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Richards releases safety tips for hurricane season 2007
by The Daily Herald
Posted: May 28, 2007 14:12 UTC
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PHILIPSBURG - With the hurricane season less than a week from its official start Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards, Chairman of the Island’s Disaster Emergency Management Organization, has issued an appeal for residents to “draft a Family Disaster Plan.”
Richards is also requesting that residents create a Disaster Supply Kit in preparation for the 2007 hurricane season. That season starts June 1 and ends November 30.
Experts from the U.S. NOAA Climate Prediction Center have already announced that this season will be an above normal one, with lots of activities. They have also recommended that those in hurricane-prone regions begin their preparations.
According to a Government Information Service (GIS) released hurricanes names for 2007 are: Barry, Chantal, Dean, Erin, Felix, Gabriella, Humberto, Ingrid, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Noel, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van and Wendy.
Richards said, “The Family Plan should be based on your vulnerability to hurricane hazards that could affect your family such as storm surge or flooding.” He said, “By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.”
Every home should have a Disaster Supply Kit, which should contain certain items you need to have regardless of where you ride out a hurricane. Securing your home should also be a top priority. There are things that you can do to make your home more secure and able to withstand stronger storms.
Richards also stated, “Preventing the loss of life and minimizing the damage to property by hurricanes are responsibilities that are shared by all.” Residents should, “find a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. Determine escape routes from your home as certain areas could be inundated by flooding and storm surge in low lying areas. Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate. Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call. Check your insurance coverage. Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.”
The Kit should include water: at least one gallon daily per person for three to seven days; food: at least enough for three to seven days, non-perishable packaged or canned/juices, food for infants or the elderly, snack foods, non-electric opener, cooking tools/fuel, paper plates/plastic utensils; blankets/pillows; clothing (rain coat, sturdy shoes); first aid kit with medicine, prescription drugs; special items for babies and the elderly; toiletries like hygiene items, moisture wipes; flashlight and batteries; battery-operated radio; fully charged cell phone with an extra battery; cash/credit cards and toys/books/games. Important documents should be put in a waterproof container and vehicle fuel tanks should be filled a few days before a hurricane strikes. Pet care items such as medication, ample supply of food and water, a carrier or cage, a muzzle and leash, should be ready.
It is also recommended that when securing your house “the most important precaution you can take to reduce damage to your home and property is to protect the areas where wind can enter. It is important to strengthen the exterior of your house so wind and debris do not tear large openings in it. You can do this by protecting and reinforcing these five critical areas: roof, straps, shutters, doors and garage doors.”
Richards continued, “Be sure to ask other family members, friends and neighbours if they are hurricane aware, to be prepared and ready.”
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