Hurricane Season
Preparation for Hurricane Season
ARE YOU READY for Hurricane Season? (2011 Hurricane Preparedness Brochure pdf)
The landfall of tropical systems can affect Autauga County, even though we live 180 miles from the coast.
What are our threats? How can we be ready for them? What are my threats?
High Winds
Hurricane and tropical storm for winds can push inland with the storm. Squall lines associated with the tropical system can also produce strong sustained wind gusts. These winds could be strong enough to uproot or snap trees, or cause damage to buildings.
Tornadoes
Land falling tropical systems can produce tornadoes. These tornadoes normally form in the rain bands to the NE of the storms center. Tornadoes produced within a tropical system are typically fast developing and short lived, but can produce significant damage or injury. Due to the fast developing nature, warning lead times may be shorter than normal. These tornadoes can occur anytime and are typically not accompanied by lightning.
Inland Flooding
Inland flooding can be a major threat to communities hundreds of miles from the coast as intense rain falls from tropical systems. Some of the worst flooding may not come from inland moving hurricanes, but from weaker tropical storms that move slowly across the area. Inland flooding includes both river and flash flooding. Flash flooding is the most dangerous type of inland flooding. Inland flooding is responsible for the greatest number of fatalities over the past 30 years, more than any other threat from tropical systems.
How to Prepare
Here are some questions you need to answer...
Are you near a flood zone?
Do you lose power frequently during wind storms?
Do you have a safe place in your home?
Do you have proper insurance coverage?
Do you have non-perishable supplies?
Do you have a first aid kit?
In advance:
Assess your property to ensure that landscaping and trees do not become wind hazards.Trim dead wood and overhanging branches from all trees.Secure outdoor furniture to keep it from becoming thrown around in the wind. Most mobile or manufactured homes are not built to withstand high winds. You need a Family Plan (www.ready.gov) in place that includes where to go during high wind events.Monitor NOAA weather radio or local media sources closely as the tropical system approaches. Have an emergency supply kit on hand that contains: water, non-perishable food, can opener, medications, First Aid kit, Flashlight and batteries, battery powered radio, clothes, personal care items, and important documents (www.adph.org/cep). Replace the batteries in your NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio. If you live in a flood prone area, know evacuation routes. Become familiar with poor drainage areas and streams. Make plans for your pets. Have identification, a leash muzzle, food, water, and a carrier ready.
During the event:
Listen to NOAA All-Hazards weather radio, local TV, or radio for updates on changing weather conditions. Stay away from windows and doors, and take shelter in the designated safe area of your home. Contact someone outside of the threat area with details about any evacuation plans. Do not cross flooded road ways or touch downed power lines.
Check out the websites noted below for more information on Hurricane Preparedness:
www.srh.noaa.gov/bmx
www.ema.alabama.gov
www.nhc.noaa.gov
www.ready.gov
www.adph.org/CEP
www.redcross.org/services/disasters
www.fema.gov/AREYOUREADY/hurricanes.shtm
maps.csc.noaa.gov/hurricanes