The year 2015 marks a decade following the infamous hurricane Katrina, the storm that is remembered as one of the most catastrophic in the U.S. Despite the relative calm in recent years and, thankfully missing all but a rain event from Erika, proper precautions should still be routine as the hurricane season runs through November 30.
The National Hurricane Center, as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, highlights the main four ways to prepare for a hurricane: Gather information, plan and take action, recover, and resources.
Gathering information entails knowing whether one lives in an evacuation area, assessing risks, and understanding a home’s vulnerabilities to storm surge, flooding and wind. Keeping an emergency contact list is suggested including the names of local emergency management offices, county law enforcement, local hospitals, and local American Red Cross locations, among others. Homeowners can check their risk analysis online with FEMA’s map portal or with floodsmart.gov portal.
Planning and taking action includes preparing a basic disaster supplies kit, devising emergency plans and making sure everyone in the home is aware of those plans, pet owners finding options for their pet care, and finding shelter away from home. It is encouraged that families review FEMA’s evacuation guidelines and reviewing the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) health considerations before, during and after a storm. Also, remember to follow the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) food and water safety guidelines.
Recover refers to recovering from a disaster situation which includes seeking disaster assistance, helping others, health and safety guidelines, and returning home.
Resources include guides from FEMA, FDA, American Red Cross and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). For more information on this list including links, visit the NOAA online at www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php.