| The
risk of harm from hurricanes increases every year as population and
commercial, residential, and recreational development increase along
popular coastal areas. But, thanks to improvements in forecasting and
emergency preparedness resulting from active partnerships between
Federal agencies, state and local agencies, and private and academic
organizations, the numbers of injuries and deaths are declining
steadily.
This
is Not a Test: NOAA Weather Radios Save Lives
In
most severe weather events, lack of warning contributes to fatalities,
injuries, and damage that could have been prevented. NOAA Weather Radio
is the single source for the most comprehensive weather and emergency
information available to the public. It broadcasts the latest
information on NWS warnings, watches, forecasts, and other hazards
24-hours a day, as well as post-weather event information for all types
of weather hazards. New models even sound alarms to wake sleeping
citizens, giving them time to move to shelter and safe ground.
But,
I Don't Live Near the Water!
If
you think that living inland means you're safe from the ravages of
hurricanes, think again! Recent studies of hurricane-related deaths
show that in the U.S., more people die from inland flooding than from
any storm surge or coastal effect. With hurricanes dropping about an
inch of rain per hour, effects in low-lying and mountainous areas can
be catastrophic. In 1998, Tropical Storm Charley's strike in Texas and
Hurricane Mitch's land-fall in Honduras caused a number of casualties
far from the water's edge.
Max
Mayfield, the director of NOAA's National Hurricane Center
in Miami, Florida, warns Americans not to overlook the dangers of
inland flooding from land-falling storms. Remember Hurricane Floyd?
"Unfortunately, most of the 56 U.S. citizens that died as a
direct result of Hurricane Floyd lost their lives from inland
flooding, the deadly by-product of hurricanes that cannot be
ignored," Mayfield said. "When an evacuation order is given,
it should be treated as a life or death matter."
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Are
You Hurricane-Ready?
Do
you know what to do before a hurricane is even forecast? Do you know the
difference between a "Hurricane Watch" and a "Hurricane
Warning" and how to respond to each? And, do you know what to do
and where to go after the hurricane passes? Having a hurricane plan for
yourself, your family, and even your pets can reduce the risks of injury
and death. Understanding the hurricane warning and watch alerts can
reduce anxiety and panic and help you function better during an
emergency. And, knowing where and how to find help when it's over can
hasten recovery and rebuilding.
| Are you
ready for the storm? Do a quick "Hurricane Check" on
your home, and find out! |
| Have you
installed hurricane straps and storm shutters on your windows? |
| Have you
reinforced your roof with hurricane straps and bracing? |
| Have you
reinforced your garage doors? |
| Have you
secured all double-doors at the top and bottom, adding bolts or
pins where needed? |
| Have you
trimmed back dead or weak branches from trees and stored the
debris away from the house? |
Don't
delay! The answers to these and other life-saving questions are just a
"click" away!
For
more hurricane information and preparation and damage prevention
guidance, visit one of the following Internet sites before the storm:
Visit
NOAA.
Visit NWS.
Visit the
National
Hurricane Center.
Visit NASA.
Visit FEMA.
Learn more about
GOES.
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