How prepared are you?
Natural disasters are unpredictable and can be catastrophic. It is always a wise decision to be well-prepared so that you can handle emergencies promptly. Researchers claim that if precaution is not taken at such times, destruction can be immeasurable. Therefore, it is everyone’s responsibility to work for the safety of all. Since it is hurricane season, let’s refresh ourselves on what to expect when a hurricane is forecast and how we can be prepared for the storm.
What is a Hurricane?
A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, which is a generic term for a low pressure system that generally forms in the tropics. The storm is accompanied by thunderstorms and, in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth's surface.
Different types of Tropical storms are:
Tropical Depression: Maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less,
Tropical Storm: Maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph. and
Hurricane: An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher.
Hurricanes are categorized according to the strength of their winds using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. A Category 1 storm has the lowest wind speeds, while a Category 5 hurricane has the strongest. These are relative terms, because lower category storms can sometimes inflict greater damage than higher category storms, depending on where they strike and the particular hazards they bring. Likewise, tropical storms can also produce significant damage and loss of life.
Hurricane Names:
When the winds from these storms reach 39 mph, they cyclones are given names. In 1979 a six year rotating list of Atlantic storm names was adopted — alternating between male and female hurricane names. Storm names are used to facilitate geographic referencing, for warning services, for legal issues, and to reduce confusion when two or more tropical cyclones storms occur at the same time. Presently, names are picked by a committee of the World Meteorological Organization.Very deadly or very costly hurricane names are retired.
One of the hurricane myths is: The weather looks great,; I am going to wait until the weather gets bad before I act or evacuate.
Storm paths are extremely unpredictable and waiting until the last minute can be costly. So be prepared and plan ahead.
Important phone numbers:
Emergency: 911
Emergency Management: 561 712 6400 [food, water, ice pick -up]
Special Needs: 561 712 6400
Shelter (American Red Cross): 561 833-7711
Emergency Repairs 561 740 4600
Animal care and Control: 561-233-1200
Emergency supply kit [water, food , medicine]
- Battery operated radio/ flashlight / batteries
- Water – 5 gallons per day per person
- Food – at least 5-7 days supply of non-perishable food (don’t forget a can opener)/ infant necessities.
- First-aid medical kit
- Emergency cash fund
- Important documents – (bank account numbers, insurance policies, record of credit card accounts, copy of passports, social security cards, immunization records)/ telephone numbers.
Make sure:
- You have hurricane shutters or plywood installed.
- You have a working fire extinguisher, smoke detectors and a carbon monoxide detector.
- Do not use candles and a generator or charcoal grill inside your home or garage.
- You are tuned-in and stay informed.
- Take refuge in interior room away from windows or lie on the floor under a sturdy object during the storm.
- Locate your water meter and electrical shutoff.
- You wear sturdy safety gear and be careful if there are downed power lines.
- You stay safe and be patient.
Shelter: If you have to go to a shelter, be sure you know the route and also take your prescription medications, important documents, and most essential items.
Help by volunteering:
American Red Cross: 561-833-7711
Sources:
www.pbcgov.com
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
http://www.livescience.com/environment/080508-dynamic-earth.html |
