Tips offered to New Yorkers to prep for hurricane season
CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. » The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services urges New Yorkers to take steps to prepare for hurricanes and severe storms this summer by making a plan, gathering emergency supplies and staying informed before severe weather strikes.
The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 and, although tropical cyclones can form any time of year, these dates are historically when most will form.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a 75 percent chance that the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season will be near or above normal. NOAA’s forecasters predict a 70 percent likelihood of 10 to 16 named storms, of which five to nine could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including one to four major hurricanes — Category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher. An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which six become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.
“We continue to work with state, federal and local partners to make sure that we are ready to respond to severe weather and hurricanes,” said Commissioner of New York State Homeland Security Roger Parrino Sr. “Just as we are prepared, whether you live inland or near the shore, it’s up to you to prepare yourself, your family, and your home for the season.”
Kevin Wisely, director of the New York State Office of Emergency Management said, “All New Yorkers should be vigilant throughout hurricane season and learn as much as they can to better protect their families and communities. This includes knowing your risks, building a go-kit and having an emergency plan.”
During hurricanes, the public is often warned about hazards from wind; however, nearly 90 percent of all deaths associated with hurricanes result from water-based hazards such as storm surge, high surf, and inland flooding. It is important to know your risks and prepare for these types of threats.
After the hurricane, there are still significant threats to public health and safety. Rip currents, flooding and heat-related dangers such as heat stroke can exist long after the storm, and health risks posed by debris, downed power lines, and carbon monoxide poisoning are serious concerns when conducting clean-up. Don’t let your guard down after the storm.
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services also recommended New Yorkers to pay attention only to reputable sources for weather-related information, such as official National Hurricane Center forecasts, as opposed to various models from different sources. Avoid sources of information that attempt to create a hype around the storm or that make predictions beyond the limits of current science, e.g., fiveday forecasts.
There are four basic steps to preparedness.
• Plan: Develop a plan for you and your family at home, school, work and outdoors. Identify a safe place to take shelter and know what actions to take when a warning is issued.
• Prepare a Kit: Emergency supplies should last 7-10 days and at least include flashlights, a weather radio, and extra batteries. A weather radio is one of the best ways to be aware of dangerous weather – it will receive broadcasts directly from the National Weather Service. Make sure you have a kit for your home and your car.
• Plan for any medical needs (e.g., medicine) that your family may have, and make sure you keep and maintain emergency supplies for any family pets.
• Be Informed: Stay tuned to TV and radio stations that broadcast Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages, and follow local emergency orders when issued. You can also receive emergency information via your computer or cell phone by subscribing to NY Alert at www.nyalert. gov, a free service that provides you with critical emergency information when you need it most.
• Get Involved: Consider a visit to your local emergency management office to learn more about how to protect you and your family. Consider volunteering with organizations such as the American Red Cross, New York Cares, or the Salvation Army.
Additional measures to prepare for Hurricane season.
• Know the hurricane risks in your area – learn the storm surge history and elevation of your area.
• Learn about local community’s sheltering plans, including the location of official shelters.
• Pay attention to the news. Also, monitor NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts, if possible.
• Learn the warning signals and evacuation plans of your community.
• Ensure that enough non-perishable food and water supplies are on hand.
• Have at least a oneweek supply of medications on hand.
• Determine if your family has any special needs and develop a plan for meeting those needs. For example, If you have a family member on a life-support system, does your electric utility know about it? Individuals with special needs or others requiring more information should contact their County Emergency Management Office.
• Make plans now on what to do with your pets should you be required to evacuate your residence. Public health regulations do not allow pets in public shelters, nor do most hotels/ motels allow them.
• Teach all family members, including children, how and when to call 911 or your local EMS phone number. Post emergency telephone numbers by phones.
• Discuss with family members what they should do in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane or severe storm. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency, such as a fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.
• Designate an out-ofarea friend or relative whom separated family members should call to report their whereabouts. Make certain all family members have the phone number.
• Install safety features in your residence such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
• Know how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.
• Check your home and property for potential hazards to see what actions need to be taken to ensure your safety and to protect your belongings.
• Review your insurance policy. Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowner’s insurance. Inventory household items with photographs.
• Obtain and store materials, such as plywood, necessary to properly secure your home.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed of dead wood.
• Determine where to move your boat in an emergency if it is kept near or on the water.
For more tips visit the DHSES website at www. dhses.ny.gov/oem/safetyinfo/hurricane.