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HURRICANE SEASON 
Hurricane season 2005 was unprecedented, with four major hurricanes wreaking havoc including the historical devastation of Katrina and Rita. A new hurricane season begins June 1, and hurricane forecasters are predicting another above-normal hurricane season, with the possibility of at least 12 to 15 tropical storms, and seven to nine of them becoming hurricanes. In anticipation of this years hurricane season, the American Red Cross encourages each of us to begin preparing now.
Every year, coastal communities suffer loss of life and property because of hurricanes, which can devastate a region with destructive winds, heavy rains and flooding, storm surges and tornadoes. It is vital that we start preparing now in order to stay safe this hurricane season, said Kathy Bragg, Executive Director of the Union County Chapter.
Advanced warning systems today are better than ever before. They offer our communities time to evacuate potentially affected areas when a storm is imminent. Its important to remember that just because you were safe last year, it doesnt mean you shouldnt evacuate when told to this year. The time to prepare is now. Create your personal disaster and evacuation plan and make sure you build a disaster supplies kit. Knowing what to do in an emergency situation is your best protection.
Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan
Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places--a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Take these items with you when evacuating:
o Prescription medications and medical supplies;
o Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows
o Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight
o Car keys and maps
o Documents, including driver's license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Including the Following Items:
First aid kit and essential medications.
Canned food and can opener.
At least three gallons of water per person.
Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
Know What to Do When a Tropical Storm/Hurricane WATCH or WARNING Is Issued
The National Hurricane Center issues Tropical Storm/Hurricane Watches and Warnings for the areas most at risk, meaning conditions are expected there within 12 to 24 hours. As a storm continues to move closer to the coast, winds pick up, tornadoes may develop and rains get heavier, possibly causing flooding.
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.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood as described above. Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended.
Fill your car's gas tank.
Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.
Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.
Prepare for High Winds
Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through. Install permanent shutters on your windows and add protection to the outside areas of sliding glass doors. Strengthen garage doors and unreinforced masonry. Move or secure lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by wind and become a projectile.
Prepare for Flooding
Be alert to signs of flash flooding. Be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice. Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it and get to higher ground. Do not drive in floodwaters, and do not drive around barricades. ONLY if you have time, carry things that can be water-damaged to higher floors.
Prepare for Tornadoes
Prepare a home tornado plan by picking a place where family members can gather, away from windows. It could be a basement or a center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this area uncluttered. If you are in a high-rise building and don't have enough time to go to the lowest floor, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building. If outside, try to get inside a sturdy building. If a building is not available, crouch in a ditch or low-lying area that is not subject to flooding. If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head to a safer location. Contrary to folklore, it is not safe to get underneath a highway overpass.
For more information regarding tropical storm and hurricane preparedness information, please contact the Union County Chapter of the American Red Cross at 704-283-7402, visit www.redcross.org for additional tips or call the American Red Cross hotline 1-866-GET-INFO.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of hurricanes and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
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