HERE COMES HURRICANE IRENE!

According to MSNBC News, Tropical Storm Irene formed east of the Leeward Islands on Saturday and was expected to become a hurricane in the next two days heading on a northwestward track through the Caribbean that may threaten Florida. 

Irene formed as Tropical Storm Harvey made landfall over Belize and weakened as it brought heavy rain to parts of Guatemala and eastern Mexico.

The 11 pm advisory on Irene  ; August 20,2011

At 11 p.m., Irene, the ninth named storm of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, was packing winds of 50 miles per hour and was about 95 miles east of Dominica, approaching the Leeward Islands, the U.S.-based National Hurricane Center said.

IT'S NOT A MATTER OF IF...BUT WHEN

 

 

Hurricane Safety

To prepare for the possibility of a major hurricane you should consider the following advice:

• Disaster Supply Kit
• Preparing a Family Evacuation Plan
• Take These Items With You When Evacuating
• What to Do When a Hurricane WATCH Is Issued
• Tips For Those With Medical Needs

Disaster Supply Kit

To prepare for the possibility of a major hurricane you should assemble a hurricane disaster supply kit.

• First aid kit and essential medications.
• Canned food and manual can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person.
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, TV, 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.)
• Keep a non-electronic phone in your home – the phone lines often times remain operational even during power outages
• Develop a family plan for survival and property protection.
  If your home is in a potential flood or storm surge zone, be prepared to evacuate when officials recommend it.
  Inventory personal property; safely secure all records and valuable documents in a watertight place.
• Have materials available to protect your doors and windows
• Alert proper authorities if someone is using life support equipment.

Preparing a Family 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 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.
• Tips for those with medical needs

What to Do When a Hurricane WATCH Is Issued

• Listen to 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.
• Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.