Monday, August 31, 2015

Are You Prepared for a Hurricane?


The peak of hurricane season has arrived and with the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina past and Hurricane Rita's on the way, it is best to take stock and make sure you and yours are prepared for any coming storm. While most everyone who lives on or near the gulf knows how to prepare and the best emergency routes for evacuation, it never hurts to go over the basics.

Be Informed

In this age of information, getting quick and accurate information is easy as never before. Several government agencies and local news outlets have social networking sites that can send alerts and post on breaking weather updates. No matter how you connect to your news source, make sure you are aware of the changing weather so that you may respond appropriately. Also remember the difference between a Hurricane Watch and a Hurricane Warning.

Red Cross

You can also register for cell phone alerts with the Terrebonne government (www.tpcg.org) or the Terrebonne Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (www.tohsep.com) as well as find evacuation routes and procedures.

Prepare Your Property and Supplies

Make sure your property and supplies are well stocked. Test any batteries and check the usage dates on any foods you may have collected. Make sure you have enough gas in your vehicle.

A list of emergency supplies can be found at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website.

If a hurricane is nearing, secure any outside furniture, close all windows, and turn your refrigerators and freezers to the coldest setting in case of power outages.

Other information can be found at the Red Cross and FEMA websites.

The most important thing you can do is stay calm and follow any instructions issued about evacuations. Be safe and aware during hurricane season.

Resources:

Red Cross
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association / NOAA's Facebook
Ready.gov
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Terrebonne's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness / TOHSEP's Facebook
Federal Emergency Management Agency

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