epared!If the storm threatens be the first to know with the FUTURE TRAK weather team. Chief Meteorologist Jeff Kirk, Morning Meteorologist Jonathan Myers and Weekend Weather forecaster Jennifer Beale will deliver critical information on evacuation guidelines, storm track analysis, flood zones and more. In severe weather stay prepared …stay with WJCL AT 5am, 7pm and 11pm or FOX 28 at 8am and 10pm.
Hurricanes are most threatening to residents along our nation’s coastlines. But such fierce storms also have been known to build up enough momentum to carry their destructive winds inland for hundreds of miles. Heavy rains, flooding, and tornadoes add to the damage hurricanes can inflict on your home and community. Prepare for a hurricane by completing each item on the checklist below. Then meet to discuss and finalize your Family Disaster Plan.
____ Call your local emergency management or planning and zoning office to find out if you live in an area that could flood during a hurricane or heavy rains.
____ Prepare an evacuation plan in case you must leave. Share your plan with the relatives or friends you plan to stay with—or plan to go to a Red Cross shelter. Add to your Disaster Supplies Kit a map marked with two alternative routes to your destination.
____ Write instructions on how to turn off your home’s electricity, water, and gas if advised to do so by local authorities. (A professional must turn gas service back on.)
____ Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a storm. Keep this list in your Disaster Supplies Kit
____ Buy any items needed to board up windows and protect your home well ahead of time. Precut plywood to fit windows so that you can quickly cover windows.
____ Have an engineer check your home and advise you about ways to make it more resistant to hurricane winds.
____Creat a Disater Supply Kit with the following items: Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days. Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices— foods for infants or the elderly— snack foods— non-electric can opener— cooking tools / fuel— paper plates / plastic utensils. Blankets / Pillows, etc. Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes. First Aid Kit /Medicines / Prescription Drugs. Special Items - for babies and the elderly. Toiletries/Hygiene items / Moisture wipes Flashlight/Batteries. Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio. Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set. Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods. Keys, Toys, Books and Games. Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. Tools - keep a set with you during the storm. Vehicle fuel tanks filled. Pet care items— proper identification / immunization records / medications— ample supply of food and water— a carrier or cage— muzzle and leash
Here are some useful websites and materials:
American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/
National Weather Service: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/
Federal Emergency Management Agency: http://www.fema.gov/
STORM ACTIVITY? CHECK OUT THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER
NOAA HURRICANE TRACKING CHART
2007 HURRICANE NAMES: ANDREA, BARRY, CHANTAL, DEAN, ERIN, FELIX, GABRIELLE, HUMBERTO, INGRID, JERRY, KAREN, LORENZO, MELISSA, NOEL, OLGA, PABLO, REBEKAH, SEBASTIEN, TANYA, VAN, WENDY
