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The threats from hurricanes to you and your family can vary widely depending on where you live. It’s not just those along the coast that can experience significant, life-threatening impacts. Evaluate what you need to do to protect your home and family NOW, before the first storm of the season even forms. Thing through how would high winds impact your home Examples include accessing your home and property for potential vulnerabilities, like dead tree limbs. noaa.gov/hurricane-prep
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Take some time this month to make sure you have a hurricane evacuation plan. The first thing you need to do is find out if you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if you’re in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane. If you are, figure out where you’d go and how you’d get there if told to evacuate. You do not need to travel hundreds of miles. Identify someone, perhaps a friend or relative who doesn’t live in an evacuation zone or unsafe home, and coordinate with them to use their home as your evacuation destination. Be sure to account for your pets, as most local shelters do not permit them. Put the plan in writing for you and those you care about. noaa.gov/hurricane-prep
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Just having enough supplies to make it through a hurricane isn’t enough. You need plenty to make it through what could be a LONG recovery period too. Water and electricity could be out for a week or more. Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family for a MINIMUM of three days. Also make sure you have extra cash, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and a portable crank or solar powered USB charger to charge your cell phone. ready.gov/kit
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As we approach Hurricane Season, be sure to call your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance checkup to make sure you have enough homeowners insurance to repair or even replace your home and renter's insurance to replace your possessions...and remember, standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you’ll need a separate policy for flooding. Act now as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. floodsmart.gov
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There's a lot you can do around your home to help protect it from hurricane winds. Take action now before hurricane season begins. Have the proper plywood, steel or aluminum panels to board up the windows and doors. Remember, the garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home, so it must be able to withstand high winds.
flash.org/protect.php
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Many people rely on their neighbors after a disaster, but there are also many ways you can help your neighbors before a hurricane approaches. Learn about all the different actions your community can take to prepare and recover from the hazards associated with hurricanes: ready.gov/neighbors
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The time to prepare for a hurricane is NOW, before the season begins. Once you’re under pressure, having a written plan will take the guesswork out of what you need to do to protect you and your family.
Know where you will ride out the storm and get your supplies now. You don’t want to be standing in long lines when a Hurricane Watch is issued. Those supplies that you need will probably be sold out by the time you reach the front of the line.
Being prepared now will mean the difference between your being a hurricane victim and a hurricane survivor.
ready.gov/make-a-plan
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WATCH VS WARNING - What's the Difference?
Knowing the difference between watches and warnings can help you and your family stay safe as a storm threatens your area.
- Tropical Storm Watch: Issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of 39 to 73 mph or higher is possible, generally within 48 hours. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding.
- Tropical Storm Warning: Issued when sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding.
- Hurricane Watch: Issued when hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
- Hurricane Warning: Issued to indicate that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the warned area. The hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds to allow for important preparation.
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STORM SURGE
Storm surge is produced by water being pushed toward the shore by the force of the wind. This rise in water can cause extreme flooding and is often the greatest threat to life and property for coastal areas. To help you prepare, forecasts are expressed as feet of water above ground.
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HEAVY RAIN
Tropical systems often produce widespread heavy rain, which can result in deadly and destructive flash flooding and long-term river flooding. Rainfall amounts are not related to the strength of the storm, but rather to the speed, size and geography of the area. Never drive on flooded roadways. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
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WIND
Tropical storm force winds (39-73 mph) and hurricane force winds (>74 mph) are strong enough to inflict injury and damage or destroy property. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale classifies storms into five categories based on sustained wind speed. This scale does not account for the threat of storm surge, heavy rain and tornadoes.
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TORNADOES
Tropical systems often produce tornadoes. Typically, these tornadoes are short-lived but can pose a significant threat as they offer little warning time. The longest tornadoes on record, that spanned miles in Kent County formed when Tropical Storm Isaias passed over Delaware in 2020.
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Stay Connected & Share with your Networks!
If you are new to our newsletter, you can go back and look at previous editions. Want to add someone to the distribution list or have a story to share, please email Aimee Mankins.
We hope you are well and thank you for reading!
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