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Don't wait to prepare until storm is on horizon
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Bryan County Emergency Management is urging all Bryan County residents to prepare now for the upcoming hurricane season, which is only days away.
This week (May 23-29) has been designated as National Hurricane Awareness Week with the goals of informing the public about the hazards of hurricanes and providing knowledge, which can be used to take ACTION. This information can be used to save lives at work, home, while on the road, or on the water.
The 2010 hurricane season is projected to be extremely active with above normal storms and landfalls.
Hurricanes have lasting effects on both people and property and taking a few moments to discuss these simple, common-sense preparedness steps with your family can save your life and the lives of the ones you love.
Jim Anderson, Director, Bryan County Emergency Management Agency is asking all residents to:
- Create and practice a Hurricane Plan: Talk to members of your household and create an evacuation plan. Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event. Learn about your community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to in-land shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for your pets to be cared for. Evacuate if advised by authorities. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
- Assemble an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Kits should contain a first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and manual can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries and other emergency items for the whole family.
- Prepare your Home: Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, and then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through. Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture, outdoor decorations, trash cans, hanging plants, etc). Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out. Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
- Heed Hurricane Warnings: Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information. A Hurricane WATCH means there are threats of hurricane conditions within 48 hours. Review your hurricane plans, keep informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued. A Hurricane Warning means hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.
By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. The 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season is June 1-Nov. 30.
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