West Orange, N.J. -- Each year around this time, we see news reports of hurricanes threatening to make land fall on the southern end of the east coast. Floridians prepare for these storms by stocking up on milk and bread and boarding up windows. In extreme situations, they may even have to evacuate their homes, not knowing what to expect once they return.
So what does this mean to us? New Jersey never really gets hit by hurricanes, right? True, our state hasn’t experienced a serious hurricane in quite a while; however, some people would say that means we’re due. Experts are predicting a harsh 2011 hurricane season to extend up the East Coast. In keeping with the Barnabas Health Office of Emergency Management’s motto, “Better to be safe than sorry,” here are some key facts and safety tips to safeguard your family and your home from a severe storm.
What is a hurricane?
Hurricanes start out as tropical storms. Once wind speeds exceed 74 miles per hour a storm is upgraded to hurricane status. Hurricanes are more than high winds; they come with strong thunder and lightening, and heavy rains that often cause extreme flooding conditions. Remember, the calm “eye” is deceptive; the storm is not over. In fact the most severe part of the storm occurs when the eye passes over and winds blow from the opposite direction.
What’s the difference between a hurricane watch and a warning?
A watch is issued when hurricane conditions begin to develop in a specific area. A watch period typically lasts for up to 36 hours. A hurricane warning is issued when a hurricane is expected to make landfall within a 24 hour period.
Assemble a disaster supply kit containing:
- First aid supplies with a three-day supply of essential medications.
- Canned food and a manual can opener.
- At least three gallons of water per person for three days.
- Flashlights with fresh batteries or glow sticks.
- A battery or hand-powered radio.
- Activities for younger family members; i.e., coloring books and crayons, board games.
- Copies of important documents such as recent photos of each family member, insurance information and identification.
- Cash, in the event that ATM machines are inoperable.
- Pet supplies.
What to do when a hurricane watch is issued:
- Listen to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) radio or local news stations for up-to-date information.
- Secure lawn furniture and outdoor decorations that can be picked up by the wind.
- Cover all windows. If your home does not have shutters, install pre-cut plywood, not duct tape! Duct tape will not protect against broken glass.
- Fill your car’s fuel tank; power outages caused by storm damage often render fuel pumps inoperable.
- Check and re-stock flashlight batteries and emergency disaster kits.
What to do when a hurricane warning is issued:
- Inventory disaster supplies.
- If you are not advised to evacuate, be prepared to shelter-in-place. Stay indoors until the storm has passed.
- Listen to local officials and leave when instructed to do so.
- Avoid flooded areas and downed wires; both present extremely hazardous conditions!
- If evacuated, return home only when instructed to do so. Inspect your home for damage from weakened roofs, gas leaks or electrical damage.
- Use flashlights not candles to conduct inspections; there may be potential gas leaks.
- Know what to do once a hurricane is over.
- Continue listening to NOAA or your local radio stations for additional instructions and updates.
- Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can form during or right after the hurricane passes over.
For a complete list of hurricane facts and steps to take visit: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/disaster_prevention.shtml or http://www.redcross.org/
Date: July 8, 2011
Contact: Samantha Anton
Assistant Director, Public Relations and Marketing
Saint Barnabas Medical Center
94 Old Short Hills Road
Livingston, NJ 07039
(973) 322-5425
santon@barnabashealth.org
