How Prepared Will You Be?

by Weekly Staff

The warm Atlantic waters of the 2010 hurricane season produced 19 storms. Of these, 21 were tropical depressions and 12 became hurricanes; five hurricanes developed into Category 3 or higher. The busiest point in the 2010 season came in August and September when 11 storms formed within 40 days.

Forecasters are predicting conditions that are conducive to an active 2011 Atlantic hurricane season. According to an April 6 report by Drs. Phil Klotzbach and William M. Gray, “We estimate that 2011 will have about nine hurricanes, 16 named storms, and five major (Category 3 and above) hurricanes. Overall, conditions remain conducive for a very active hurricane season.”

Dr. Gray bases his predictions on a new extended-range early April statistical prediction scheme that utilizes 29 years of past data. Analog predictors are also utilized. Forecasters expect current La Niña conditions to transition to near-neutral conditions during the heart of the hurricane season.

It is especially important to be prepared this hurricane season.

Here are a few tips that will help to keep you and your family safe if the eye of a storm ever threatens the area:

Family Disaster Plan

• Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
• Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances, the safest areas may not be your home but within your community. Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet.
• Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact so all your family members have a single point of contact.
• Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
• Check your insurance coverage—flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
• Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every six months, as you do with your smoke detectors.
• Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.

Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a disaster supply kit:

There are six basics that you should stock for your disaster supply kit: water, food, clothing and bedding, first aid supplies, tools and emergency supplies and special items. Keep these items in a waterproof container that can be easily transported from your home to your car and your safe place. Assemble your kit now to allow for immediate action during an emergency. Your family’s disaster supply kit should include at least a three-day supply of:

1. Water—one gallon of water per person per day
2. Nonperishable food—select food items that are compact and lightweight. Some suggested items are: ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables, canned juices, high-energy foods, vitamins, comfort goods, condiments, food for infants.
3. Clothing and bedding—include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person and the following weather-appropriate items: Sturdy shoes or work boots, rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags.
4. First aid supplies—assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.
5. Tools and emergency supplies—some items that will come in handy are: Emergency preparedness manual, flashlight and extra batteries, nonelectric can opener, utility knife, mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, tape, matches in a waterproof container, plastic storage containers, paper, pencil, whistle, sanitation supplies, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, cash or traveler’s checks, change, fire extinguisher, pliers, signal flare, needles, thread, shut-off wrench to turn off household gas and water, plastic sheeting, Louisiana Citizen Awareness and Disaster Evacuation Guide, Official DOTD Highway Map.
6. Special items such as infant and medical supplies—remember supplies for family members with special requirements, such as infants, elderly, persons with disabilities and persons taking medication. Important family documents, wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds, passports, Social Security cards and immunization records, bank account numbers, credit card account numbers and company addresses, inventory of valuable household goods and important telephone numbers, family records (birth, marriage, death certificates). Entertainment, such as games and books are useful, too.

Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the supply kit in the trunk of your car. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Rethink your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.

Preparing Your Animals

Making plans for your family is extremely important. Don’t forget to plan for the animals in your life, too!

• The location of your evacuation destination may or may not accept pets, so call ahead and check. Animal shelters will be set up in various parts of the state on an “as-needed” basis. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry works year round with the Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART) to provide sheltering opportunities. Species-specific disaster preparedness advice is available at www.lsart.org.
• Create a disaster readiness kit for your animal that includes food, water, first aid supplies, feeding supplies and other items that are necessary to keep your animal comfortable for at least 3 - 5 days.

Remember, animal ownership is a responsibility! Be ready to take care of your whole family.

The 2011 Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1 and lasts through November. In the event of an emergency, you should stay alert and pay attention to the news and announcements in your area so if a situation develops, you are immediately informed. For more information, please visit the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness at www.ohsep.louisiana.gov or www.getagameplan.org.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

Tropical Depression: Winds up to 38 mph
Tropical Storm: Winds 39-73 mph

Hurricanes
Category 1: Winds 74-95 mph
Category 2: Winds 96-110 mph
Category 3: Winds 111-130 mph
Category 4: Winds 131-155 mph
Category 5: Winds greater than 155 mph

*Information provided by the National Hurricane Center.

Place Ad Now!

Can't Find a Story?

Search Our Site

Our Classifieds

Stay Connected