2010 Hurricane Season- Keep up to Speed

 Alex, Bonnie, Colin, Danielle, Earl, Fiona and Gaston. Those are just some of the names you may be hearing during the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane season. While no one knows exactly how many storms will form this year or which part of the U.S. will be affected, we can all take steps to keep up to speed by preparing in case a hurricane comes to our area.

 Stay Informed. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through the end of November. During those months, you should stay alert to news of any tropical developments. Local news programs, the radio, the internet and weather channels are great sources of information. Statistically, most hurricanes that make landfall in the United States occur in September, followed by August and July.

 Knowledge is Key. Become familiar with terms like “watch” and “warning.” A “watch” means that conditions are favorable for a tropical storm or hurricane to develop within 36 hours. A “warning” means that tropical storm or hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours. The watch and warning system gives you and your family time to plan and take steps to evacuate if necessary.

 You also should know whether the area you live in is prone to flooding or storm surge damage after a storm. If you live in a low-lying area, you should make plans to evacuate before a storm hits. Some coastal areas are subject to mandatory evacuations for hurricanes. Check with local officials to see if your area is part of a mandatory evacuation plan.

 Prepare your Family. It’s a good idea to make a disaster plan for your family. You should decide where your family will go if an evacuation is necessary. Since hurricanes often change course, you should have several possible locations in mind that will take you and your family to a safer area.

 Here are some tips for making your family’s plan: 

• Make a list of telephone numbers that you might need.
• Have an updated road map in your car.
• Locate the safest area of your home, if you decide to stay.
• Plan what you will do with pets if you need to evacuate. Not all hurricane shelters take pets.
• For infants, have a supply of items like formula, baby foods, bottles, baby wipes, and medications, including over-the-counter fever reducer for infants.
• Pack a family disaster supply kit. You may want to include:
• At least one gallon of water per person for three to seven days.
• Non-perishable food for three to seven days.
• Special foods for infants, those on restricted diets and the elderly.
• A manual can opener.
• Cooking tools and fuel.
• Paper plates, napkins, plastic utensils.
• Bedding including blankets or sleeping bags and pillows.
• Clothing for several days.
• First aid kit, including bandages, antibacterial ointment and anti-itch cream, over-the-counter pain relievers, etc.
• Medications (including a list of prescriptions, pharmacy information, and prescribing physician).
• Hygiene items such as toilet paper, baby wipes, and waterless hand cleaner.
• Important documents such as insurance policies, social security cards, deeds, wills, proof of residence, drivers license, birth and marriage certificates, etc. in a waterproof, resealable container.
• Cash and credit cards. (Remember, that banks and ATMs may not be available for several days following a storm.)
• Battery operated flashlight, radio and extra batteries.
• Books, games and other items to help your family pass the time.

 Locate a Shelter. While Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center has a specific hurricane plan to take care of its patients, it is not a hurricane shelter for the public. Contact emergency management at (561) 712-6400 for shelter locations near you. Designated areas are open to the public throughout the storm warning. To be fully prepared, choose two or three shelters closest to you since shelter openings depend upon storm direction, intensity and occupancy. You must also be prepared to bring your own food, sleeping bags, pillows, diapers, toys and anything else that you may need during the storm.

 Shelters for Special Needs- Individuals seeking placement in a special needs shelter must pre-register. To find out about who can qualify for a special needs shelter, pre-register, and learn more about the program, contact the Palm Beach County Office of Emergency Management at 561-712-6400.

 Plan for your Pets. Some shelters may or may not allow pets. You should consider making a plan for where you will bring your pet if you must evacuate to a hurricane shelter. If you are planning to take your pets along, you’ll need food and water for them. You should have a carrier or cage for them. Don’t forget to bring along proof of their immunizations as well as any medications that your pets will need. For dogs, don’t forget to bring a leash.

 Prepare your House. Tropical storms and hurricanes mean high winds. You may want to consider having storm shutters installed or purchasing pre-cut outdoor plywood that is at least ½ inch thick for each window of your home. Check trees near your house for diseased or dead limbs, overhanging branches and other possible hazards. Bring in any outdoor furniture, plant containers or other items that can be picked up by the high winds.

 Get your Car Ready. If a storm is brewing in your area, you may want to keep a full tank of gas in your car. Gas stations often run out of fuel when everyone starts evacuating for a hurricane and they cannot start pumping until electricity is restored after a storm. You may want to plan a summer car check of vital fluids, hoses and belts to make sure your car is in good working order.

 Important Telephone Numbers
American Red Cross
http://www.redcross-pbc.org/
825 Fern Street, West Palm Beach   (561) 833-7711 or (800) 833-0599
5820 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton (561) 994-2060

Emergency Management Office  (561) 712-6400
www.pbcgov.com/publicsafety/emergencymanagement/

For more information, visit the National Hurricane Center at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov or the American Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org