Hurricane Season ‘04

 

            With hurricane season at our heels again, many of us are going to be very complacent this season mainly because all of the false alarms we have had over the past several years. This type of thinking could be deadly if the big one makes it’s way toward our coast and doesn’t turn.  Also, many of our new residents have never had the experience of a major hurricane knocking on their door. This guide to hurricane preparedness will give you insight on what you should do before, during and after the storm. 

            Since this season is predicted to be a very bad season, preparation and planning will be more critical then ever. The experts at NOAA say the season outlook is for 12 – 15 tropical storms with six to eight becoming hurricanes. They predict we will have two to four major hurricanes. The experts are urging all residents on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts to be prepared.

            Many experts believe we are entering a 20-year cycle that will rival the 50’s and 60’s when land falling hurricanes were all too common. So what can we all do to be ready? Follow these basic hurricane preparedness tips and make your family disaster plan today.

            Here is what you should do at the very beginning of the season:

1.      Develop a family emergency plan –

a.      Discuss what type of hazards that could affect your family. Be sure to know if your home is in a flood zone or could be affected by a storm surge.

b.      Locate the safest room in your home and make this your “safe space” in the event of the worst-case scenario.

c.       Know what routes you will take in the event of an evacuation. Have several routes planned based on what direction you will be evacuating. This will be determined by the storms projected movement.

d.      Make plans for your pet if you need to evacuate. Remember, pets are not allowed in shelters and in many motels.

e.      Check your insurance coverage before the season starts.

f.        Stock up on non-perishable food, batteries, water etc. Rotate your food stocks throughout the season to keep your supplies fresh. You should also purchase a NOAA weather radio now. It could save your life.

2.      Make a disaster supply kit. You should stock up on the following items—

a.      Water. Allow at least 7 gallons per person.

b.       Food for at least a week for each member of your family.

c.       Be sure to include blankets, pillows and weather resistant clothing in your package.

d.      Stock up on toothpaste and other necessities.

e.      Batteries. You will need plenty is the power is out for an extended period.

f.        Have all your important documents in a safe place.

3.      Safeguard your home—

              a. Check your roof for loose shingles and repair

                               if necessary. If you have a gabled roof, be

                                sure to brace it securely in the attic.

b.      Be sure to have some type of shutter system

for your home. Every opening in your home

should be protected. Don’t forget to brace the garage door.

            This is just a basic list of many of the things you need to be thinking about now. If you have special needs or take medications, these will all have to be included in your family disaster plan. A good idea is to plan a mock “hurricane warning” so you can test your plan and see if it needs any adjustments.

            Okay, a hurricane watch has just been issued for your area. What should I do? First of all, do not panic. A hurricane watch simply means that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 24 to 36 hours. At this point, you should have your emergency plan ready to go and check your stocks of food water and batteries. Now is the time to also fuel your car and get extra cash in case a warning is issued.

            If a hurricane warning is issued you should activate your family emergency plan. Listen to the latest information about the storm and start planning on if you will stay or evacuate. If you evacuate, do so early to avoid being stuck in traffic. If you stay, ready your disaster supply kit and get your house ready with shutters etc. If you are asked to evacuate, do so promptly and follow all instructions issued by law enforcement officials.

            Remember, being ready can make preparing for or weathering a storm as safe and trouble free as possible. For the latest in tropical updates, listen to local news or log in at JOESDISCOWEATHERCENTRAL.COM.