Hurricane
Preparedness
The 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1st and ends
November 30th. Tropical Storm and Hurricane names for this
year are: Ana, Bill, Claudette, Danny, Erika, Fred, Grace, Henri,
Ida, Joaquin, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose,
Sam, Teresa, Victor, Wanda. These names are then followed by
the Greek alphabet, if needed.
Although this year, it seems the season began a bit early. We
saw our first named storm (Ana) in May. On May 10, Tropical
Storm Ana made landfall along the Carolina coast and carried
maximum sustained winds of 46 miles per hour. The storm
brought heavy rain and wind across the region, but caused only
minor damages.
• Turn down the temperature on your freezer and refrigerator
as low as possible. This will buy you more time in the
event of a power loss. 24 to 48 hours before will cool the
food. Avoid opening them whenever possible. If you are
evacuating, probably unnecessary.
• Before you evacuate, call at least one person out of state to
let them know your plans.
• Ensure that your Hurricane Emergency Kit is fully stocked.
• Charge electronic devices, for example, computers, cell
phones, rechargeable batteries, razors, and the like.
Before the Hurricane Season Begins
• Make extra ice, bag it - this will be useful to use and to keep
the freezer cold.
Know when to take action - Watch vs. Warning
WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area
of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.
WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified
area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours. Remember that
there is no such thing as a “minor hurricane.” Category 1 and 2
hurricanes still can do significant damage.
Prepare before a Watch or Warning is issued and be ready to
evacuate when the Watch comes or earlier if so instructed.
|
As a storm approaches, you should prepare your house and
your yard. Some things to consider:
Be prepared and keep track of storms with these tips and guides
over the next few pages.
Develop a plan. Know your homes vulnerability to the threats
above - surge, wind, and flooding. Check your supplies - water,
batteries, food. Know where you can evacuate to - friends,
relatives, a hotel?
22
An Approaching Storm
WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE
|
JUNE 2015
• Do the same with your home air conditioner. It gets very hot
and very humid very quickly. If you are evacuating, this is
not necessary.