HURRICANES AND YOU

Like airplanes following one after the other, the season’s hurricanes are coming in for landings. When those storms beat their angry wet fists on New England homes, the damage and turmoil can be frightening and heartbreaking. There are many things we can not control, but let’s take a look at what we can do for our families and our homes to prepare for these events. Many of the following suggestions derive from FEMA and www.ready.gov.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale classifies huricanes into 5 Categories (#5 being the worst) according to their central pressure, wind speed and the potential for damage.
Generally, we here in New England do not experience the Category Three and higher storms, but the Category Ones and Twos are dangerous enough with wind speeds up to 110 MPH. Such sustained winds damage mobile homes, roofs, vegetation, signs (PROTECT ALL REMAX COUNTRY CROSSROADS SIGNS AT ALL TIMES), small crafts and cause flooding from torrential rains.

TIPS FOR PREPARING YOUR HOME:
To prevent broken glass, cover your windows with plywood. (Tape does not prevent windows from breaking) Stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors. Close all interior doors and secure outside doors. Do not leave any outside objects untethered as they could be propelled through the air by the winds. Trim trees and shrubs well to guard against breakage, falling limbs and damage. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts. Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting and keep the door closed. Turn off propane tanks. Fill large containers and/or the bathtub with a supply of water for sanitary use such as flushing toilets and cleaning.

TIPS FOR PREPARING EMERGENCY SUPPLY KITS:
Include non-perishable food, water, a battery powered radio, maps, extra flashlights and batteries. The kit should include copies of prescription medications and medical supplies as well as bedding, clothing, sleeping bags and pillows. In areas where the major storms cause such severe damage, residents are urged to make copies of important documents like social security cards, driver’s license, wills, deeds, birth, and marriage certificates as well as proof of residence and tax records. Pet supplies and prescriptions as well as unique family supplies such as infant formulas belong in such emergency kits.

TIPS FOR FAMILY/FRIENDS PLAN:
Have a plan in place for how you will make contact and get back together with your family and/or friends should an emergency event occur. Cell towers can be compromised during storms, so establish agreed upon places both inside and outside your immediate neighborhood where you will meet. Agree upon a central phone contact number. An out of town long distance contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated parties than one who is at a phone number right across the street. Identify several places you could go such as a friend’s home, Keep at least a half tank of gas in your car at all times. Take your emergency kit with you.

We are superbly lucky to be living in New England where the seasons afford us the spectacular colors and climate changes that keep us energized and our beautiful surroundings the envy of those who can only visit. It is most sobering, however, to see the news coverage of hurricane damage suffered by others a thousand miles away and look around our own New England homes one more time before we retire for the night.

Stay safe and be prepared this season. Know who and what you will cling to when the winds blow.