Hurricane Season is Officially Underway and Will Not Be Over Until the End of November
The 2007 Atlantic hurricane season is an ongoing event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation. The 2007 season is expected to become the tenth above-normal season since the current active hurricane era began twelve years ago (in 1995). The prediction for an above-normal 2007 hurricane season reflects the combination of two main climate factors: 1) the continuation of conditions that have been conducive to above-normal Atlantic hurricane seasons since 1995, and 2) the continued La Nina-like pattern of tropical convection.
Outlook
The 2007 outlook calls for a likely range of 13-16 named storms, 7-9 hurricanes, and 3-5 major hurricanes. The multi-decade signal is again a major factor guiding the 2007 outlook. Therefore, residents and government agencies of coastal and near-coastal regions should always maintain hurricane preparedness efforts regardless of the overall seasonal outlook.
Prepared
The lessons of Katrina have taught us that in a monumental disaster, personal preparedness is your best ally, not only in the event of a hurricane, but for floods, forest or brush fires, earthquakes, tornado’s and other events. So therefore we always try to be prepared and know what to expect, except for the unexpected. I like to tell people to think of hurricane preparedness as a week-long camping trip. Being prepared with the right kinds of supplies, information and attitude can make the difference between survival and disaster.
What actions should you take to be prepared. Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines. Be prepared to turn off the gas, electricity, water, and disconnect appliances to reduce the likelihood of electrical shock when power is restored. Prescription medicines and special medical needs, baby food and/or prepared formula, diapers, and other baby supplies. A plan will ensure that in case of a disaster, your family is prepared not only physically but also mentally.
Plan
Each household and business should devise a plan of action in preparation for this year’s hurricane season. Planning ahead can help you recover quickly from a disaster. Plan evacuation routes to get to that location from any of the areas you normally visit. Plan how you will stay in contact. Use that information to plan how you would contact each other if at home, work or school. Family members should agree on a place to meet in the event that a disaster strikes when they are apart, then plans should be made for a backup meeting place in the event that the preferred meeting place is inaccessible.
Safety
“Mother Nature has proved time and again that you can never be assured of absolute safety. Preparing a step-by-step advance plan for the entire family will help to ensure the safety of all your loved ones in case of emergency. Check fire safety equipment, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers regularly.
Assembling a disaster supplies kit is essential as well, according to Red Cross safety experts, and preparing homes for potentially destructive winds when dangerous storms approach. The kit should include: sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes 2-inch and 4-inch sterile gauze pads hypoallergenic adhesive tape triangular bandages 2-inch and 3-inch sterile roller bandages scissors, tweezers, a needle and matches antiseptic thermometer tongue depressors assorted sizes of safety pins latex gloves petroleum jelly or other lubricant moistened towelettes sunscreen cleansing agent/soap.
Emergency information kit: A second important kit to have on hand in the event of a hurricane or other predictable natural disaster evacuation. This kit should contain important papers, documents and information. As always, careful planning is the key to safety during and after the storm.
If you prepare well, you should be able to keep track of your information and minimize damages so you can recover quickly. Share information and coordinate plans with your neighbors. Contact your local Red Cross chapter for information and training. The Red Cross has information on preparing for all types of emergencies and disasters.
