BETHEL

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS & CHECKLIST

Hurricane season runs every June 1-November 30.  We are early in the hurricane season and I wanted to give you some information to help you be prepared, while hoping you never need the information.

Here are some important links:

• DisasterAssistance.Gov– Disaster Survivor Application Checklist
• FEMA – Six Ways to Prepare Your Home for a Hurricane
• DEMA – PrepareDE.org
  • Know Your Zone
  • DE Emergency Notification System (DENS)
  • Smart911

Did you know that DEMA offers a variety of classes, to help you (as a community official) be prepared for a variety of emergency situations?  Check out their Resources link for more details: https://preparede.org/resources/

INFORMATION FROM FEMA:

Hurricanes are among the most dramatic, damaging and potentially deadly weather events. The force of hurricane winds alone can cause tremendous devastation, toppling trees and power lines and underminingweak areas of buildings.During a hurricane, homes, businesses,
public buildings, roads and power lines may be damaged or destroyed by high winds and floodwaters. Debris can break
windows and doors and block roads and bridges, and flash flooding can cause extensive damage.

Fortunately, individuals and communities can take some measures to prevent and
offset hurricane damage. For example, simple construction measures — such as placing storm shutters over exposed glass or installing hurricane straps on roofs —have proven effective in lessening hurricane damage.

In addition, communities can adopt and enforce building codes for wind and flood resistance and adopt sound land-use planNing standards to ensure that structures are not built in high-hazard areas. Building disaster-resistant communities requires action by individuals, businesses and local governments working together — and it can help save lives and prevent property and business damage when a
hurricane strikes. The hurricane warning system provides time for people to move inland when a storm is approaching. But it is becoming
more difficult to evacuate people from densely populated areas. Roads can become clogged, especially during summer tourist season. The problem is compounded by the complacency of people who do not understand the power of hurricanes. Delayed action can result in loss of life and damage to property.

This publication features detailed infor mation that can help reduce the risks you face from hurricanes. More information is available at www.fema.gov.

• Are You Ready?  A Preparedness Guide for Hurricanes  – Being ready is half the battle!

Hurricanes Are Powerful

A hurricane is a tropical weather system with winds that have reached a sustained speed of 74 mph or more. Hurricane winds blow in a large spiral around a relatively calm center, known as the “eye.” The eye is generally 20-30 miles wide, and the storm may extend outward from the eye for 400 miles.

Hurricanes wield incredible power. As they near land, they can bring torrential rains, high winds, floods and flash floods and spawn tornadoes.

Even more dangerous is the storm surge — a dome of water that, at its peak, can be 20 feet  high and 50-100 miles wide. Surges can devastate coastal communities.

A single hurricane can last more than two weeks over open waters and can run along the entire length of the eastern seaboard. The 74-160 mph winds can extend inland for hundreds of miles.

Hurricanes are classified by five categories according to wind velocity. Category 1 is the mildest and Category 5 is  the strongest.

The hurricane season lasts from June 1 through November 30. August and September are the peak months.

Before a Hurricane Strikes

Learn hurricane warning signals and your community’s alert signals.

Prepare your family disaster plan and supply kit.

Plan and practice an evacuation route that will take you 20-50 miles inland.

Check into flood insurance. Homeowners policies do not cover damage from

A Preparedness Guide for Hurricanes

Plan for a Hurricane – flooding that often accompanies hurricanes.

Teach everyone in your home how to turn off gas, electricity and water.

When a Hurricane Watch or Warning Is Issued Listen to a battery-operated radio for hurricane progress reports. Store drinking water in clean bathtubs,sinks and jugs, in case the local water

supply becomes contaminated. Bring in outdoor furniture and objects such as toys and garden tools; anchor items that cannot be brought inside but could be tossed by winds.

Secure your home by closing or install- ing window shutters.

Fuel your car. If you have a boat, moor it securely or move it to a safe place.

If you are instructed to do so by local authorities, turn off all utilities at the main valve switch and close the main gas valve.

Be prepared to evacuate.

 If You Must Evacuate If officials order you to evacuate, leave as soon as possible. If there is time to do so safely, secure your home. Unplug appliances and turn off electricity and the main \water valve.

If time permits, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or move it to a higher floor.

Take your emergency supplies and warm protective clothing when you leave.

Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges.

After the Hurricane Passes

Return home only after authorities say it is safe to do so. Beware of downed or loose power lines. Report them immediately to the power company, police or fire department. Enter your home with caution. Open windows and doors to ventilate or dry out your home. Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, leave the building immediately and leave the doors open. Call the gas company. Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or frayed wires, turn off electricity at the main fuse box. If you have to step in water to reach the electric box, first call an electrician for advice.

Check for sewage and water-line damage. If you suspect damage, call the water company and avoid using water or toilets until they are inspected.

Take photos of the damage for insurance claims.

Weather Terms for Hurricanes

Advisory: Hurricane and storm information is disseminated to the public  every six hours.

Special Advisory: Information is disseminated when there is a significant change in storm-related weather conditions.

Gale Warning: Sustained winds of 39-54 mph and strong wave action are expected.

Storm Warning: Sustained winds of 55-73 mph are expected.

Hurricane Watch: A hurricane may threaten, but is not imminent.

Hurricane Warning: A hurricane is expected to strike within 24 hours or less, with sustained winds of 74 mph or more and dangerously high water and waves.

Tropical Disturbance: A moving area of thunderstorms is in the tropics.

.Tropical Depression: An area of low pressure, rotary circulation of clouds and winds up to 38 mph is identified.

Tropical Storm: A storm characterized by counterclockwise circulation of clouds and winds 39-73 mph is

DON’T FORGET YOUR PETS!!!

 In planning for hurricane season, don’t forget your pets. If you evacuate, do not leave them behind.

Make sure you have/take their identification tags, a pet carrier and a leash.

Most emergency shelters will not accept pets. Make alternative arrangements for someone to take care of

them, possibly a friend, relative or a kennel in a safe location. Send medicine, food and feeding information for  your pet.

More information about your pets and livestock during and after a disaster is available from the American Humane Association website at www.americanhumane.org.