will have negative impact on the east coast of the United States.

What you need to know

• Despite being a Category 4 hurricane at the height of its intensity, Jose has weakened to a Category 1.
• Weather Underground meteorologist Jeff Masters has reported that it's unlikely that Jose will make a U.S. landfall, as most computer models indicate that the hurricane will continue to travel in a tight loop and remain hundreds of miles away.
• If the hurricane continues its odd, spiraled path, impacts along the east coast could include rip currents, beach erosion and rough surf, according to AccuWeather.

What you can do

• Have a plan. Regardless of whether or not Jose impacts the east coast, a plan for inclement weather should always be in place and be ready to go at a moment's notice.

  • Keep aware of the risks that might be posed to your area.
  • If you are not under mandatory evacuation orders and opt to stay in your home to ride out the storm, be prepared and stock up on supplies should you be unable to leave the house for several days or should your electricity be off for periods of time.
  • If you are forced to evacuate — or opt to leave — know your local hurricane evacuation route and make a plan as to where you're going to go. Make sure that your vehicle has enough gas, and you have cash on hand should power outages impact ATMs.

• Heed evacuation orders. While you may want to stay in your home for personal reasons, take seriously the advice of officials calling for mandatory evacuations. Allowing yourself to remain in harm's way may put others at risk who, in some cases, might need to assist in a rescue situation.
• Make informed decisions. Only you know what's best for you and those who depend on you for care.
• Relax. Until there's more certainty over the path — and intensity — of the hurricane, the best course of action is to proactively prepare and keep aware.

Remember ...

As Hurricanes Harvey and Irma have demonstrated in recent weeks — despite all of the barriers designed and perceived to keep them apart — Americans always seem to come together in support of one another in times of need and distress.

A Houston police officer with stage 4 cancer helped rescue almost 1,500 people in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

A homeless man in Texas volunteered to help dogs displaced by Harvey.

Another man rescued an elderly woman from her flooded home on a jet ski.

Prayer and praise circles emerged in some of the most devastated places in Houston.

Don't buy into hysteria and don't lose faith.