Urban Survival Secrets

Hurricanes and readiness

From our folks at the Federal Government, I borrowed some content below. I realize Hurricane Gustav bearing down on the Gulf of Mexico area, with Hanna and a few tropical depressions after that, being ready is critical. Even the Govenor of Loisiana said on the news this morning to have your food, water and prescriptions ready! Come on Folks, Don’t wait for your govenrment to assist. I bet anyone $5 that the Obama campaign will do a photo op wherever the land fall happens for Gustav!

A quick side note: Last night during the Democratic acceptance speech, Senator Obama stated that it was the President who failed due to Katrina. Lets clear this up! It was the Mayor of New Orleans Ray Nagin who had the responsibility to evacuate the city. Disaster response reqires a request (Yes, there is a protocol) by the Govenor (Kathleen Blanco) . Did the federal government respond slowly, yes. However, it was the responisiblity of the Mayor and Govenor (both Democrats) who failed to eavacuate and do what they needed to do. The Govenor even refused assistance by other states at first to send in their National Guard Troops to help. Senator Obama, Give me a break!

Please do not get me wrong, I am excited to see a young, vibrant man running for office. However, his speech writers need to get the facts and ensure they are correct so they keep an inteligent man from looking like an idiot! I guess his fact checkers were on vacation or did not have a good internet connection. Stepping down from the soap box now!

Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane.

• A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate. Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments (see below for my reccomendations!).
• A hurricane warning is when a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately – dont wait for your Government to force you out.
• Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential. Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention.

• Hurricanes can produce widespread torrential rains. Floods are the deadly and destructive result. Slow moving storms and tropical storms moving into mountainous regions tend to produce especially heavy rain. Excessive rain can trigger landslides or mud slides, especially in mountainous regions. Flash flooding can occur due to intense rainfall. Flooding on rivers and streams may persist for several days or more after the storm. Learn more about preparing your home or business for a possible flood by reviewing the Floods page.

Prepare Your Home

• Cover all of your home’s windows with pre-cut ply wood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds.
• Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
• Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
• Secure your home by closing shutters, and securing outdoor objects or bringing them inside.
• Turn off utilities as instructed. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

Please be ready and be safe!!!Technorati Tags: Hurricane, Katrina, Gustav, Obama, Nagin, Blanco, NOAA Radio, flooding, preparation. emergency kits