Hurricane Preparedness

Most of us who live on Long Island have never fully experienced the devastation of a hurricane.  Even though we have experienced several occurrences of extremely severe weather, a hurricane of the class, 3, 4, and 5 magnitude has never hit our community.  Because the residents not only in our community but towns throughout the United States start to experience a "false sense of security" during the hurricane season.  "We have never been hit with a hurricane so it will never happen." This is the greatest challenge for emergency management officials. 

The only way you will reduce the loss of property and possibly life is to use this information and not file it away. 

Remember preparedness can not change the chance of a hurricane but if prepared it can greatly reduce the loss of life and property. The hurricane season begins in June and ends in November. August and September are considered the peak periods for hurricanes on Long Island.

In order to be prepared for a hurricane or severe weather, the following information will be helpful in taking appropriate steps in protecting your family and property.

Hurricane Terms and Definitions

Tropical Depression: an organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less.
Tropical Storm: an organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34-63 knots).
Hurricane: an intense tropical weather system with a well defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher.
Storm Surge: a dome-like rise in the ocean level associated with a hurrican surge is the difference between this abnormal rise in sea level and the level that would normally occur.

Tracking a Hurricane

When a storm threatens your area, National Weather Service advisories are issued at six hour intervals - 12:00 am, 6:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 6:00 pm. These advisories are broadcast by the National Weather Service on weather radios on 162.55MHz. These are numbered consecutively for each storm and describe the present position, projected movement and intensity. Updated bulletins are often issued between regular advisories.

Hurricane hazards come in many forms: storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. This means it is important for your family to have a plan that includes all of these hazards. Look carefully at the safety actions associated with each type of hurricane hazard and prepare your family disaster plan accordingly. But remember this is only a guide. The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense.

Are You Prepared?

Many things that we take for granted on a daily basis can and usually are rendered inoperative after a hurricane hits. Electricity, telephones, drinking water, heat, air conditioning, life support equipment, cell phone, pagers can and have been rendered unusable after a hurricane. The loss of these services can last for as little as a few hours to several weeks.

When a hurricane watch is issued (usually 24-36) hours in advance) you should prepare by taking the following steps.

• Have a 5 day supply of batteries for a portable radio to receive emergency information on.
• Have a 5 day supply of batteries for flashlights. Each member of the house should have a flashlight.
• Store drinking water in a clean bathtub, jugs, and bottles. One gallon of water per person per five days is sufficient.
• Have 2 coolers. One with food and one with ice.
• Have a two week supply of prescription medication.
• Have extra cash on hand.
• A full first aid kit.
• Have a working fire extinguisher.
• Infant supplies, including formula, medicine, diapers, and sterile water.
• A non electrical can opener.
• Toilet paper, paper towels, towlettes.
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to its highest setting.
• Have a ten day supply of nonperishable food.
• Make sure your car has a full tank of gas.
• Park your car away from large trees. Strong winds can knock limbs onto them.
• Board up windows or protect them with tape. Tape may not prevent a window from breaking but it will prevent pieces from going flying.
• Secure outdoor objects that might blow away. This includes garbage cans, outdoor furniture and grills.
• Store propane tanks in a secure location outside your house. The risk of fire is too great if they go inside.
• Make arrangements for the elderly and others who depend on life support equipment.
• Pets are not allowed in public shelters. Call your veterinarian for information on pet evacuation centers.
• Develop an emergency communication plan for keeping in contact. This is especially important for parents whose children could be in school.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact.
• If you have a basement, lift things as high off the floor as possible to reduce damage in case of flooding.
• Automobiles should be stored in your garage away from falling limbs and flying debris, but remember that with the possible loss of electricity you may not be able to open your garage door if it is operated by an electric door opener. Many electric openers have manual releases. Read your instruction manual or call the manufacturer for information.