HERE ARE SEVERAL TOOLS YOU CAN RELY ON TO BE HURRICANE
READY THIS SEASON :
APPS These mobile phone and tablet applications provide live , updated information on storm tracking , weather or emergency alerts and much more .
› PrepareMeAnnapolis FREE › NOAAHurricane
CenterHD $ 1.99
› MyFoxHurricane $ 3.99 › TheWeatherChannel FREE
› Hurricane Tracker $ 2.99 › Hurricane Pro $ 3.99
› Hurricane / Hurricane HD $ 2.99 › Hurricane HD
( for tablets ) $ 3.99 › iHurricane HD $ 2.99
› Radar Cast Elite $ 2.99 › Severe Weather Bundle $ 10.99
› Weather Channel FREE › WeatherCaster FREE
› Hurricane ( American Red Cross ) FREE
PHONE / EMAIL ALERTS Anne Arundel County Code Red - Register for alerts delivered to your mobile phone , home phone or email . www . aacounty . org / servicesand-programs / receiveemergency-notifications
RADIO If you do not own a mobile phone , you can check out the NOAA weather radio : www . nws . noaa . gov / nwr /
PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
1 . MAKE A FAMILY EMERGENCY COM- MUNICATION PLAN . You can download and print a plan at https :// www . ready . gov / make-a-plan . 2 . KNOW WHERE TO GO . If you are ordered to evacuate , know in advance local hurricane evacuation route ( s ) and have a plan for where you can stay . 3 . PUT TOGETHER A DISASTER SUP- PLY KIT , including a flashlight , several extra batteries , first aid supplies , flares and cash . 4 . PLAN FOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads . Place all of these items in a sealed , waterproof container . 5 . PUT TOGETHER A DISASTER FOOD SUPPLY KIT , including dried fruits and meats , canned fruits , vegetables or beans , dry mixes and other staples that do not require refrigeration , cooking , water or special preparation . 6 . BE SURE TO INCLUDE A MANUAL CAN OPENER , eating utensils and clean up supplies in your kit . 7 . PURCHASE SEVERAL GALLONS OF WATER and fill your tub with water in advance of the storm for toilet flushing . 8 . PLACE YOUR MOST IMPORTANT PAPERS IN A SEALED , WATERPROOF CONTAINER that you can easily transport . Include copies of passports , birth certificates , home and life insurance policies , medical insurance card and lists of medical contacts , current medicines and doctors as well as emergency contacts in case you need to evacuate . 9 . STAY TUNED to local wireless emergency alerts , TV , or radio for weather updates , emergency instructions , or evacuation orders . 10 . TURN YOUR REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER TEMPERATURES DOWN to their coldest settings . This will give your food a chance of surviving if the power goes out . Have a cooler on hand with frozen ice packs .
PROTECT YOUR HOME .
Learn more at www . disastersafety . org , www . ready . gov and www . fema . gov .
1 . SECURE LOOSE RAIN GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property . 2 . RE-ADHERE SHINGLES and secure soffits to the walls to prevent water damage . 3 . SECURE AND REINFORCE THE ROOF , WINDOWS AND DOORS , including the garage doors and seal any gaps or holes in outer walls to prevent water from getting in . 4 . PURCHASE A PORTABLE GENERA- TOR or install a generator for use during power outages . Remember to keep generators and other alternate power / heat sources outside , at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture ; and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet . 5 . CONSIDER BUILDING A FEMA SAFE ROOM or ICC 500 storm shelter designed for protection from high-winds and in locations above flooding levels . 6 . PROTECT WINDOWS AND DOORS AGAINST FLYING DEBRIS and pressurization with shutters or home security film . 7 . TRIM TREES AWAY FROM YOUR HOME and remove any weak sections that might break off and fall or become flying debris . 8 . REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE POLICY to make sure you understand what is covered and what isn ’ t . Check your coverage limits and update your home inventory to speed up the insurance claims process if you have damage . This will also be useful if you apply for disaster aid . 9 . LOOK TO SEE HOW TO TURN OFF YOUR WATER AND GAS . If there is damage to your utilities , you may be instructed to turn them off . Better to figure out how to do this now . 10 . CONSIDER FLOOD INSURANCE , which is not covered by your regular home owner ’ s policy .
Mouth of Back Creek following Hurricane Isabel , 2003
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GREENBOOK | SUMMER 2016