"Preparation through education is less costly than learning through tragedy."
- MAX MAYFIELD, DIRECTOR, NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER
Are you ready for a Hurricane? Can you survive a week without electricity, running water, or gas for your car? Personally I do not know if I can survive a week without the internet. Hopefully the library will be up and running. I think that I would even walk there. Maybe I need a bike.) Will you evacuate when told to do so, or will you be like many American, “I will tough it out.” Watching the flooding in New England should be a wake up call to us Northeasterners. For some reason we always believe that bad stuff happens else where? Oh, that is not going to happen to me.
An analyst on CNN said that disasters for Americans are not wake up calls, they are snooze alarms. We wake up for a minute and then as time goes by we quickly forget. Even after seeing all of those folks who did not, or could not, leave New Orleans, crammed into the Super Dome, there are many us who are either willing to tough it out or we depend on our government. The people in the Super Dome were not all low income welfare recipients. Many were people like me and you.
The hurricane forecast will be released today. Early speculation states that we will again have a greater than average hurricanes this year, possible 17 named storms.
My aunt Odella told me “remember, don’t live near the water”. I think that I was talking about moving to one of those cool lofts on the waterfront. While we do not have a Lake Pontchatrain with a dollar store levee system, we do have plenty of waterways, and of course the Atlantic Ocean, just a 30 minute drive away. Remember the flooding in the Trenton area. It was hard for me to believe that this was occurring in NJ.
Where will you go when they say to evacuate? My first thought is to simply go to and sleep over in Philly. But how long will I be able to afford the hotel bill, if I can get a reservation. You know that all bridges to PA would be packed. Maybe I will go to the airport and fly out of the impending disaster, but you know the many problems here, crowds, canceled flights, etc. They say that you should not travel too far, so I guess Cathy and Edwin’s house in Ohio is out. We can not all fit into their house. So where will you go?
Are you prepared? Do you have a disaster plan? Is your disaster kit packed? According the National Hurricane Center, a disaster prevention plan should include: (click on links to view information)
Below are items that should be in your disaster supply kit. Some items that are missing for homeowners with generators, you will need gas, gas cans, and OIL to run the generator. They also state that candles can be dangerous due to wind. (Candles were my plan. I better go head to Home Depot or Lowes, and get flashlights and a few break sticks.)
Disaster Supply 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
Cash (with some small bills) - Banks and ATMs may not be open or 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
One final thing, keep an eye out for home insurance. Many insurance companies are canceling policies. According to CNN, many policies have been canceled in Rockaway Beach due to their location. Companies are crafty, don't be caught out there. Remember the fine line that the insurance companies were drawing between hurricane and flood damage.
Main NHC page
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml
Disaster Prevention
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/disaster_prevention.shtml
