Are you ready for “Hurricane Emily”?

Information from http://www.hurricaneprepcenter.com/hurricane-emily-2011

A storm forming in the tropics may become Hurricane Emily. Within the next 4-5 days, it will effect the east coast of Florida so NOW is the time to prepare. If the storm avoids crossing over land, it could strengthen to a hurricane of any catagory. Meteorologists will have a better idea over the next few days as to how strong this storm will become. STAY INFORMED and PREPARED!

If you decide to stay in your home during Hurricane Emily, make sure you make a Survival Kit. Most of the Hurricane Emily Survival Kit can be put together and stored will in advance of any storm. The kit should include:

At least a full gallon of water per person per day for 7 days.

An assortment of non-perishable foods, like canned food, chips, snack foods for 7 days

Hand-can opener, paper plates, paper cups, plastic utensils

First aid supplies

Proper clothing (rain coats and boots)

Special needs food for babies, elderly and pets (if applicable)

Toilet Paper, Moisture wipes, Hygiene products

Multiple flashlights

Battery-operated radio and/or TV

Multiple sets of batteries for flashlights, radio, TV and other needs

Once Hurricane Emily starts to form and appears as though it might head your way, you should always:

Keep your gas tanks filled

Keep cash on you (all denominations and small bills) and make credit card payments if they are near maxed.

Fill all prescriptions

Test all battery-operated electronics

Gather entertainment items, like books, games, cards, toys, etc

Securing Your Home from Hurricane Emily

Knowing what weather forces your home is vulnerable to is the key to reducing any damage that might occur from Hurricane Emily. You should know if your home can be damaged by wind, water surge and/or flooding. There are various ways to secure your home from the weather scenarios that Hurricane Emily might produce. You should make sure the exterior of your home is as strong as possible by securing doors, garage doors, roof, shutters and windows. For more information on securing your home from high winds, visit: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/retrofit/secure_home.shtml

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale breaks down hurricanes into the following categories:

• Category 1 (winds of 74-95 mph): If Hurricane Emily becomes a category 1, you can expect little damage to buildings (other than mobile homes), coastal flooding and small amounts of property damage.
• Category 2 (winds of 96-110 mph): If Hurricane Emily becomes a category 2, you can expect roof damage to homes and businesses, broken windows, small trees uprooted.
• Category 3 (winds of 111-130 mph): If Hurricane Emily becomes a category 3, you can expect large trees being uprooted, structural damage to some homes and businesses, coastal flooding will destroy many structures.
• Category 4 (winds of 131-155 mph): If Hurricane Emily becomes a category 4, you can expect beach erosion, inland flooding, residential roof failure and major structural damage to businesses.
• Category 5 (winds of 131-155 mph): If Hurricane Emily becomes a category 5, you can expect massive evacuations of residential areas, complete structural failure on many residences and businesses.

As Hurricane Emily Bears Down, Pay Attention to Watches, Warnings and Evacuation Notifications

A hurricane watch is often issued if there is a possibility that your area could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. A Hurricane Warning is issued to your area if you can expect 74 mph or higher winds within 24 hours. Know what each of these mean to your area so you can plan accordingly as Hurricane Emily approaches. ALWAYS HEED THE ADVICE OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND ALWAYS EVACUATE WHEN ORDERED.

As hurricane season comes and progresses, you should constantly monitor all hurricanes and pay close attention to what's "brewing" in the waters. Some of the best resources for tracking Hurricane Emily are:

• NOAA Weather Radio
• Your Local News Stations
• Weather.com
• National Hurricane Center