North Carolina Prepares for Hurricane Season
Each year, forecasters make their predictions and the collective southeast braces themselves for the worst. In a good year, we breathe a sigh of relief when the fates spare us, and in other years, Storms like Katrina and Fran and Isabelle and Floyd break our hearts. Yet we persevere, rebuild, buy more insurance and thank God for the most important things and mourn losses, sometimes so immeasurable, recovery seems impossible.
Forecasting exactly where these storms will hit land and when is at best an imprecise science. Yes, Meteorologists can see them coming, and can make a storm track, usually quite accurate, but just as tornado’s have a mind of their own, hurricanes often follow suit. Storms we are certain will hit us dead on, suddenly veer off in another direction, and ones we thought too far off to bother with make a sudden beeline for our homes and businesses.
This year, NOAA is predicting 13-17 named storms. 7-10 of which to become hurricanes and 3-5 of those named storms to be major hurricanes. All it takes though is one major hurricane to devastate the region in its path. Even a “minor” level 1 storm can cause severe flooding and wind damage.
Living in North Carolina, approximately two hours from the coast, I am blessed to normally only receive rain and minor wind damage, And certain areas are known to flood. The biggest hazard in my immediate areas is the thunderstorms and tornado’s that spin off from the hurricanes, and are not nearly as easy to predict as the actual hurricanes themselves. Storms have a way of surprising us, though, and we have received our fair share of major storms come through in this area, those are often the ones that spare the coast, coincidentally.
So what can you do to prepare yourself and your family when a storm is headed for you?
Firstly, if you live directly in the line of fire- EVACUATE! Don’t wait until hours before the storm is scheduled to arrive, once it is apparent that you are in its path, get out! Meteorologist Chris Phillips of the the ABC affiliate WWAY in Wilmington, North Carolina encourages everyone in coastal areas to gather their family, medications, and necessary items and leave the area! If you do not have family or friends inland to stay with, try and book reservations somewhere once you know you are leaving. Ideally, you should have a list of places to stay complete with phone numbers in an easy to access place. In an emergency situation, sometimes remembering phone numbers off the top of your head, or names of hotels can be difficult, if not impossible. Remember, you are not the only one leaving town, and hotels book up quickly. Many nursing homes have pre-arranged contracts with inland hotels to house their clients in the event of an emergency, so it is imperative you start phoning hotels and motels once you know you are leaving. Be ready before the storm!
No matter where you live, having an emergency plan can help in any emergency situation. Keep a checklist of steps to take in case you have to evacuate, and keep an emergency supply kit fully stocked year round.
Ã?· Ask an out-of-town relative or friend to be your “family contact.” Your contact should live outside of your area. After a disaster, it is often easier to make a long distance call than a local call. Family members should call the contact and tell him or her where they are. Everyone must know the contact’s name, address, and phone number. This is especially important if you have become separated for any reason.
�· Be familiar with escape routes. Hurricane evacuation routes are clearly marked in coastal areas, and extend inland quite a bit in most cases. If you are unsure of what roads are included, call or visit you local police or fire department. They will be happy to assist you, and thankful you are preparing ahead of time rather than driving the roads aimlessly during an actual evacuation.
�· Plan how to take care of your pets. Public shelters and many hotels do not allow pets, although often in extenuating circumstances hotels will modify their rules. You may be able to find a vet or boarding house to keep Fido and Fluffy, but remember, there will be a charge for boarding. Paying the cost for a few days of boarding is better than losing a beloved family member during an emergency, though. If you will be needing to arrange boarding, make sure you do so at the same time you are searching for a hotel, as they will fill up quickly. Ideally, you should have a list of hotels that allow pets and their phone numbers, so additional boarding expenses can be avoided. .
Ã?· Check if you have adequate insurance coverage. Ask your insurance agent to review your current policies to ensure that they will cover your home and belongings adequately. Homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood losses. The time to plan additional insurance coverage is before the storm is ever predicted. According to Fletcher Willey, of J. Fletcher Willey Insurance Agency in Nags Head North Carolina, there is a mandatory 30-day waiting period for most additional insurance purchases, especially flood coverage, and most especially when a storm is forecast. Typical homeowners insurance, which covers wind and rain damage, does NOT include flood protection. Purchasing coverage a week before a hurricane hits land will do you no good at all! If you are a renter, your landlord’s insurance does not protect your personal property; it only protects the building. Renters’ insurance pays if a renter’s property is damaged or stolen. Renters’ insurance costs less than $15 a month in most areas of the country. Contact your insurance agent for more information.
Make sure you have a disaster Supply kit where you can find it quickly and readily. Ideally, you should have one to remain at home and one that is portable that you can take with you in the case of an evacuation.
�· Keep a portable, battery-operated radio or television and extra batteries. Maintaining a communications link with the outside is a step that can mean the difference between life and death. Make sure that all family members know where the portable, battery-operated radio or television is located, and always keep a supply of extra batteries.
�· Consider using a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone-alert feature. NOAA Weather Radio is the best means to receive warnings from the National Weather Service NOAA Weather Radios, which are sold in many stores (sporting goods and camping stores usually have a good supply of them). NOAA Weather Radio now broadcasts warning and post-event information for all types of hazards both natural (such as weather and flooding, as well as earthquakes and volcanic activity) and technological (such as chemical releases or oil spills).
�· Make two photocopies of vital documents and keep the originals in a safe deposit box. Keep one copy in a safe place in the house, and give the second copy to an out-of-town friend or relative. Vital documents such as birth and marriage certificates, tax records, credit card numbers, financial records, and wills and trusts can be lost or destroyed during disasters of any kind.
Ã?· Make a complete inventory of your home, garage, and surrounding property. The inventory can be either written or videotaped. Include information such as serial numbers, make and model numbers, physical descriptions, and price of purchases (receipts, if possible). This list could help you prove the value of what you owned if your possessions are damaged or destroyed and can help you to file insurance claims as well as deductions on taxes. Be sure to include expensive items such as sofas, chairs, tables, beds, chests, wall units, and any other furniture too heavy to move. Don’t forget the children’s game units, more expensive toys and outdoor play equipment. It is worth it to pay the additional insurance premiums for full replacement cost rather than a depreciated cost. If you are unsure what your insurance covers, call your agent and ask. Do this for all items in your home, on all levels. Then store a copy of the record somewhere away from home, such as in a safe deposit box.
The North Carolina Disaster Center recommends the following items to be kept in a disaster kit:
* A portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
* Flashlight and extra batteries.
* First aid kit and first aid manual.
* Supply of prescription medications.
* Credit card and cash.
* Personal identification.
* An extra set of car keys.
* Matches in a waterproof container.
* Signal flare.
* Map of the area and phone numbers of places you could go.
* Special needs, for example, diapers or formula, prescription medicines and copies of prescriptions, hearing aid batteries, spare wheelchair battery, spare eyeglasses, or other physical needs.
Disaster Supplies Kit basics.
* Three gallons of water per person.
* Three-day supply of nonperishable food.
* Kitchen accessories: manual can opener; mess kits or paper cups, plates, and plastic/disposable utensils; utility knife; a can of cooking fuel if food must be cooked; household liquid bleach to treat drinking water; sugar, salt, pepper; aluminum foil; plastic resealable bags.
* Sanitation and hygiene items: toilet paper, towelettes; soap, hand sanitizer, liquid detergent; feminine supplies; personal items such as shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, comb and brush; plastic garbage bags (heavy-duty) and ties (for personal sanitation uses); medium-sized plastic bucket with tight lid; disinfectant; household chlorine bleach
* Entertainment, such as games and books.
Don’t forget the children and elderly members of your home, either.
* For baby: formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, and medications.
* For adults: heart and high blood pressure medication, insulin, prescription drugs, denture needs, contact lenses and supplies, extra eyeglasses, and hearing aid batteries.
Most of these items can be stored in a large plastic lidded container in a closet or garage, and when the time comes that you need them, it will be easily accessible and everything will be in a central location!
What to Do Before, During and After the Storm
Before the Storm
�· Purchase the recommended emergency supplies
�· Monitor weather reports on your local news channel for updated information
�· Store enough drinking water to last several days
�· Bring your pets indoors
�· Clear your yard of any loose or unsecured objects
�· Tape or board windows to reduce the risk of broken glass
�· Get extra cash. ATMs may be out of order after a severe storm
�· Keep your car fueled and ready to go
�· Leave your home if asked to evacuate
During the Storm
�· Stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
�· Keep supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
Ã?· If power is lost, unplug major appliances to reduce power “surge” when electricity is restored.
�· Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions.
�· If in a mobile home, check tiedowns and evacuate immediately.
�· Store valuables and personal papers in waterproof containers on the highest level of your home.
After the Storm
�· Remember that you may not have immediate access to your home. Emergency rescue crews, power crews, and other personnel may be attending to special needs. Roads could be blocked, power lines could be down, and people may be trapped and in need of assistance. If you evacuated, call your local police department to see if it is safe to return to your home.
�· Make sure that you have current identification. You may have to pass through identification checkpoints before being allowed access to your home/neighborhood.
�· Avoid driving, as roads may be blocked. Avoid sightseeing, or entering a storm-ravaged area unnecessarily. You could be mistaken for a looter.
�· Avoid downed power lines, even if they look harmless.
�· If your home is flooded, do not turn the power on. Water and electricity do not mix! Wait until the flooding has receded and have a professional check the power supply before you attempt to turn it on.
�· Use a camera or camcorder to record thoroughly any damage done to your home, before any repairs are attempted.
Ã?· In certain areas, the flooding rains that accompany a storm can create pest problems. Be aware of potential pest problems in your area, such as mice, rats, insects or snakes that may have “come with the storm”.
List of 2007 Hurricane Names:
Andrea
Barry
Chantal
Dean
Erin
Felix
Gabrielle
Humberto
Ingrid
Jerry
Karen
Lorenzo
Melissa
Noel
Olga
Pablo
Rebekah
Sebastien
Tanya
Van
Wendy
So far this season, there have been three Atlantic named storms (Andrea, Barry, and Chantal), which is slightly above average for June and July. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. However, the vast majority of the activity in 2007 is expected during the peak months of the season- August through October.
Special thanks to Chris Phillips, meteorologist of WWAY in Wilmington, NC and Fletcher Willey of J. Fletcher Agency in Nags Head, North Carolina for their expertise and insights in hurricane preparedness.
