The 2009 Atlantic Hurricane season started June 1st and lasts through to the end of November. This year, the National Hurricane Center has predicted an "average" storm season; 12 named storms and 6 hurricanes, two of which could be a category 3 or higher.
Have a survival kit and disaster plan ready. Here are some suggestions and tips:
Bottled Water - one gallon per person for 72 hours
Flashlights with extra Batteries - candles can pose a serious fire hazard should there be propane or gas leaks in the area
Supply of Nonperishable Food Items - protein bars, canned goods (don't forget a can opener!), dried or prepackaged energy food
Medicine - 30 day supply stored in plastic waterproof containers, clearly marked and kept in a zip-lock bag
Eyeglasses
Proper Footwear and Protective Clothing for post-hurricane
Portable Radio and extra Batteries
Important Documents - drivers license, passport, notes of allergies, important contact numbers, insurance documents, extra cash, ATM and bank/credit cards
Generator - ensure filled with propane/gas and in good working order
Insurance Coverage for yourself and family, home, boat and vehicles - ensure it's current and up to date plus note contact information should you need to make a claim or contact your provider in case of injury
Know how to shut off electricity, gas and water if so advised by authorities
Action or Evacuation Plan - hotel, friend's home or shelter, evacuation plan if residing on an island or coastal areas that are remote or vulnerable to storm surge
Let Friends and Family Know how to contact you and where you plan to be, forward land lines to cell phones
Text Message rather than voice mail, uses less battery time and communication is faster
Cell Phone and charger, car charger, extra batteries
Care and Plan for your Pets Safety- food, water, medicine, bowls, plastic bags, collar with your name and contact info, extra leash, pet crate for transporting, name and number of vet and copies of vaccinations, photo, favorite toy or blanket
Secure Hurricane Shutters or board your home securely, move all outside items to basement or inside storage, flying debris and items can cause tremendous damage to your home, vehicles and neighborhood. If you are going to evacuate, document the condition of your property with extensive photographs or video, prior to leaving.
Car, keep gas tank full - especially important if you live in a remote place or on an island where supplies may be limited or cut-off after a storm
Know Where to get Information on Storm Conditions - local radio station, tv station, website or through the internet on your cell phone
Secure Your Boat - consider turning off the EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) if your boat is docked, secured and unoccupied. When boats with this system start to sink or capsize a signal via a satellite is sent to the nearest emergency satellite call center. These centers need to maintain clear and un-jammed communication lines for satellite phones and emergency personnel during a hurricane .
The National Hurricane Center released the following names for 2009 hurricanes...
Ana
Bill
Claudette
Danny
Erika
Fred
Grace
Henri
Ida
Joaquin
Kate
Larry
Mindy
Nicholas
Odette
Peter
Rose
Sam
Teresa
Victor
Wanda
What is a storm surge? For those residents living on the coast, a storm surge is something we are always concerned about. Storm surge is water that's pushed toward the shore by winds swirling around the storm. Recent hurricanes have produced storm surges in the neighborhood of 15- 20 feet. When combined with winds in excess of 75 miles per hour, this can be very dangerous. Water weighs approximately 1700 pounds per cubic yard - extended pounding by frequent waves can demolish structures not specifically designed to withstand these forces.
Please be prepared and have a plan and review it on a yearly basis. If you are an absentee homeowner, arrange for someone to secure your property in your absence, such as a neighbor, friend, or property management company.
For more information on how to prepare for a hurricane please visit the National Hurricane Centers website: www.nhc.noaa.gov
The Rockport, Texas office of Coldwell Banker The Ron Brown Company has FREE hurricane tracking maps and an extensive Hurricane Preparedness Guide, courtesy of Kiii-TV in Corpus Christi. Stop by our office at 1821 Broadway St (located on Little Bay) during normal business hours and pick up your map and guide.
This information is provided as a courtesy of Coldwell Banker The Ron Brown Company www.rockporttexasrealestate.com
or call our office at 361-729-4044
Rockport, TX Ingleside, TX