09/21/2016
Updated Hurricane Forecast !!!
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently updated its 2016 Hurricane Season Outlook. Forecasters now predict a 70 percent chance of 12 to 17 named storms, of which five to eight are expected to become hurricanes, including two to four major hurricanes. With peak hurricane season now underway, it is a good time to get prepared!
Hurricanes can cause loss of life and catastrophic damage to property along and near coastlines and extending several hundred miles inland. Threats from hurricanes include:
• High winds;
• Heavy rainfall;
• Storm surge;
• Coastal and inland flooding;
• Rip currents; and
• Tornadoes.
The extent of damage varies according to the size and wind intensity of the storm; the rate, amount and duration of rainfall; the path of the storm; and other factors such as the number and type of buildings in the area, the terrain, and soil conditions.
The How to Prepare for a Hurricane guide from America’s PrepareAthon! outlines steps you can take today to protect yourself and your property before a hurricane hits, including:
• Know your community’s local hurricane evacuation plan, and identify several escape routes from your location in case roads are blocked;
• If you plan to evacuate by car, keep your car fueled and in good condition and be sure to keep emergency supplies and a change of clothes in your vehicle;
• If you will need to use public transportation, contact your local government emergency management agency to ask how an evacuation will work, how you will get current information during an evacuation, and the location of staging areas;
• Waterproof your home’s basement and elevate critical utilities such as electrical panels and heating systems;
• Purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. You may also be able to purchase insurance for wind;
• Stay away from water, shorelines, areas that are prone to flooding, and low land areas that may be dry but prone to flash flooding;
• Listen to alerts and warnings, and be prepared to get to high ground immediately if there is a flash flood;
• Never walk or drive through floodwaters: Turn Around, Don’t Drown!;
• If you are not in an evacuation zone or flood area, know where to shelter for high winds and be prepared with sufficient supplies to remain on high ground until flooding in nearby areas subsides; and
• Plan to bring inside or anchor any items that might be blown away and become projectiles in high winds. Anchor outdoor grills, fuel tanks, and other items that are not safe to bring inside.
To learn more about preparing for hurricanes, check out “When the Waves Swell” from America’s PrepareAthon! Be sure to share with family, friends, and neighbors.
