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Hurricane Season is Here
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High waters, winds and power outages are some of the problems that area residents could face during and after a major hurricane. Homes near rivers, lakes and coastal waters are especially vulnerable. (Courtesy of the American Red Cross). |
CONCORD, NH - July 16, 2007 -- Hurricane season officially began on June 1, 2007 and weather forecasters are predicting a high chance of an above-normal hurricane season. They have projected 17 named storms, seven to 10 hurricanes, and three to five major hurricanes in the Atlantic, according to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
"In the Northeast, it has been a while since we have had a major hurricane," says Priscilla Greene, NH Regional Chapter Executive with the American Red Cross, Granite Chapter (formerly the Concord Area Chapter). "In past years some very strong hurricanes have swept up the coast, and people should take seriously the threat of a strong hurricane this season. The most important thing you can do is prepare in advance."
The American Red Cross urges the public to take the following steps early in the season before a hurricane approaches.
Assemble a disaster supplies kit that includes:
- First aid kit and essential medications
- Canned food and can opener
- At least three gallons of water per person
- Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
- Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members
- Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on).
Make an evacuation plan
- Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places Š a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
- Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.
- Take these items with you when evacuating:
- Prescription medications and medical supplies
- Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows
- Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight
- Car keys and maps
- Important documents, including driverÕs license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.
Be informed.
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Heed the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
As always, careful planning is the key to safety during and after the storm. The Red Cross has information on preparing for all types of emergencies and disasters.
For More Information
contact the American Red Cross Granite Chapter at 603-225-6697 or 1-800-464-6692 visit our Web site at www.concord-redcross.org.
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest U.S. supplier of blood and blood products. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.
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