As the song goes (Goodnight, Irene), hopefully this Irene will only be seen in our dreams…
Just when we thought we survived one natural disaster, in the form of a very rare earthquake on the east coast, we are now gearing up for the second natural event this week, Hurricane Irene. Although Morgantown, PA (our headquarters) isn’t a shore point, there is still cause for concern up and down the entire eastern coast, as the storm promises high winds and heavy rain…lots of rain. Whether or not you’re in an evacuation zone, it’s never too late to be prepared for these types of storms and natural disasters.
Step 1: Build a Kit
Get an Emergency Supply Kit , which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car in case you are told to evacuate.
Step 2: Make a Plan
Make a Family Emergency Plan . Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency. You should also consider:
Evacuation plans, Family communications, Utility shut-off and safety, Safety skills, Plan to Protect Property
Hurricanes cause heavy rains that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage. Learn more at floodsmart.gov . In addition you can also:
Cover all of your home’s windows with pre-cut ply wood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds.
Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
Secure your home by closing shutters, and securing outdoor objects or bringing them inside.
Step 3: Be Informed
The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense.
