As we head into the 3rd month of the hurricane season it looks like we may get some storm related weather from Isaac. Isaac isn't predicted to hit our area until late Sunday or early Monday with the storm tracker giving us variables on which way he may go. With a predicted Sunday approach, now would be the best time to get your emergency box and plan into place.
The National Weather Service states that history teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common
threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and
what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane
disaster.
Hurricane risks come in many forms, including
storm surge, heavy rainfall, inland flooding, high winds, tornadoes, and rip
currents.
The National Weather Service provides forecast maps, links for storm readiness as well as other emergency information. Visit their website at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov.
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/hurricane/resources/TropicalCyclones11.pdf Is the direct link to get valuable information on what to stock in your emergency box, what to take to a shelter, how to prepare your home for storm impact and so much more. Print a copy and keep in a safe place.
http://www.floridaclaimnumbers.com/ is a website with Insurers who set up toll-free numbers to assist policyholders with their hurricane claims. Print a copy or at least make note of your insurance providers claim number to keep with you along with your policy dec page as power may be lost leaving you with no access to websites. Calling your insurer directly is best. If your insurance company has an "app for that" download it on your phone for easier access.
The American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/ also has valuable tips and information on where emergency shelters are located. Try to make arrangements for your pets as shelters aren't typically in the position to allow pets.
http://www.floridadisaster.org/index.asp provides more emergency and shelter information including shelters set up for special needs cases with a county to county breakdown.
For those of you who own horses this website offers information on how to prepare your barn, your property and your horses for a hurricane as well as where you can take them if you need to evacuate. http://www.floridahorse.com/hurricane/hurricane.html
In any emergency situation, the first and most important thing anyone should do is to use common sense and...
Stay safe!
