Thursday, September 4, 2008

Tropical Storm Hanna

As we are in the peak of the hurricane season it is not surprising that we have three tropical systems going on right now. The first one Hanna, looks to bring the threat of tropical storm conditions to Delmarva this Saturday. Even though this storm is not a catastrophic storm it is still a good idea to take precautions as tropical storms bring the risk of power outages and flood potential. The question is, are you prepared for a tropical system to impact your area? Delmarva is already under a tropical storm watch, which means tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours. Here are some tips from the National Weather Services during Tropical Storm watches and warnings.


WHEN MAKING YOUR TROPICAL STORM PLAN...GIVE FULL CONSIDERATION TO
WHETHER YOU SHOULD LEAVE OR STAY IF A WARNING IS ISSUED FOR YOUR
LOCATION. HEED THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
OFFICIALS IF ASKED TO EVACUATE.

FILL AUTOMOBILE GAS TANKS...AS POWER MAY BE LOST AND GAS STATIONS
MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DISPENSE FUEL. FILL CLEAN CONTAINERS WITH
WATER. PLAN ON AT LEAST ONE GALLON OF CLEAN WATER PER PERSON PER
DAY FOR DRINKING...IN ADDITION TO WATER NECESSARY FOR
COOKING...CLEANING...AND FLUSHING TOILETS.

STOCK UP ON CANNED FOOD...ESPECIALLY FOOD THAT CAN BE EATEN
WITHOUT COOKING OR HEATING. CHECK FOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES OF
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS.

HAVE WORKABLE FLASHLIGHTS OR PORTABLE LANTERNS AND A BATTERY-
POWERED RADIO. HAVE A SUPPLY OF SPARE BATTERIES. USE BATTERY-
POWERED LIGHTS INSTEAD OF CANDLES SINCE FIRE FIGHTERS AND
EMERGENCY PERSONNEL MAY NOT BE ABLE TO REACH YOU DURING THE
HURRICANE.

PREPARE TO BOARD UP WINDOWS IF NECESSARY. STORE OR SECURE LAWN
FURNITURE...BARBECUE GRILLS...GARBAGE CANS...AND OTHER LOOSE
OUTDOOR OBJECTS.


Here is a disaster supply kit that you should always have incase of any weather related emergency at any time of year. Do you have one prepared?

Disaster Kit:
Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash

1 comment:

Uncle Paul said...

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You can also visit my weather station (Delmar, DE)
http://www1.findu.com/cgi-bin/wxpage.cgi?call=CW4197&last=120&radar=***