Hurricane season stretches from June to November and this year is set to have another busy hurricane season. Colorado State University hurricane forecasters estimate that 2009 will have seven hurricanes (average is 5.9), 14 named storms (average is 9.6), 70 named storm days (average is 49.1), 40 hurricane days (average is 24.5), three intense (Category 3,4, or 5) hurricanes (average is 2.3) and seven intense hurricane days (average is 5.0). It is vital to stay informed of approaching hurricanes; there are many ways to keep you and your family up to speed. Knowing the projected path and speed of tropical storms can help prevent damage to your property and fatalities. Watching the news and listening to radio stations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will provide up to the second information. Once a hurricane passes do not immediately return to your home. Wait until authorities say it is safe because roads and buildings could have become unstable, power lines could have been knocked down and drinking water may have become contaminated. Use your best judgment and exercise caution.
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Disasters often come without warning. Hurricanes and other acts of nature can force you to evacuate or confine you to your home. Having a kit with supplies needed to survive a period of time without electricity, water and a means of reaching help is essential. Local officials and aid workers will be on hand after the storm but they cannot reach everyone right away. This is why it is imperative to have a family emergency kit and a plan of action for every type of emergency. Kits should include enough supplies to last each member of your family at least three days; don't forget pet food! Some basic supplies you will need include: First aid kit and essential medication Canned food and a can opener At least three gallons of water per person Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags Battery powered radio, flashlights and plenty of batteries Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members Written instructions on how to turn off your electricity, gas and water.
Have A Plan
Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to have a plan in advance. How will you contact each other, how will you get back together and what will you do in a variety of situations. Find out what kind of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area and how you will be notified. The method of notification may vary from community to community. Common methods are emergency radio and television broadcasts or special sirens when on base. Ensuring there are plans in place where your family spends time is also important. Make sure places like your families' work, school or daycare have plans in place, if they don't consider volunteering to make one. You will be better able to reunite with your family and loved ones during an emergency if you think ahead and communicate with others. A long distance call may be easier to make during an emergency than one across town, so ensure your family knows of an out of town contact to notify in case of a disaster. Be sure that every member of your family has coins or a prepaid phone card to call your emergency contacts. Once a hurricane watch has been made public, bring all lawn furniture, outdoor decorations, and anything else that can be carried by the wind inside to prevent property damage. Also ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas. You may need to evacuate and a full tank of gas will guarantee you can evacuate a safe distance from the storm's path. Before evacuation check your kit for the essentials: batteries, canned food, first aid and medication, and drinking water.
