Hurricane Irene Update
Government and private weather forecasters are trying their best to predict the path of the Hurricane Irene. But because the storm is so wide, every indication is that we will be affected by moderate to heavy rain and high winds.
Information from the National Weather Service indicates Broome County could see between two and five inches of rain depending on the track of the storm between Saturday evening and Monday morning, which may cause flash flooding and a rise in river levels cresting on Monday afternoon below flood stage. At this point in time, major riverine flooding is not expected in Broome County.
High winds are a concern. Falling trees and tree limbs frequently cause damage to electricity delivery infrastructure resulting in power outages. Much like the outages that occurred over the Memorial Day weekend, an outage resulting from this storm could last for several days depending on how many lines are affected.
In the event of widespread damage, local responders and relief workers may not be able to reach you immediately. Basic services you rely on everyday—such as gas, electricity, water, sewage, and telephone could be unavailable for days or even weeks. Depending on the type of disaster, you may be forced to survive on your own at home or even at a shelter; therefore, you should have a plan in place for emergencies so that you know what to do if you or your family members get separated. Additionally, it is important to set aside some basic supplies to help you survive, as well as means to get emergency information such as open shelters or evacuation orders.
Although disasters do not occur often in Broome County, experience has taught us that our community is not immune from them. We live in an area where there has been extensive flooding and, we could easily be victims of widespread power outages caused by storms.
Below are some suggestions you may want to follow to help you and your family prepare for the potentially hazardous situations caused by the storm:
1.) Register for NY Alert at www.nyalert.gov or by calling 888-697-6972. This is a public emergency notification system, which will be used by state and county officials to make emergency notifications via phone (mass dialing), text (SMS), or email.
2.) Prepare a disaster kit to take with you in case you have to evacuate, which should include:
medications (in their original container)
- eye glasses
- insulin (if you have diabetes)
- a supply of nonperishable foods (enough for each person) i.e. canned meats, fruits vegetables dried fruits, nuts cereal, crackers, cookies, powdered drinks
- bottled water
- a manual can opener
- baby supplies: food and/or formula diapers, and supplies
- toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrush and other items
- soap, liquid detergent, disinfectant and bleach
- clothes
- toilet paper, feminine supplies, etc.
- a crank or portable battery operated radio and a supply of fresh batteries
- insect repellent and sunscreen
- cash
- valuables
- personal papers (social security number, deed to the house, passports, driver’s license)
- credit cards
- photos, mementos and keepsakes in waterproof bags
- pet supplies: food and water (72 hour supply), carrier, leash and other pet care items. Make plans ahead for where you will take your pet because pets are not allowed in shelters
- mobile phone and phone charger
If you are safely able to remain in your residence for the storms duration, use the following list as a guide for the safety of you and your family:
- secure all items outside your home to avoid any damage from things being loose that could become flying objects
- shutter, board or tape your windows to avoid damage from flying objects
- be prepared for loss of power. Have flashlights, fresh batteries and a portable operated crank or battery operated radio so that you can stay informed
- first aid kit and manual
- emergency phone numbers
- enough food for everyone for five days that can be eaten cold and that you can access (hand operated can opener)
- water for five days
- containers of water so you can manually flush your toilets and wash
- enough of your prescription medications to last one week
- cash, credit cards, check book, driver’s license and social security card
- full tank of gas in your vehicle(s)
- knowledge of emergency routes to hospitals and shelters
- sturdy shoes and boots
- clean laundry, blankets and sheets
- have all important papers, documents, etc. in one place and in a waterproof container have a communication plan in place with family and friends
For more information on hurricane preparedness you can visit: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/outreach/prepare.shtml For more information on disaster preparedness visit: www.ready.gov. For information on how to prepare for a flood, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/readiness.asp.
Posted: 8/26/2011 1:31 pm
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