HURRICANE AWARENESS

Here is some reminder Information you should know about hurricane season 

While the hurricane season for the Atlantic goes from June 1st through November 30th – the peak hurricane season is between August and late October.  Did you know?

A hurricane “watch” means that conditions (with winds up to 74 mph) are possible within the following 48 hours.

 A hurricane “warning” means that conditions (with winds of 74 mph or higher and a tropical cyclone) are expected in 36 hours or less.

So what do you do?   Here is some advice to heed during these conditions:

  • WHEN A ‘WATCH’ IS ANNOUNCED

–   Review evacuation routes and stay abreast of the local news and the recommendations of the local officials.

–   Make sure that you have a properly supplied kit and household items to meet the needs of all family members and pets. Make sure your hurricane supply kit includes:

  • Flashlights & extra bulbs
  • Battery-operated radio
  • Battery-operated lanterns
  • Batteries (in different sizes!)
  • Matches
  • First aid kit
  • Duct tape
  • Rain gear
  • Clock (wind-up or battery-powered)
  • Plastic garbage bags
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Scissors
  • Can Opener
  • Clean clothes
  • Extra blankets
  • Heavy gloves

FOOD AND WATER – Pack non-perishable food for each person for 3-7 days.

  • Bottled water (1 gallon/person/day)
  • Bottled juice

 

 

TWO COOLERS –

  • One for drinks & one for food
  • Canned foods
  • Manual can opener
  • Dry pet food
  • WHEN A ‘WATCH’ IS ANNOUNCED

-Follow evacuation orders from local officials, if they are given

-Check in with family and friends by using any means available to you. Be prepared to stay in touch as best as possible.

-Be prepared with your hurricane supply kit

WHEN DO YOU BEGIN TO PREPARE FOR A HURRICANE?

What to do when a hurricane is within 36 – 48 hours from arriving

  • Stay informed via TV or radio of updates, weather conditions and emergency instructions
  • Do you have a hurricane supply kit to ensure that you have necessary supplies, i.e. food and water (at least enough for 3 days)
  • Keep your cell phone battery fully charged in the event of power loss
  • Remember that during emergencies such as floods and hurricanes phone lines are often overloaded so text messaging would be the better way to communicate with family and friends.
  • Be sure that your family members are aware of your evacuation plan. Plan ahead because you may have to leave quickly.
  • Keep your vehicle in good working order and with a full tank of gas. It is also a good idea to have an emergency kit and possibly a change of clothes in your vehicle as well.

What to do when a hurricane is within 18-36 hours away

  • Continue to stay informed via TV or radio of updates, weather conditions and emergency instructions
  • Anchor objects around your home that could potentially become projectiles during heavy winds. Anchor objects that should not be brought inside and can be unsafe to such as propane tanks, etc. Trim or remove trees or tree branches that are close enough to fall on homes or buildings.
  • Cover all of the windows in your home with at least a ⅝” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Permanent storm shutters are ideal and offer the best protection.

What to do when a hurricane is within 6-18 hours away

  • Continue to stay informed via TV or radio of updates, weather conditions and emergency instructions at least every 30 minutes
  • Keep cell phone fully charged in the event of power loss
  • Keep in touch with family members and inform them of your evacuation plans.

What to do when a hurricane is 6 hours away

 Keep informed via TV or radio of updates, weather conditions and emergency instructions at least every 30 minutes

  • If you are not in an area that is being recommended for evacuation plan to stay at home and let your family and friends know your plan.
  • Close Storm shutters. Stay away from windows.
  • Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and open only as necessary, your food will last longer, if you lose power.

HERE IS A SUMMARY OF ITEMS TO DO BEFORE THE HURRICANE:

  • Make an emergency plan and a family communication plan
  • Sign up for alerts and warnings
  • Have a plan for shelter options
  • Know your evacuation route
  • Always maintain a fully stocked hurricane supply kit
  • Purchase flood insurance in advance of any hurricane – need a quote? Contact  http://www.insurance-financial.net/coverage/flood/

 

Information for this article was collected from various government websites including

https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1494007144395-b0e215ae1ba6ac1b556f084e190e5862/FEMA_2017_Hurricane_HTP_FINAL.pdf