June, 2005
Happy Summer Scouters!! As you
know, hurricane season is now upon us.
Here are some reminders adapted from the American Red Cross regarding
how to “Be Prepared”
in the event of severe weather.
Regards, Sarah Brown,
Tomahawk District Health and Safety Chair.
Know What
Hurricane WATCH and WARNING Mean
- WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the
specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.
- WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in
the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.
Prepare a Personal Evacuation
Plan
- Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are
told to evacuate. Choose several places--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.
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV
stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so
immediately.
- 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
- Documents, including driver’s
license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies,
wills,
deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Including the Following
Items:
- 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.)
Prepare for High Winds
- Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut 1/2"
outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors for
the plywood and predrill holes in the plywood so
that you can put it up quickly.
- Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and
damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow
through.
Know What to
Do When a Hurricane WATCH Is Issued
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV
stations for up-to-date storm information.
- Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor
decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else
that can be picked up by the wind.
- Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters
have not been installed, use precut plywood as described above. Note:
Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not
recommended.
- Fill your car's gas tank.
- Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.
- Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid
supplies, drinking water, and medications.
Know What to Do When a Hurricane
WARNING Is Issued
- Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if
they tell you to do so.
- Complete preparation activities.
- If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away
from windows.
- Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive;
the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the
eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees,
shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be
broken or destroyed by the second winds.
- Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a
hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home,
in a closet or bathroom without windows.
- Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded
road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road
and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to
higher ground.
Know What to Do After a
Hurricane Is Over